The Rota Naval Base in Cadiz will open its gates to members of the public as part of Spain’s National Day celebrations on October 12.

The open day will offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore selected areas of the normally restricted military installation, which is jointly used by the Spanish Navy and the US.

Applications for visitor passes opened on Tuesday, September 29, and will remain available until all places have been allocated.

The quickest way to apply is in person at Rota’s Municipal Tourism Office, located at Plaza de España, 1.

Applications can also be submitted by email to basederota2026@gmail.com.

Anyone applying by email must provide their full name, DNI number and its expiry date, or the corresponding details from their NIE. A photograph or scanned copy of the document is not required.

Reservations will not be accepted by telephone.

Warship and aircraft display

Visitors will be able to tour a Spanish Navy vessel and view a static display featuring aircraft from the Navy’s Flotilla de Aeronaves.

Military vehicles and equipment operated by the Spanish Marine Infantry and the US Navy will also be displayed.

Rota Town Hall will work alongside the Spanish Navy to organise entry into the base.

Visitors will be transported inside on buses departing from the open area behind Rota’s bus station. Each pass will specify an assigned departure time.

Authorisations will be personal and cannot be transferred to another person.

Visitors must show their valid DNI or NIE before boarding, together with either their physical pass or the confirmation received by email.

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who also holds an authorisation.

Security restrictions

The visit is expected to last approximately two hours and 15 minutes.

For security reasons, visitors will not be allowed to enter with bags, backpacks, banners or pets. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.

The tourism office will process applications from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm and from 6pm to 8.30pm. It will also open on Saturdays from 11.15am until 2pm.

Applicants contacted by email because information is missing should reply to the original message to retain their position in the queue.

Rota Naval Base is one of the most strategically important military installations in southern Europe and ordinarily remains off-limits to the general public.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.