Checklist for U.S. Depositions in Spain

The requirements for taking U.S. depositions in Spain are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Spain.

Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in Spain is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes.  However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

Spain is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention.  No prior permission is required to take depositions in Spain.

For specific information, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

Select the deposition services needed for your deposition(s):

• U.S.-trained court reporter

U.S.-trained legal videographer

Any language interpreter

What is the location of the deposition in Spain?

• Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?

If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).

• Do you need a location in Spain?
• Will you need a location in the United States?
• Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
• Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
• Document Production
  • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?

Select your deposition date

• Start time
• End time

Visa Restrictions:

There are no special visa requirements for travel to Spain at this time; however, your passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your intended period of stay.  It is highly recommended that you have at least 6-months’ validity past the point of your return to the U.S. on your passport for travel to any European country.  For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.

Make travel arrangements

• Flight
• Lodging
  • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
• Car rental

Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)

Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:

• Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
• Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
• The number of realtime laptops that are needed
• Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)

Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos

Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:

• Notice of deposition
• Complaint
• Subpoena
• Previous transcript(s)
• Word index

Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives

Provide emergency contact information of counsel

Travel safely to Spain and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know?  The official name of Spain is “Kingdom of Spain.”

Planning for Deposition Travel to Spain

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Spain. Our teams have been covering depositions in Spain for over 15 years, earning the reputation of one of the leading experts in the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance there. We would be more than happy to share our expertise and guide you through the logistical and procedural processes to ensure a successful deposition in Spain.

Entry Requirements for Spain
Spain does not require a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned date of departure from Spain, and Planet Depos strongly recommends traveling with a passport valid no less than 6 months post your departure date from Spain. You need 1 blank passport page for your entry stamp. Planet Depos recommends traveling with at least 2 blank passport pages, however. There are direct flights from the U.S. to Spain, but if your flight includes a stopover, you will need to check any country or countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required.

For more information, you may also contact the Spanish Embassy in the United States (2375 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC 20037):

Spanish Embassy

Flying to Spain
There are 2 major international airports in Spain:

• Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) – Madrid (Madrid)
• El Prat de Llobregat Airport (BCN) – Barcelona (Barcelona)

Airlines offering direct flights to Spain include:

• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• US Airways (www.usairways.com)

Travel to Spain
For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Spain.html

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Spain
There are many locations to take depositions in Spain. For example, the capital city Madrid offers many deluxe hotels to meet your conference room and lodging needs. Planet Depos has established relationships with many hotels throughout Europe, and we will gladly assist with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Spain
There are several English-friendly medical facilities in Spain. For a list of these facilities, and additional medical/emergency information, please go to:

U.S. Embassy – Spain

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Spain specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Spain

Money Matters
Like most of the rest of Europe, Spain’s currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available; in fact, Spain has the most ATMs of any European country. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/, which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather
Spain endures high heat in the summers, and rather bleak weather in the winters. Springs and autumns are considered the ideal time to visit, as the most pleasant weather lingers during the spring and autumn months, from March to May, then September to November. Temperatures range from the high 60’s to low 80’s through spring, then soar into the 90’s during the summer months. By autumn, temperatures have cooled to the mid 50’s to low 80’s, and winter temperatures drop to the 30’s.

Websites to visit
Embassy of the United States in Spain

U.S. Embassy – Spain

App Store for your iPhone:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios-travel/id6003?mt=8

App Store for your Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=en

Interesting Fact about Spain
The ancient Roman Aqueduct of Segovia was built in the first century A.D., and it still supplies water to the city.