Filming and photography at the Port of Barcelona
Media professionals wishing to record videos, broadcast images or take photographs at the Port of Barcelona must obtain prior authorisation. On this page, you will find out which permit you need depending on the area where you wish to work and how to apply for it.
This information is intended for media professionals
Preliminary Information
If the filming or photography session is part of an audiovisual production, an advertising campaign, a documentary, a film production or any other similar project, this procedure does not apply.
In such cases, please contact the Passes and Permits Department, which manages authorisations for filming and audiovisual productions: :
Telephone: + 34 93 306 64 15
Before you start
The Port of Barcelona combines publicly accessible areas with restricted port facilities where logistics, industrial and commercial activities take place. For security reasons and to protect port operations, professional image capture is regulated and requires prior authorisation.
If you need images, we suggest that you first take a look at the virtual image library made available by the Communications Department, which contains a wide range of images of the Port of Barcelona, including different areas and the main types of cargo handled within the port area.
This authorisation covers the capture of images within the port area from land. If you wish to use a drone, flight authorisation must be requested separately. You can find all the information regarding drone use at the Port of Barcelona on this page. Link to the drone landing page.
Map of Port areas
The following map shows the boundaries between areas of the port that are freely accessible (public areas) and those located within the restricted-access perimeter. Areas not marked on the map are either breakwaters and piers to which access is not permitted, or areas located outside the port perimeter and therefore not under the responsibility of the Port of Barcelona's Communications Department, such as the Zona Franca, the ZAL (Logistics Activities Zone), the Morrot railway terminal and the Port Olímpic.
What type of authorisation do I need?
Case 1. I want to record images in a public area
Examples:
- Moll de la Fusta
- Barcelona Wharf
- Sant Sebastià Beach
- Passeig del Dic de l'Est
- Other areas of Port Vell
What do I need?
✅ Authorisation from the Communications Department.
Access to these areas is unrestricted, as they are open to the public. However, media professionals must obtain authorisation to record images or carry out news reports in these locations.
Case 2. I want to record images in publicly accessible areas within the Port's restricted-access zone
Examples:
- Moll Adossat
- Roads within the port area, such as Ronda del Port
- Other areas within the port perimeter
What do I need?
✅ Authorisation from the Communications Department.
In this case, the authorisation serves two purposes:
- It grants access to the restricted area, which is controlled by the Port Police.
- It authorises the filming or news report.
Access to the restricted port area is not permitted without this authorisation.
Case 3. I want to record images inside a terminal or concession area
Terminals and concession areas are facilities operated by private companies. For this reason, the Port of Barcelona cannot independently authorise access to these areas.
To gain access, you must obtain:
✅ Authorisation from the terminal operator or concession holder. Link to the section of the website listing the Port terminals and their contact details.
✅ Authorisation from the Communications Department.
In these cases, the permits must be obtained in the following order: the Communications Department cannot authorise access to the port area for the purpose of reaching a terminal unless the terminal operator has previously approved the visit. This authorisation must be attached to the application submitted to the Communications Department.
How to apply for authorisation
Information to be provided:
- First and last name.
- National identity card (DNI) number or equivalent identification document.
- Media organisation.
- Contact email address and telephone number.
- Proposed date and time.
- Location where you wish to record images.
- Purpose or reason for the recording.
If you wish to enter the port area using a private vehicle, you must also provide the vehicle details (make, model and registration number).
Where applicable, attach the email or document confirming authorisation from the terminal operator or concession holder.
Whenever possible, applications should be submitted at least 48 working hours in advance.
For any questions regarding this matter, please write to comunicacioport@portdebarcelona.cat
