Spain

Safety and security

Emergency numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services 

• Dial 016 for toll-free domestic violence hotline. 
• Dial 112 for local emergency services.  
• Dial +34-91-587-2200 for the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. 
• Dial +34-93-280-2227 for the U.S. Consulate General Barcelona.

Terrorism 

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad with knives, firearms, and vehicles.

Spanish authorities have taken strong measures to prevent terrorist attacks, including arresting suspects linked to plots. However, credible sources report terrorist groups continue to plan attacks in Europe, including in Spain.

Terrorists may target crowds at: 

• Large public events like sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, and celebratory gatherings
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools  
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations  

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.   
• Most demonstrations are peaceful, but they may escalate and turn violent.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime 

Pickpocketing and other types of theft are very common in Spain. Criminals often use distractions to steal from victims. Car break-ins are also frequent in Spain. 

Street crimes against U.S. citizens usually occur in:  

• Tourist spots 
• Airports, including past security checkpoints 
• Train stations 
• Urban and beach destinations 

Violent crimes, including robberies, have been reported. Some victims have needed medical treatment.

Safety tips:

• Use common sense. Stay alert to your surroundings.  
• Take the same personal security measures you would take in a large city or tourist destination. 
• Always keep track of your passport, including on flights and other transportation. 
• There have been reports of passports being stolen on planes to and from Spain, while changing gates, collecting luggage at baggage claim, or while waiting for a taxi.  
• Do not let your guard down when you pass through security at any airport.
• Keep track of all personal belongings when picking up rental cars or while waiting for taxis. 
• Never leave bags unattended. Keep valuables like passports, cash, and phones in a safe spot, not in outer pockets or on tables or floors. 
• Don't leave bags on chairs, counters, or on top of your suitcase or travel bag. Do not leave bags out of your control in places like hotel lobbies, train stations, car rental places, airports, or restaurants. 
• Avoid carrying your passport unless needed for travel, especially in tourist areas. Instead, carry a copy or photo of your passport's bio page.  
• Consider leaving your passport in a secure place, like a hotel safe. You will need your passport to check in to any hotel in Spain, and you may need it for trains.

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial and internet romance scams are common in Spain. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim Spanish authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include:    

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Spain:  

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault. 
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.   
• Meet in a popular public place.  
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app). 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.  
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. 
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. 
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. 
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. The U.S. Mission in Spain has received many reports of sexual assaults of U.S. citizens. Victims include younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers.

• Many U.S. victims of sexual assault in Spain say they feel judged and re-victimized during the long and difficult criminal justice process.
• While not required, many U.S. victims of sexual assault in Spain find it helpful to hire a local lawyer or use the Office of Victim's Assistance for support during the legal process. Information about this service is given at the police station when the report is filed.
• There have been many reports of sexual assaults by a tour operator in Seville, Spain, against U.S. student victims. Research tour companies online to make informed decisions.
• Many sexual assaults happen at night or early morning. Attackers use alcohol or drugs to make victims more vulnerable.

Domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 016 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.
• Dial 112 for local emergency services.
• Dial +34-91-587-2200 for the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. 
• Dial+34-93-280-2227 for the U.S. Consulate General Barcelona.

The U.S. Department of State provides information on help for U.S. victims of crime abroad. 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Help you report a crime to the police. 
• Contact family or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information about the victim’s role during the local investigation.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys.   
• Inform you of victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. 
• Issue an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States, and, or limited medical support in cases of poverty. 
• Replace a lost or stolen passport

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

GPS 

Prior to using GPS abroad:  

• Research the safety of the route recommended by the GPS.  
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are usually marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Spain, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification 

If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy Madrid or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona immediately.  

Detention and turnarounds at the airport

U.S citizens who lose their passports on the plane during their travel to Spain will be denied entry to the country. If you don't have a passport, airport officials will hold you until they can put you on the next flight back to your departure location.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Spain.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.
• Review the Human Rights report (section 6)

Travelers with accessibility needs 

The law in Spain prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is enforced. 

• Public transportation, lodging, information, and general infrastructure are accessible.  
• Taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs are available. They must be booked in advance. 
• In historic areas and older areas, sidewalks can be narrow and have uneven surfaces. Take this into account when planning your visit.   
• Accessibility may be more limited in small towns and villages. 
• Rental, repair, and replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices are widely available.  
• Sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available in Spain. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students 

Many arrests, accidents, and violent crimes involving U.S. citizens in Spain are alcohol related. Drink in moderation and stay with friends at clubs, bars, or while traveling. 

• Exercise caution and good judgment to make your study-abroad experience a positive and safe one.  
• If you are coming to Spain to participate in a sports program, please check with the Embassy of Spain that you have the correct visa. 
• Do your research before contracting a tour operator or other service provider, including coaches and organizers of sports camps, schools, and training centers. 
• Exercise caution when agreeing to an internship or to serve as a recruiter for a specific organization or company.  
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers  

The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens. Victims include younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers.  

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Spain Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC's Health Traveler Information
• CDC's Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization 
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency number 

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services. You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.

Ambulance services

Ambulances are widely available.  

Medical payments and insurance 

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 

• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in Spain. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Spain. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad for reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance available.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date on vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities 

Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country.  

• Private hospitals usually require payment or proof insurance or funds before admitting a patient.   
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.  
• Patients may be asked to bear costs for transferring to or between hospitals.  
• Patients must pay for medical treatment in public hospitals. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery. 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry.  
• Medical systems work differently than in the U.S. and have different rules and regulations. 
• Consult with your local physician before traveling for medical treatment abroad.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on Medical Tourism.

Prescription medications 

Good medical care is available in Spain. However, the rules for medications are different from those in the United States: 

• Do not ship medication from the United States to Spain. Spanish rules do not permit the international shipment of medications. 
• Spanish customs will reject and return any medication sent from the United States. This could cause a long delay in receiving your medications. 
• The U.S. Embassy cannot help you get back medications taken by Spanish customs. 
• Medications requiring prescriptions in the United States also require a local doctor’s prescription in Spain.  
• Some medicines prescribed in the United States do not have a local equivalent.  
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Spanish embassy to ensure the medication is legal in Spain.
• Review the European Agency for Medication list prior to travel. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy 

• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Spain.  For additional information, visit the Government of Spain website .
• Review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.  
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.

Altitude

• Some cities in Spain are at high altitude.
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Spain.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Helpful resources

• Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad
• Dial 112  for emergency services or roadside assistance.

Road conditions and safety 

Road conditions in Spain are different from those in the United States.  

• Drivers and pedestrians should be extra careful in Madrid and Barcelona. Traffic is faster than in the United States and can be confusing due to different signs, traffic lights, and driving habits.  
• Motorbikes sometimes weave through lanes. 
• You must follow the traffic light at your stop line, as each side of the intersection has its own light.  
• Be extra cautious when driving at night in cities. Some drivers or pedestrians may be under the influence. 
• In rural areas, night driving can be risky due to farm animals and poorly marked roads.  
• Rural traffic is heavier in July, August, and around Christmas and Easter. 

Traffic laws  

You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain. The permits are only valid for 1 year. 

• You must have an International Driving Permit to rent a car. If the police catch you without one, they might impound your rental car, and you will have to pay a fine on the spot. 
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving.  You could face a €300 fine and risk losing your license. 
• All drivers and passengers must buckle up, including in taxis and the backseat. 
• Wear a reflective vest if you stop at the roadside.   
• Cars must carry a certified V-16 beacon in case of emergency situations. Failure to comply can result in fines. Rental cars must include a compliant V-16 beacon. Review more information on the V16 Pre-Signalling Devices page.
• Liability insurance is required to drive any car or motorcycle. 
• If stopped by local authorities, you may be fined on the spot. You will get a receipt for payment. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

Only use clearly identified taxis. Make sure that taxi drivers always switch the meter “on.” This does not apply to fixed-fare trips to and from the Madrid-Barajas Airport.

• Ask for a receipt.
• Official taxis from Madrid-Barajas Airport to the city center cost a flat fee of €33.
• Taxis from Barcelona airport to the cruise terminal cost a flat fee.

Public transportation 

Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent. 

• Ride-share companies such as Uber or Cabify are available in Madrid and Barcelona. However, check private transportation websites for operating status before arrival. 
• Rail service is generally comfortable and reliable but varies in quality and speed.  
• Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive. 
• Visit the website of Spain’s national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Spain meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Spain should check the following:   

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather

Weather conditions

Heatwaves and wildfires

In the summer, Spain often experiences intense heatwaves. Temperatures can exceed 104°F in many parts of the country.

• Take proper precautions when exercising outdoors and stay hydrated.
• These prolonged periods of extreme heat and dry conditions also increase the risk of wildfires, particularly in rural and forested areas.
• Stay alert to local advisories and avoid activities that could spark a fire.  

Strong waves

Unexpected, large waves have injured or killed a significant number of tourists and locals in recent year. This risk exists throughout coastal Spain, but particularly in the Canary Islands.

Severe storms

Thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, flash floods, and hail, often without warning. This is common in coastal areas like Catalonia and Valencia.  Follow local weather advisories while traveling in Spain.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates

Emergency assistance for U.S. citizens in Spain:

• U.S. Embassy Madrid: +34-91-587-2200
• U.S. Consulate Barcelona (Catalonia, Aragon, and Andorra): +34-93-280-2227

U.S. citizen services inquiries

Email: [email protected]

Local phone number: +34-91-123-8866, or U.S. number: +1-703-543-9306.

• Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except local and U.S. holidays)
• Frequently Asked Questions: Official U.S. Department of State American Citizen Services Information for Spain and Andorra