Europe

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

 

• Authorities in Spain are investigating a number of cases of legionnaires disease associated with travel to the Diamante Beach Hotel, Calpe.  If you are due to stay at this hotel in the immediate future, contact your travel company for further information. If you have recently stayed at the hotel you should refer to this information and advice from the Health Protection Agency.
  
  
• There continues to be seismic activity on the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands. The risk level for La Restinga has been reduced to yellow, the same for the rest of the island. However the 4-mile exclusion area around the eruption remains. The Canary Government asks residents and visitors to be vigilant and to check their website for updates. See Natural Disasters - volcanoes.
  
  
• British nationals make over 12 million visits to Spain each year (source: Instituto de Estudios Turísticos), making it one of the most-visited countries by Britons in the world. Most visits are trouble-free, but there are instances where support from our Consulates is needed.  See General - Consular Assistance - Statistics.
  
  
• 112 is the number for emergency services. Click here for a list of emergency expressions in Spanish.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism. British nationals are not considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by expatriates and tourists.
  
  
• You should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card to be eligible for state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. You should also take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to help cover any unexpected costs such as medical bills or stolen belongings. Take enough medication and money to cover any unforeseen extended stays or emergencies. See the Health section for more information.
  
  
• Be alert to the existence of street crime. Thieves tend to target money and passports so don’t keep them all in one place and keep a photocopy (or scanned copy) of your passport somewhere safe. See Safety and Security - Crime for more information.
  
  
• Print our pocket sized advice leaflet and wallet card before your visit to Spain. The documents contain travel tips, numbers and expressions you may need in an emergency and information on what our Consulates can and can’t do to help.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. British nationals are not considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by expatriates and tourists. The Spanish authorities are fully aware of the impact of terrorism and take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant. Disruptions from real or hoax terror attempts can be expected. You should follow the instructions of the local police and other authorities.

The Basque terrorist organisation ETA has been less active in recent years and has not mounted any attacks since 2009.  On 20 October 2011 they announced a “definitive cessation of armed activity”.  ETA’s last major attack was in 2006.  British Nationals have not been a target of ETA terrorism.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

The vast majority of visits made to Spain by British nationals are trouble-free. Be alert to the existence of street crime, especially thieves using distraction techniques. Thieves often work in teams of two or more people and tend to target money and passports. In many cases, one person distracts the victim while the accomplice(s) perform the robbery. When carrying valuables (e.g. credit cards or cash) don’t keep them all in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

A significant number of Emergency Travel Documents issued by consulates in Spain are as a result of travellers having their passports stolen while passing through the airport, when arriving in or departing from the country. Special care should be taken to guard passports, money and personal belongings when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport and also while arranging car hire.

In some city centres and resorts, thieves posing as police officers on foot patrol may approach tourists and ask to see their wallets for identification purposes. If this happens to you, be careful. First establish that the officers are genuine. If the police request ID, either show them your passport, driver’s licence or other photographic identification. Genuine police officers do not request to see wallets or purses.

If you are a victim of crime call 112. To report all crimes, including stolen property and lost or stolen passports, ring 902 102 112: you can explain the case over the phone (in English) and you will then be directed to your nearest Police Station to sign the police report (denuncia). If you have had belongings stolen, you will need to keep the report for insurance purposes. If your passport is lost or stolen, keep the police report i) for insurance purposes, ii) to apply for an emergency travel document from your nearest British Consulate and iii) to apply for a replacement passport when you return to the UK. Make sure you obtain a ‘police report’ (una denuncia) and not a ‘sworn declaration’ (una declaración judicial), as the latter may not be accepted as evidence of the crime for insurance purposes, or when applying for your new passport.

Click here for advice on what to do if your passport or money are stolen or if anything else goes wrong during your visit.

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but they do occur, and are often carried out by other British nationals. Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they are not spiked; female travellers should be particularly watchful. Alcohol and drugs can make you less vigilant, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit - remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger than those in the UK. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know. See our Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad page.

There has been an increase in reports of burglaries of holiday accommodation in the some areas. Make sure that your holiday accommodation has adequate security measures in place and ensure that all doors and windows are locked at night or when you are not in. It is advisable to ensure the security of your valuables including your passport. If you are concerned about security of your accommodation, you should speak to your tour operator or the owner. You should familiarise yourself with the contact details of the local emergency services and the location of the nearest police station.

When driving, be wary of approaches by bogus police officers in plain clothes travelling in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads Policía (Police) or Guardia Civil (Civil Guard), and normally have blue flashing lights which they will activate when they stop you. In non-related traffic matters, police officers may be in plain clothes but you have the right to ask them to identify themselves. The Civil Guard or Police will only ask you to show them your documents and will not ask for your bag or wallet/purse. Should the police ask for ID, show your passport, driving licence or any other photographic ID.

If in any doubt, you should talk through the car window and contact the Civil Guard on 062 or Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.

Be aware of 'highway pirates' who target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. Some will (forcefully) try to make you stop, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of your/their vehicle, stop in an area with lights/people, e.g. a service station, and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

If you take a taxi make sure it is officially registered/licensed.

Safety and Security - Crime - Lottery Scams

There have been reports about lottery scams in Spain; a person receives what appears to be official notification from the Spanish Inland Revenue office (Hacienda) that they have won the Spanish lottery and are required to deposit money in a bank account to receive their winnings. It is likely to be a scam if:

• you have not entered a lottery
• you are asked to pay anything up-front
• if the contact telephone number is for a mobile phone. See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security – Balcony Falls (“Balconing”)

There have been a number of very serious accidents (some with fatal results) as a result of falls from balconies. A number of these incidents have been caused by British nationals being under the influence of drink or drugs. Most of these accidents should have been avoidable and it is important to note that medical evacuation is not covered by the reciprocal health arrangements between Spain and the UK and not all travel insurance policies include it either. See our Travel Insurance page.

Safety and Security - Outdoor Sports

Take care when swimming in the sea. Some beaches, especially around Spanish Islands, may have strong undercurrents. Most of them have a flag system in operation. Before swimming, please ensure you understand the system and heed any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water).

If an accident occurs whilst mountaineering, canyoning, potholing or climbing, or if you become lost in the mountains or other areas requiring mountain rescue, call 112 for the emergency services or 062 for the Civil Guard.

For advice on safety and weather conditions for skiing or other outdoor activities call the Spanish National Tourist Office in London on 020 7486 8077 or see Goski or European Avalanche Warning Services.

Safety and Security - Adventure Activities

You should be aware that the Catalonia region has started charging negligent climbers, skiers & other adventurers who have to be rescued. For the past year the regional government has been sending bills to all people who required emergency rescues to encourage people to be more careful. People deemed to have been negligent will have to pay.

Some regions of Spain are prone to severe storms and torrential rainfall from time to time. For national and regional weather updates you can visit the AEMET website or the World Meteorological Organization. Check with your airline or tour operator before travelling to affected areas.


Safety and Security - Local Travel - Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money if you are approached by anyone claiming that there is a charge.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Andorra

See FCO Travel Advice for Andorra.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

You drive on the right in Spain. Take care when driving in Spain as regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher, especially on motorways. In 2010 there were 2,470 road deaths in Spain (source: DfT). This equates ti 5.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK figure of 3.1 per 100,000 of population in 2010.

It is a legal requirement for motorists travelling to or through Spain to carry two red warning triangles which are to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle. Drivers must have a spare pair of glasses (if needed for driving), a spare wheel, and a full set of spare light bulbs plus the tools to change them. If at any time you have to leave your vehicle due to an accident or breakdown or while waiting for the arrival of the emergency services, you must wear a reflective jacket or you may face a heavy fine. UK provisional licences are not valid for driving in Spain.

Carry a certificate of insurance in case you are stopped. You should be given documentation if you have hired a car and bought insurance. If you are using UK insurance, always carry your certificate with you. Remember that this certificate is generally only valid for a stay of less than three months - contact your insurer if you are staying longer.

Spain has strict drink driving laws. Penalties include heavy fines, loss of licence and imprisonment. Our advice is that you simply do not drink and drive.

Seat belts are required for all passengers in the front and back seats. No children under the age of twelve should be in the front seat and small children must be in an approved child safety seat in the back seat. Your car hire agency will be able to provide a seat so let them know you need one when you reserve the car.

Talking on mobile phones when driving is forbidden, even when pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road. Using an earpiece is also prohibited but you are allowed to use with a completely hands-free unit.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

Passengers flying to Spain must give their date of birth, nationality and passport number to their airline before flying, as part of EU security measures. For more information regarding 'What to expect at the airport' and 'Advance registration before you travel' see Directgov's Air Travel pages.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Spain Country Profile

Spanish law defines anyone under 18 to be a minor, subject to parental control or adult supervision. Any unaccompanied minors that come to the attention of the Spanish authorities (for whatever reason, but particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) are judged to be vulnerable and may face being taken into a Minors’ Centre for their protection until their situation is resolved and a parent or suitable guardian can be found.

You must provide ID i.e. your passport if requested by a Police Officer. The Police have the right to hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed.

Being caught in possession of even a small quantity of drugs can lead to arrest and detention. Possession of large quantities will probably result in prosecution and a custodial sentence if convicted. Some regional Governments in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street. Failure to respect this may result in a heavy fine.

It is illegal to smoke in indoor public places i.e. bars, restaurants, airports, shopping centres etc.  Smoking is also illegal outside hospitals, schools and children’s play parks.  Fines for breaking laws range from €30 to €600k and are being strictly enforced.  There are also strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including beaches, where regulations have increased significantly.  Fines range from €30-€1,500.

In Barcelona it is now against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks. Being bare-chested or going fully nude has also been banned. The only exception to this law is when you are on the beach, the seafront promenade or the adjacent streets. Failure to respect this law may result in a fine.

For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings. If you visit Town Councils wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it whilst in the building

Hotels have a legal duty to register the passport details of tourists when they check-in. Wait until the hotel staff have registered your passport details or taken a photocopy of your passport, rather than leaving it in reception to collect later. It may help to take your own photocopy.

Entry Requirements - Visa Requirements

If you are a British Citizen or a British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you do not need a visa to enter Spain. Other British nationals should confirm the current entry requirements with their nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.  No additional period of validity beyond this is required.  However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure.  You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it.  Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months.

Entry Requirements - Staying for longer than three months  

All EU nationals planning to stay in Spain for more than three months must register in person at the nearest Office for Foreigners (Oficina de Extranjeros) which is normally part of the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), or at designated Police stations. You will be asked to show a valid passport, complete an application form and pay a fee. You will be given a certificate stating your name, address, nationality, identity number (NIE – Número de Identificación de Extranjeros) and date of registration. This confirms you have registered as a resident but the certificate is not valid ID and you don’t have to keep it with you at all times.

If you plan to live in Spain, we recommend you visit our Living in Spain section for advice and information.

Entry Requirements - Unaccompanied minors  

Each airline has its own policy regarding unaccompanied minors and may require prior notification before arranging for them to travel. It is essential to consult your airline before travelling.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

If you are visiting Spain, you should obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Spanish nationals so if a Spanish national is required to pay a fee towards their treatment, you would also have to pay the same fee. The EHIC will not cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. See our EHIC page and the NHS - About the EHIC page.

You should also make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately. As a general rule, if you require hospital treatment in Spain you are more likely to receive appropriate care in a public healthcare facility although in some tourist areas there may be no public healthcare facility nearby. Your insurance/medical assistance company will be able to provide further details. Useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is also available from NHS Choices.

See our Travel Health pages for further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

If you plan to live in Spain, you should look at alternative forms of health cover and visit the Pensions, Benefits and Health Care section on our UK in Spain website for more information.

Volcanoes

There continues to be seismic activity on the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands. Over the past 12 months there have been over 11,000 tremors, the largest measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale on 11 November 2011. Due to the decrease in the level of seismic activity around the area, on 7 December 2011, following the advice of the Scientific Committee, the Director of the Emergency Plan for Volcanic Risk (PEVOLCA) decided to change the alert level for the area of La Restinga to yellow in line with the rest of the island.

There continues to be volcanic eruptions underwater. There has been continued activity above the surface of the water including continued discoloration of the water, expulsion of debris and the release of sulphurous gases. The local authorities have imposed restrictions on fishing, sailing and underwater activities around the 4 miles exclusion area but a passage of 0.25 miles has been authorised for sailing north of La Restinga.

Residents and visitors to El Hierro are encouraged to check the Canary Government website for future updates.

Forest Fires

Forest fires occur frequently in Spain during the summer months, especially in southern areas of the country. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas:

• ensure that cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind
• if you see the on-set of a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.
  

General - Insurance

You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities that you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page for more information.

If things do go wrong during your visit see our When Things Go Wrong page for advice and support.

General - Money

The currency in Spain is the Euro. When changing money, you should always use official money exchange offices or banks, as possession and use of counterfeit money is considered a very serious crime in Spain and may lead to prosecution.

If you are travelling to or from a country outside the European Union you must declare any cash of over 10,000 euros or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) to HM Revenue & Customs. For more information, click here.

General - Money - Credit cards and ID

When buying goods in Spain with credit/debit cards, all al customers, regardless of nationality, must show ID. You may be able to use a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport, but you may be required to show your passport.

General - Money - Purchase of Property, Time-share Ownership and Holiday Clubs

If you plan to buy a property in Spain we advise you appoint a lawyer who is experienced in property law and fully independent of anyone else involved in the transaction  e.g. the estate agent, vendor or developer. A full list of English-speaking lawyers is on the British Embassy's website. It is also important to thoroughly research i) the area you are considering buying in and ii) the companies (developers, estate agents and lawyers) you plan to work with to ensure they are reliable.

You should make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels. Make sure that the full purchase price of the property is on the deeds (Escritura) and do not pay 'black money' (dinero negro) which is undeclared money in cash  to the seller, even if persuasive arguments about taxes are given; you could end up having to pay the Capital Gains Tax that should have been paid by the person from whom you bought your new home. Property laws and customs are very different in Spain from those in the UK. British nationals can face  problems with ownership rights due to these differences. You should read the advice on our UKinSpain website before deciding to purchase property or land in Spain.

If you are buying a property off-plan, always insist on a bank guarantee (aval bancario) to cover your stage payments. Do not make any payments without a guarantee. Developers of off-plan properties are legally obliged under law 57/1968 to secure all deposits with a bank guarantee. Further information on bank guarantees and the precautions you should take when buying a property off-plan are available on our website.

Timeshare ownership is well established in Spain with many respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally and fairly. However, there are also many unscrupulous companies, some of which claim to provide various incentives (including stock market investments and discounts on airfares and accommodation) when exchanging existing time-share ownership or taking out membership of holiday clubs. Such inducements do not always materialise once a deal has been completed. If you are approached by agents operating such schemes, treat them with caution. Further information and advice is available from the Timeshare Consumers Association (TCA) and the European Consumer Centre (ECC).

General - Money - Buying Tobacco products for export

Regulations on importing tobacco products into the UK vary according to the amount allowed to be exported from Spain, particularly for cigarettes. You should check the allowed amounts carefully before you leave Spain. If you do not have the right documentation to export more than the normal limit, you may be fined and your consignment may be seized.

General - Consular Assistance - Statistics

Most visits that British nationals make to Spain are trouble-free, but there are cases which require support from our Consulates. 4,971 British nationals required consular assistance in Spain in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 1,639 deaths; 1,024 hospitalisations; 1,745 arrests for a variety of offences.

General - Consular Assistance - Contacting a British Consulate in Spain

See here for opening hours, telephone numbers (including how to contact us in an emergency outside office hours e.g. arrest, death, rape, hospitalisations) and addresses of British Consulates in Spain.