Europe

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

There is a requirement to provide proof of your identify if requested by a Police Officer. The only legally acceptable documents by Spanish Police are a passport or a national identification card.  The Spanish Police have the right to hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed.

On 1 January 2006 restrictive legislation against smoking in public places came into effect.  Fines imposed for breaches of the regulation could range from €30 to a maximum of €600.

 

In Spain, possession of even a small quantity of drugs can cause significant problems, such as arrest and detention.  Being found in possession of large quantities will probably result in prosecution and a custodial sentence upon conviction. 

 

Some regional Governments in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street.  Failure to respect this law may result in the imposition of fines. Please check the local travel advice for the region you are visiting.

 

Hotels have a legal obligation to register the passport details of tourists on check-in.  You are advised to wait until the Hotel staff have registered your passport details or taken a photocopy of your passport, rather than leaving the passport in reception and collecting it later.  It may help to take your own photocopy.

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.