Spain Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:24 November 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland. The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has started for all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area. You’ll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken. There may be longer border queues.
There’s an ongoing threat of terrorism in Spain. The national terrorism alert level for Spain is ‘high’. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur anywhere, at any time and without warning. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
 

We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Spain.

Advice Levels

Level 1
Exercise normal safety precautions in Spain.

Full Advice

  • Terrorist attacks are likely. The national terrorism alert level for Spain is ‘high’. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur anywhere, at any time and without warning. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Demonstrations and strikes can occur and disrupt transport. Sometimes, protesters clash with police. Avoid unrest.
  • Watch out for bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars in large cities and on highways. Petty crime is a serious problem in popular tourist destinations including Barcelona, Ibiza and other major cities. Take care at tourist spots, beaches and on transport.
  • Spain experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe storms and forest fires. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Health risks are similar to those in developed countries.
  • The standard of medical facilities is high and expensive.
  • Must carry valid photo ID (passport) at all times; police can request it anytime, and a photocopy isn’t legally sufficient.
  • Zero Tolerance DUI: Even small amounts of alcohol can put you over the limit; extremely strict.
  • According to Spanish law, you can carry your personal medications as long as it is accompanied by a medical prescription. However, there’s a limitation, which states you can only carry your medication for up to 3 months.
  • Spain is a part of the Schengen area which means you can enter Spain without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you’ll need a visa.
  • The new European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.
  • Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. 

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Emergency phone numbers

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

For non-emergency criminal issues, contact the local police.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.