Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Spain is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime. The main issue is petty theft — pickpockets and bag-snatching in Barcelona, Madrid and other busy tourist areas. In an emergency dial 112.
- Overall
- Generally safe; watch for pickpockets
- Hotspots
- Barcelona, Madrid tourist areas
- Emergencies
- 112 (single EU number)
- Keep bags closed and valuables out of sight in crowds
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Stay alert around crowded transport hubs, beaches and nightlife areas where pickpockets operate, and take normal precautions in some outer districts at night. Central tourist areas are well policed.
- No-go areas
- None for typical tourists
- Watch
- Stations, beaches, nightlife
- At night
- Normal caution in outer areas
- Check current local advice before travelling
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The main natural hazards are weather-related: intense summer heat and heatwaves, wildfires in dry months, and occasional heavy rain and flooding (including flash floods). Earthquakes are minor and rare. Follow AEMET weather warnings.
- Summer
- Heat and wildfires
- Flooding
- Occasional heavy rain / flash floods
- Warnings
- AEMET (weather service)
- Stay hydrated and avoid the midday sun in summer
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Spain has excellent healthcare and high hygiene standards. Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas. Summer heat can be intense — stay hydrated and use sun protection. No special vaccinations are needed for typical travel.
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Healthcare
- Excellent; EHIC/GHIC for EU/EEA
- Summer
- Heat and strong sun
- On some small islands, locals may prefer bottled water
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main risks, especially on Barcelona's La Rambla and metro, and at Madrid sights, stations and beaches. Watch for distraction tricks (fake petitions, spilled drinks, crowding) and keep valuables secure.
- Pickpockets
- Metro, stations, sights, beaches
- Scams
- Distraction, petitions, crowding
- Beaches
- Do not leave items unattended
- Use a front pocket or crossbody bag; keep phones secure
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Spain is a stable democracy. Demonstrations occur occasionally (including in Catalonia) and are usually peaceful but can disrupt transport. Strikes may affect flights and trains. Avoid protests and check transport notices before you travel.
- Stability
- Stable democracy
- Demonstrations
- Occasional, usually peaceful
- Advice
- Avoid protests; check strikes
- Transport strikes can affect flights and trains
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID at all times. Illegal drugs are prohibited. Some resorts and cities fine drinking alcohol in the street, being shirtless away from the beach, or noise late at night. Dress modestly in churches. Local rules vary by region.
- ID
- Carry passport or copy
- Fines
- Street drinking, dress in town
- Churches
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Follow posted local rules, especially in resort towns
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
The single European emergency number 112 covers police, fire and ambulance across Spain — free even without a SIM or credit. Other numbers exist (e.g. 091 National Police, 061 medical), but 112 connects you to the right service.
- All emergencies
- 112 (single EU number)
- Legacy
- 091 police / 061 medical
- Free
- Works without SIM or credit
- 112 operators can usually assist in English
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, cancellation and activities. EU/EEA visitors can use an EHIC/GHIC for state healthcare, but it does not replace full travel insurance, especially for beach and adventure activities.
- Cover
- Medical, cancellation, activities
- EU/EEA
- EHIC/GHIC for state care
- Note
- EHIC/GHIC is not full insurance
- Keep insurance and emergency numbers accessible offline