Europe

Spain

Still current at: 04 December 2008

Updated: 28 November 2008

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Spain.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  The Spanish authorities are fully aware of the impact of terrorism and are taking measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant.  Disruptions from real or hoax terror attempts can be expected and a high level of alert is being maintained.  You should follow the instructions of the local police and other authorities.

The Basque terrorist organisation ETA announced a 'ceasefire' in March 2006, and declared an end to this ceasefire on 5 June 2007. Their last major attack was on 30 December 2006, when a large car bomb exploded in the multi-storey car park at Terminal 4 of Barajas International Airport in Madrid, killing two people.  ETA remains active. British nationals are not a target for ETA but there is a risk they may be caught up in an attack.  Ten bombs exploded on trains in Madrid on 11 March 2004.  192 people died.  A group purporting to represent Al Qa'ida claimed responsibility.

Recent terrorist activities

Recent incidents on 20-22 September, are the first since a summer campaign by ETA which targeted tourist areas.  

• 22 September 2008 - Car bomb in Santona, Cantabria (Northern Spain) resulting in the death of a police man, and injuries to six other people.
• 21 September - Explosion outside a police station in Ondarroa (Basque Country). 11 people were injured.
• 20 September - Explosion on the outskirts of Vitoria (Basque Country).  No injuries.
• 17 August 2008 - Two small explosions in the Malaga area; one on the beach at Guadalmar and one at the marina in Benalmadena.  Warning was given and no one was injured.
• 29 July 2008 - Small explosion in Torremolinos (Malaga area). No injuries.
• 28 July 2008 - Explosion on the A8 motorway near Bilbao (Basque Country).
• 20 July 2008 - Four explosions in tourist areas in Cantabria (Northern Spain).
• 14 May 2008 - Van bomb attack against the Civil Guard Barracks in Legutiano (Basque Country).  A Civil Guard officer was killed.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad. 

Crime

The great majority of the 17 million visits made to Spain by British nationals are trouble-free. But street crime does exist in the main tourist areas.

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape are infrequent.  Nevertheless attacks occur and are often carried out by other British nationals.

 

You should also be alert to the availability and possible use of "date rape" and other drugs, including "GHB" and liquid ecstasy.  You should purchase your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they cannot be spiked.  For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad. 

Street crime is occasionally accompanied by violence.  Remain alert and guard valuable personal items at all times. The majority of reported thefts are a result of items being left unattended or thieves using distraction techniques.

In Madrid, you should take particular care in the Puerta del Sol and surrounding streets including the Plaza Mayor, Callao, Gran Vía, Lavapies and the Retiro Park and on the underground particularly on line number 8 from the airport.

Drivers, especially on the M30 and M40 Madrid ring roads, the A4 and A5 should be wary of approaches by bogus police officers, in plain clothes and travelling in unmarked cars.  In all traffic-related matters police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads "Policia" or "Guardia Civil", and normally have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights, which are activated by the Police when they stop you.  In non-related traffic matters police officers may be in plain clothes but in any case members of the public have the right to ask police officers to identify themselves.  The Guardia Civil or Police will ask you to show them your documents only and do not request that you hand over your bag or wallet.  If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.  Bogus police officers are also known to operate in the Alicante region.

In Barcelona, you should be especially vigilant in the Plaza Catalunya, Ramblas and surrounding streets of the old city and be aware of the possibility of violent muggings in the Montjuic area.  In the Ramblas, Old Port (Port Vell) and Olympic Port Areas, thieves posing as Police Officers may ask to see wallets for identification purposes.  Holders should proceed with precaution, first establishing that the officers are genuine.  Should the police request ID, they should be shown your passport, driver's licence or other photographic identification.  Genuine Police Officers would not request to see wallets or purses.

Motorists should be on the look out for "highway pirates" who target foreign registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans.  If you decide to stop to check the condition of your vehicle, you should be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

In Catalonia, on the A7 motorway between La Junquera and Tarragona toll stations, there is an increase in 'flag down' robberies.  Vehicles are flagged down by passengers in other vehicles, under the pretence of a problem somewhere on the car.  Once stationary, the thieves will often use distraction techniques to remove tourists from the vehicle and steal valuable items.

At Malaga Airport robbers are particularly targeting rental vehicles on the exit road and nearby highways by indicating that there is a problem with the vehicle's tyres.  When the vehicle stops the robbers will offer assistance and take advantage of distractions to steal bags, etc. from the interior of the vehicle.  Within the Barcelona urban area thieves are also employing this 'punctured tyre' tactic at traffic lights in order to distract and stop tourists. 

In the Alicante area there have been numerous reports of luggage being stolen whilst people are distracted, filling in paper work for a rental vehicle at the airport.  Thieves are also simulating accidents where their vehicle bumps into a rental vehicle and, while travellers are consequently busy filling in the relevant insurance papers, an accomplice steals belongings from the rental vehicle.  You should also be wary of being followed to your accommodation from the airport in your rental car.

Passengers arriving or departing from the airports of Alicante, Valencia and Murcia (San Javier) should be extremely careful and not leave their luggage unattended due to the increased  number of robberies.

Lottery Scams

 

There have been complaints about lottery scams, in which 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 an amount of money in a bank account to secure their substantial winnings.  It is likely to be a scam if you have not entered a lottery, are asked to pay anything up-front or if the contact telephone number is for a mobile phone.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

Spain Country Profile

Local Travel

Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays to travellers crossing between Spain and Gibraltar.

Road Travel

You should take particular care when driving in Spain as regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher.  In 2005 there were 4,442 road deaths in Spain (source: DfT).  This equates to 10.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

It is a legal requirement for motorists travelling to or transiting Spain to carry two red warning triangles to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle.  In addition, drivers must have a spare pair of spectacles (if needed for driving), a spare wheel, and a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them.  If at any time you have to descend from your vehicle due to accident or breakdown, or whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services, it is obligatory to wear a reflective jacket.  Failure to do so could result in a heavy fine.

We advise British lorry drivers of the strict control by Spanish Police in the north of Spain, particularly in the Basque Country. The fines related to tachometer irregularities are very severe and must be paid in cash in the spot. Once payment is made, the form for appeal will accompany the receipt.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

On 3 July 2006, there was a serious accident on the metro in the city of Valencia, causing 42 fatalities, and injuring 39.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Spain.  For more general information see Airline Security.

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.

Since 1 January 2006 restrictive legislation against smoking in public places came into effect.  Fines imposed for breach 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. 

 

In particular, the authorities in Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza are likely to prosecute anyone caught taking or carrying drugs in clubs or other public places.

 

The Madrid City, the Balearic's and Canary Islands Regional Governments have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street.  Failure to respect this law may result in the imposition of fines.

 

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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Visa Requirements

 

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

 

Passport validity

 

A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Spain.  There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

 

Staying for longer than three months

 

Since 28 March 2007 all EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than three months are required to register in person at the Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in their province of residence or at designated Police stations.  However, you will no longer be issued with a residence card and, instead, you will be issued a certificate stating your name, address, nationality, identity number and date of registration.  The certificate serves as confirmation that the registration obligation has been fulfilled, but it is not recognised by the local authorities as a valid form of identification and you are not obliged to keep the certificate with you.  See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for acceptable forms of ID.

 

Unaccompanied minors

 

You should be aware that each airline has its own policy regarding unaccompanied minors, and may require prior notification before arranging for them to travel.  It is therefore essential to consult your airline before travelling.

The Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals.  You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see EHIC.

 

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 140,000 adults aged 15 or over in Spain were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

Andorra

 

If you intend to visit Andorra you should be aware that is not an EU member and the EHIC card is not accepted there. 

 

The Principal Hospital  in Andorra recommends that all travellers to Andorra take out Travel Insurance with 'Bona Fide' Companies and that they ensure that this is valid for travel to NON-EU Countries. Skiers and those persons participating in sports such as 'rafting' should ensure that their insurance policy will cover this activity. You should see the Travel Advice for Andorra for more details.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Spain and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention for Spain you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general information see Travel Health.

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  No human infections or deaths have been reported.  But as a precaution you should avoid places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Insurance
 
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling especially full “dangerous sports” insurance cover.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

 

Registration

 

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Money
 
Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU apply in all Member States.  Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 Euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc.  This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.
 
Contacting a British Consulate office in Spain
 
For telephone numbers and the location of British Consulates in Spain see: http://ukinspain.com.
 
Opening hours, telephone numbers and addresses of all British consular posts in Spain can be found by clicking on “consular offices”.  For urgent consular assistance outside office hours (e.g. arrest, death, rape, hospitalisation). see 'Contact Details' below.
 
Purchase of Property, Time-share Ownership and Holiday Clubs
 
If you intend to purchase a property in Spain you are strongly advised to engage an independent local lawyer. A full list of English speaking lawyers can be found on the British Embassy's website.  British nationals purchasing property in Spain are strongly recommended to deal only with established and reputable estate agents or with other contacts whom they know to be reliable and genuine, and to make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels.  Make sure that the full purchase price of the property is reflected on the escritura (deeds) and do not pay 'black money' in cash to the seller, even if persuasive arguments about taxes are advanced: 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.
 
In the Valencia Autonomous Community (the Provinces of Castellon, Valencia and Alicante) and, increasingly, in other parts of Spain your land tenure rights can be severely curtailed by local legislation.  Should your ownership of property in these Provinces be threatened by local legislation you should engage the services of a lawyer immediately. Also, you should contact the NGO, Abusos Urbanisticos No for more information and details on how they may be able to help.  Please note that the British Consular Services cannot help specific property cases.
 
Time-share ownership is well established in Spain with many known and respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally, fairly and successfully.  However, there are equally many unscrupulous companies in operation, 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.  More often than not, such inducements do not materialise once a deal has been signed and sealed.  If you are approached by agents operating such schemes, you should treat the approaches with the utmost caution.
 
Further information and advice is available from:
The Organisation for Time-share in Europe (OTE)
Time-share Consumers Association (TCA) and
European Consumer Centre (ECC)

 
Purchases of Tobacco products for export
 
Regulations on import of tobacco products into the UK vary from the amount allowed to be exported from Spain, particularly for cigarettes.  You should check this 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 seized.
 
Outdoor Sports
 
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 the Emergency Services on 112, or dial 062 for the Civil Guard.
 
For advice on safety and weather conditions contact:
 
Tel.  0207 486 8077
Fax.  0207 486 8034
 
Further information can be found on:
 
http://www.goski.com/weather/
http://www.avalanches.org

Contact Details

Address: British Consulate-General
Paseo de Recoletos, 7-9, 4th Floor,
28004 Madrid

Telephone: (34) (91) 524 9700 Consular Services 
Facsimile: (34) (91)  524 9730 

Emails: Consular enquiries: madridconsulate@ukinspain.com
Commercial: commerce@ukinspain.com

Office Hours: (local time in Spain is GMT+1hr):
Public Counter:

Mon – Fri 08:30 – 13:30  (local time)

Telephone calls:

Mon – Fri 08:00 - 16:00 (local time)

Website: http://ukinspain.com

If you need urgent consular assistance (e.g. arrest, death, rape, hospitalisation), please call: (00 34 - if outside Spain +)

Monday to Thursday between 16:00 – 20:00 (local time): 91 700 8200

Monday to Thursday between 20:00 – 08:00: 606 987 626

Between Friday 20:00 - Monday 08:00:  606 987 626