Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Crime

The rate of violent crime, for example, mugging and carjacking, in Spain is generally low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, particularly in larger cities and around tourist attractions during holidays, festivals and weekends. Thieves are especially active in crowded areas, such as airports, public transportation facilities, roads, hotel lobbies, restaurants, outdoor cafés and tourist attractions. Be extremely cautious with your belongings at all times and in all places.

Thieves work alone or in groups. They use various techniques to distract their victims and steal their belongings. They may also pose as police officers, asking victims to show them valuable belongings (such as passports, money or cameras), or they may act like Good Samaritans and pretend to help. 

In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Thieves have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire, and when a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist’s car or belongings.

In Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streets, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, near the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Retiro Park and the subway system. In Barcelona, thefts occur most frequently at the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (Aerobus), on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés), in Plaza Cataluña, in Plaza Real and surrounding streets of the old city, on the subway, at Barceloneta beach, at Sagrada Familia church and at the Sants train and bus station.

There is a high threat of theft from rental veihicles. Be particularly vigilant in service areas on coastal highways. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities.

Fraud

Canadians have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (El Gordo), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction.

There have also been reports of a scam whereby a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed.

In another common scam, some Canadians have received a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to them and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds.

See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Terrorism

On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, schools, places of worship and airports and other transportation hubs. Exercise caution if attending sporting events, religious holiday celebrations and other public festivities. Remain vigilant at all times, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

On June 26, 2015, the Spanish interior ministry raised the terrorism threat level for Spain from level three to four on a scale of one to five, due to the continued general threat of Islamist terrorist attacks in the country. Expect increased surveillance and police presence in areas that may be considered prime targets.

On October 20, 2011, the Basque terrorist group ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna [Basque Homeland and Liberty]) announced a definitive cessation of its armed activities; however, the group has yet to disarm or disband. Over the past five decades ETA has carried out numerous shootings and bombings across Spain, resulting in many deaths and injuries. Spanish institutions, tourist destinations and transportation hubs have been prime targets in the past.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

While ETA has renounced violence, protests or rallies may be held to promote the cause of Basque independence.

Strikes may lead to disruption of traffic and public transportation.

Road travel

Be cautious when driving in Spain as driving habits are different from those in Canada.

Travellers may experience delays crossing between Spain and Gibraltar due to increased border controls.

Public transportation

All major cities have metered taxis. There is a flat rate between Madrid and Barajas Airport. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. Beware of taxi drivers who try to overcharge by not turning on the meter.

Rail service is reliable and high-speed trains link major cities.

Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Due to frequent airline strikes in Spain, flight cancellations and delays may be expected. Check the status of your flight directly with your airline.

General safety measures

Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Keep a copy of your passport identification page, driver’s licence, train or airline tickets and credit cards. Safeguard the originals.

Do not leave luggage unattended at any check-in or ticket counter and in hotel lobbies. When travelling by car, always lock your doors, keep windows closed and keep valuable belongings out of sight.

Avoid frequenting unlit areas and down-market bars, especially at night.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Spanish authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Immigration officials may ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. 

Passport

Spain is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*

Business visa: Not required

Student visa: Required

* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.

Schengen area

Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Good medical care is widely available.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Canada and Spain are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Spain to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Spanish authorities.

Identification

In Spain, foreign visitors are often required to present a passport upon check-in at a hotel. Do not leave your passport with reception. Wait until they have taken the details or made a copy.

Passports or other pieces of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s licence, are routinely requested for credit card transactions.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Illegal activities

In the cities of Madrid and Barcelona, and in the Balearic and Canary islands, the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in authorized outdoor cafés and bars, has been banned by various municipal or regional authorities. You must respect this law; fines are imposed for failure to comply.

Photographing military installations is prohibited.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Spain. If local authorities consider you a Spanish citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Spanish passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Driving laws

An International Driving Permit is required in order to drive in Spain for up to six months. A Spanish driver’s licence is required for stays longer than six months.

The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.

Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations: two red warning triangles that you must place in front of and behind the vehicle in case of accident or breakdown; a reflective jacket, kept inside the car (not in the trunk), that you must wear when leaving a vehicle that is stranded or involved in a highway accident; and a spare tire and full set of spare light bulbs, plus the tools to change them. Drivers who fail to comply with these laws may be subject to on-the-spot fines.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent or 0.03 percent for new drivers. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences, and driver’s licences may be confiscated.

Additional information regarding road safety can be found on the European Commission’s website.

Same-sex marriages

Spanish authorities recognize same-sex marriages.

Money

The currency of Spain is the euro (EUR).

Credit cards are widely accepted and automated banking machines are widely available. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and exchange offices (cambios).

When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU countries’ sites, visit the European Commission’s website on cash controls.

Investments

If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in Spain, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in Spain before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

Natural disasters & climate

Torrential rainfall and storms are common between the months of September and November in the Valencia region and the Balearic Islands.

Over the past few years, drought has become a concern in the capital. There is a high risk of fires during the summer months. Check with local authorities on the rules for camping and lighting fires. In case of forest fires, stay away from affected areas, follow the advice of local emergency services personnel and monitor local media sources for up-to-date information. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments.

The weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable. If you are planning a mountaineering or skiing holiday, consult the Spanish Tourist Office or the Spanish government's AEMet weather site for information on weather and safety conditions (note that some content is only available in Spanish).

Take note of the contact information for the Embassy of Canada in Madrid or for the nearest Canadian consulate in the event of an emergency.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Madrid and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.