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Spain

See the Department of State’s State’s Fact Sheets on Spain for information on U.S. – Spain relations.

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Spain, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is faster paced than in U.S. cities and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs or motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

  • Obey the traffic light located at their stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection.
  • Be alert when driving at night in urban areas because of the possibility of encountering drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.
  • Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.
  • Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
  • Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone.

Traffic Laws:

  • It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving.  There is a 300 Euros fine for violating this regulation, which may also cause you to lose your license.
  • All drivers and passengers are required to wear a reflective vest if they need to stop on the roadside. A reflective triangle warning sign is also mandatory if you stop on the roadside.
  • You must have liability insurance to operate any car or motorcycle.
  • You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain.  The permits are only valid for one year.
  • It is illegal to rent a vehicle if you don’t have an International Driving Permit.  Your rental car may be impounded and you will be required to pay a fine if stopped. 
  • If you are stopped by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, they may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for payment.  This ensures that the fine is paid by a foreigner who may not return to Spain to pay the fine.    

Public Transportation:  Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

  • Only use clearly identified cabs, ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter, except for trips originating to and from the airport, and ask for a receipt.
  • Official taxis to and from the Madrid airport to the city center charge a €30 flat rate and do not charge by the meter.  
  • Rail service is comfortable and reliable, but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Spain’s national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Spain, like the rest of the world, faces an increased threat of international terrorist incidents.  Despite publicly announcing a “definitive cessation of armed activity” in 2011, the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) organization has not disbanded or disarmed.  Historically, foreigners have been killed or injured collaterally in ETA terrorist attacks. 

Like other countries in the Schengen area, Spain’s open borders with Western European neighbors also allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country undetected.  Spain’s proximity to North Africa makes it vulnerable to attack from al-Qaida in the Maghreb region. 

Crime:  While only a small proportion of visitors to Spain are impacted by crime, street crimes against tourists occur in the principal tourist areas. Madrid and Barcelona in particular report frequent incidents of pickpocketing, mugging, as well as occasional violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention.

  • Use common sense and the same personal security measures you would use normally. 
  • Do not leave bags unattended.  Avoid placing passports, cash or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses.  
  • Be alert to criminal schemes.  Thieves who work in teams may distract your attention, while an accomplice makes off with your valuables. If you are stopped by a plainclothes policeman while walking or driving, ask for a uniformed law enforcement officer.
  • See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.   

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (34) 91 587 2240 or the Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91 587 2200.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
  • Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
  • See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Spain Flag

Population: 46,754,778


Total Land Area: 498,800 km2


Population/km2: 93.73