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:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Local resources available to victims of crime can be found at http://www.mjusticia.gob.es/cs/Satellite/Portal/es/servicios-ciudadano/oficinas-asistencia-victimas
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

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.