Spain Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Spain.
Healthcare System
Spain has a high-quality public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) that ranks among the best in the world. EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare at reduced or no cost. Private healthcare is also widely available and commonly used by travelers and expatriates.
Hospitals
Major cities have both public and private hospitals. Private hospitals often provide faster service and more English-speaking staff. Many private clinics cater specifically to tourists. In tourist areas along the coast, you'll find clinics with multilingual staff. Emergency rooms (Urgencias) are available 24/7 at all hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are identified by green crosses and are widely available. At least one pharmacy in each area operates 24-hour duty (farmacia de guardia) on a rotating basis. Spanish pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice and dispense many medications without prescription. However, bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications, as brand names differ.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is highly recommended for non-EU visitors, as healthcare can be expensive without it. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card, but additional travel insurance is still advisable for repatriation and private care. Ensure coverage includes emergency evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep a copy of your EHIC card or insurance details on your phone and in physical form
- Many common medications require prescriptions in Spain that might be over-the-counter elsewhere
- The emergency number 112 can dispatch ambulances; specify if you need private or public service
- Dental care is rarely covered by EHIC and can be expensive; ensure your travel insurance includes dental coverage
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Spain, though some prefer bottled water in certain regions
- Heat-related illnesses are common in summer; stay hydrated and seek shade during peak hours
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Spain, particularly in Barcelona, Madrid, and other major cities. Thieves often work in groups using distraction techniques. Bag snatching from outdoor café tables, beaches, and by motorcycle thieves is also common.
Thieves target rental cars, especially those with foreign plates or visible tourist indicators. Break-ins occur at parking areas near tourist attractions, beaches, and highway rest stops.
While relatively uncommon, drink spiking incidents have been reported in nightlife areas, particularly affecting solo travelers and women. This can lead to theft or worse situations.
Theft from beachgoers is common, with thieves targeting unattended belongings while people swim or sunbathe. Items are stolen from towels, bags, and even from people sleeping on the beach.
Spain maintains a substantial terrorism threat level, though attacks are rare. The 2017 Barcelona attack reminds travelers to remain vigilant. ISIS-related threats and Basque separatist history contribute to ongoing security concerns.
Spanish roads are generally good, but driving styles can be aggressive. Rural roads can be narrow and winding. Motorcycle accidents are common among tourists unfamiliar with local conditions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone splashes a substance (fake bird droppings, mustard, ice cream) on you, then offers to help clean it while an accomplice steals your belongings. Variations include spilling drinks or dropping items to distract you.
People approach tourists with clipboards asking them to sign petitions for charity or social causes. While you're distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket you or demand money after you sign.
Someone approaches and forcefully ties a bracelet on your wrist or hands you a flower/rose, then demands payment. They can become aggressive if you refuse to pay.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card data, or watch over your shoulder to see your PIN. Sometimes they offer 'help' when the machine appears to malfunction.
Some taxi drivers take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, add fake surcharges, or refuse to turn on the meter, especially from airports and tourist areas.
Restaurants in tourist areas may have inflated prices on English menus, add items you didn't order, or include unexpected cover charges and service fees.
Tourist-oriented flamenco shows may charge excessive prices, add mandatory drink minimums not disclosed upfront, or deliver poor quality performances.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers, claim to be checking for counterfeit money or drugs, and ask to see your wallet or passport, then steal cash or card information.
Clubs charge exorbitant prices for drinks not disclosed on menus, add mandatory coat check fees, or present inflated bills at the end of the night.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable items
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extras secured
- Split your money and cards between different locations on your person
- Use money belts or hidden pouches under clothing for important documents
- Make copies of important documents and store separately or digitally
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or phones unnecessarily
- Be discreet when using ATMs and count money in private
- Use credit cards over cash when possible for better fraud protection
Public Transportation
- Keep bags in front of you on metros and buses, especially during rush hour
- Be extra vigilant on Barcelona metro lines (L3, L4) and Madrid (Line 1) known for pickpockets
- Avoid empty train cars late at night; stay in populated areas
- Keep hand on bag zippers and stay alert when doors are opening/closing
- Purchase transport tickets from official machines or offices, not from individuals
- Validate tickets properly to avoid fines
- Be wary of 'helpful' strangers at ticket machines who may be setting up theft
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes and ensure they're properly locked
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Keep room doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't leave valuables visible in room, even if door is locked
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- For Airbnb rentals, verify host legitimacy and read reviews carefully
- Check that locks work properly upon arrival
Nightlife and Entertainment
- Stay in groups when possible, especially late at night
- Pre-arrange transportation home; know how you'll get back to accommodation
- Keep phone charged and have emergency numbers saved
- Avoid walking through poorly lit areas late at night
- Be cautious in El Raval (Barcelona) and Lavapiés (Madrid) after dark
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Know your alcohol limits and stay aware of your surroundings
- Keep valuables minimal when going out at night
Tourist Attractions
- Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to avoid ticket scam artists
- Be extra vigilant in crowded tourist sites where pickpockets operate
- Use official tour guides and avoid unlicensed street vendors
- Keep bags zipped and in front of you when taking photos
- Be aware of your surroundings, not just your phone screen
- Avoid engaging with people trying to sell you things aggressively
- Use official entrance points and avoid 'helpful' strangers offering shortcuts
Communication
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; many locals appreciate the effort
- Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival
- Save important addresses in Spanish for taxi drivers
- Keep your embassy contact information saved in your phone
- Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
- Have your accommodation address written in Spanish
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card or international phone plan
Beach and Water Safety
- Understand beach flag system: green (safe), yellow (caution), red (no swimming), purple (dangerous marine life)
- Never swim alone or far from shore
- Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach; take turns watching belongings
- Use designated swimming areas with lifeguards
- Be aware of time and tide changes
- Avoid swimming after consuming alcohol
- Protect against sun exposure with high-SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently
Driving Safety
- Carry International Driving Permit along with your license
- Be aware that Spain drives on the right side of the road
- Zero tolerance for drinking and driving; legal limit is very low (0.05% BAC)
- Pay attention to parking restrictions; towing is common and expensive
- Keep all belongings out of sight in parked cars
- Use toll roads (autopistas) for safer, faster travel between cities
- Be prepared for aggressive driving in cities
- Always wear seatbelts; child car seats are mandatory for young children
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Spain is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Spanish society is modern and progressive, with women commonly traveling alone. However, like anywhere, women should take sensible precautions. Catcalling (piropos) can occur but is less common than in previous decades. The nightlife scene is vibrant and generally safe, though standard precautions apply. Spanish women are independent and assertive, and foreign women should feel comfortable being the same.
- Solo female travel is common and generally safe; trust your instincts
- Dress as you wish; Spain is liberal and women wear everything from modest to revealing clothing
- Be more cautious in nightlife areas late at night; stay with groups when possible
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, central areas
- Keep phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- If experiencing unwanted attention, enter a shop or approach other women for support
- Learn key phrases: 'Déjame en paz' (Leave me alone), 'No me molestes' (Don't bother me)
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or parks at night
- The emergency number for gender-based violence is 016 (doesn't show on phone bill)
- Tampons and pads are widely available at pharmacies and supermarkets
- Solo dining is completely normal; don't feel self-conscious eating alone
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if desired
- Be aware that Spanish men may be more forward than in some cultures, but respect boundaries when told no
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex couples have full adoption rights and legal protections equal to heterosexual couples.
- Chueca neighborhood in Madrid is the heart of LGBTQ+ life with bars, clubs, shops, and Pride festivities
- Barcelona's Eixample district (Gaixample) is the main LGBTQ+ area
- Sitges (near Barcelona) is a popular LGBTQ+ beach resort town
- Ibiza has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, especially in Ibiza Town
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted in cities; exercise discretion in small rural towns
- Spain has numerous LGBTQ+ beaches, including Playa de la Mar Bella (Barcelona) and Playa de la Bassa Rodona (Sitges)
- LGBTQ+ travelers face minimal discrimination; hate crimes are rare and taken seriously by authorities
- Many hotels and businesses display LGBTQ+-friendly symbols
- Pride celebrations occur in many cities, with Madrid's being the largest in July
- Apps like Grindr and other LGBTQ+ platforms are widely used and safe
- No need to hide identity; Spain is welcoming and open
- Transgender rights are protected, though some administrative processes may be bureaucratic
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Spain. While Spain has excellent healthcare, medical treatment can be expensive for those without coverage. EU citizens should bring their EHIC card for access to public healthcare, but this doesn't cover everything. Non-EU visitors should definitely have comprehensive insurance. Beyond medical coverage, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft (very common in tourist areas), and emergency evacuation.
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