What’s not to love about Spain? The food, culture, and friendly people make visiting such a beautiful country high on the bucket list for many travelers. Before you start planning your dream vacation though, it’s best you become familiar with the current travel requirements, safety guidelines, and recommendations for a safe and stress-free trip to Spain.
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Jumping Ahead
Can you Currently Travel to Spain?
Yes, you can currently travel to Spain! With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities, Spain welcomes tourists while maintaining health and safety measures. Just be sure to check the specific links below for any changes to entry requirements or local guidelines below to ensure your trip goes on without a hitch.
Spain Travel Entry Information
Use the links below to find up-to-date information for Spain from trusted sources to help you assess risks and better plan your vacation.
CDC Health Advisory
You can use this resource to find regular updates on health safety events at your destination and how you can best prepare.
US State Department Travel Advisory
Find out if there’s a current travel advisory at your destination so you can plan a safe journey.
US State Department Fact Sheet
Use this resource to find up-to-date information on the relationship between the U.S. and Spain.
STEP Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free resource to connect you to the U.S. Embassy in Spain in an emergency.
Other Non-COVID Risks
Be aware of any other travel risks when visiting Spain as you plan your vacation.
Is Spain Safe to Travel to?
Spain is generally safe for travelers, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid high-risk areas. We’ll go through this in more detail below as well as local customs and which areas are better to visit from a safety standpoint.
Spain Travel Safety Tips
Petty Crime & Pickpocketing
One of the biggest concerns when visiting Spain is petty crime, particularly pickpocketing. This can typically occur in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and markets. Staying aware, undistracted, and keeping your personal items secure can help mitigate this risk.
Here are some details on areas in Spain known to have higher rates of theft. You don’t have to avoid these locations, but be extra aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.
Barcelona: Theft occurs particularly in tourist hotspots like La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and around major attractions such as Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Valencia: Be extra cautious around the Central Market and the area around the City of Arts and Sciences.
Nightlife Districts
It’s wise to be cautious in nightlife districts, where alcohol-related incidents can happen. If you are going out, be sure it’s with a group of people you know. Drink responsibly, never put your drink down, and avoid wandering at night.
Local Emergency Resources
It’s best to have the local emergency phone numbers and other health services easily accessible on your phone. That way, if you do encounter a rare emergency, you know who to reach out to. The general emergency number in Spain is 112 used to dial for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
Pro Tip: Buying travel insurance can get you access to 24/7 emergency assistance to locate safe spaces, medical facilities, and translation services. Just another reason to protect your trip with travel insurance!
Safest Areas in Spain
While you may have heard that some of the cities below have higher risks of crime and pickpocketing, they remain must-visit tourist destinations. To help you enjoy your trip with peace of mind, we’ve highlighted safer areas within these popular areas that are perfect for your exploration.
San Sebastián
Renowned for its stunning beaches and culinary scene, San Sebastián is considered one of the safest cities in Spain. The city has a friendly atmosphere and strong community presence that make it a welcoming destination for visitors.
Valldemossa (Mallorca)
This picturesque village is known for its tranquility and safety. With a small population and a close-knit community, Valldemossa offers a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Mallorca without safety concerns.
Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)
While some parts of Barcelona can be prone to pickpocketing, the Gothic Quarter is generally safe, especially during the day. Its charming, narrow streets are filled with shops and cafes. The presence of local residents and tourists contributes to a lively, secure environment.
Malaga City Center
The city center of Malaga boasts a low crime rate and is well-patrolled by police. Its pedestrian-friendly streets, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions create a safe and enjoyable environment for tourists.
Cultural Tips To Note When Visiting Spain
Keeping some general cultural tips in mind allows you to better navigate Spain and enjoy a richer travel experience. Here are a few of our top tips for travelers visiting Spain.
Embrace the Siesta: Many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon for a siesta, typically from 2 PM to 5 PM. Plan your activities accordingly to enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Dining Etiquette: Spaniards typically eat dinner late, often after 9 PM. When dining out, it’s common to share dishes, so consider ordering tapas to experience a variety of flavors.
Greetings Matter: A friendly greeting goes a long way. Use a handshake or a light kiss on both cheeks when meeting someone, and always say “Hola” (hello) to start conversations.
Dress Appropriately: Spaniards take pride in their appearance. Aim for smart-casual attire, especially when dining out or visiting religious sites.
Is Spain family-friendly?
Yes, Spain is welcoming of families visiting and is full of fun and adventure for children of all ages. Check out the recommendations for accommodations and activities! Don’t forget to check out our other destination travel safety guides.
Tour/Excursion Recommendations
Check out these well-rated tours and excursions to immerse yourself in the culture of Spain. There are so many things and places to see when in Spain! Be sure to check out any local events that might be going on at your destination.
Popular Hotel Recommendations
There are so many beautiful accommodations in Spain to enjoy –this resource will bring you to reviews of them from others like you.
Don’t Forget About Spain Travel Insurance!
While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for entering Spain, it’s a smart choice in today’s unpredictable travel landscape. Unexpected situations can arise—like falling ill, experiencing flight delays, or getting your belongings stolen—that could disrupt your plans. Yonder Travel Insurance offers policies that can safeguard you and your trip costs against these unforeseen events.
Here are the top benefits our travel insurance experts recommend when taking a trip to Spain.
Trip Cancellation Coverage: This protects your prepaid expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies.
Medical Coverage: Ensure you have coverage for medical emergencies, including hospital stays and treatment.
Pro Tip: Most health insurance in the US doesn’t provide coverage in international locations, so it’s important to be covered against medical woes during international travel.
Emergency Evacuation: This benefit is crucial for covering costs associated with emergency medical evacuations. They can cost upwards of $50,000 –not ideal for your travel budget if you end up needing emergency care during your trip.
Travel Delay Benefits: This covers additional expenses incurred due to flight delays, such as accommodation and meals. That way, you won’t be dipping into your travel budget for costs you didn’t plan for.
Baggage or Personal Items Loss: Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items provides peace of mind while exploring Spain.
Enjoy your Spanish adventure with confidence, knowing that if things don’t go as planned, Yonder has your back. Get a travel insurance quote today and travel with peace of mind!
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance.
Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
Tags: travel safety
