Spain

Spain officially the Kingdom of Spain (Spanish: Reino de España)

Spain

Spain

Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, includes 17 autonomous regions with diverse geography and cultures. Capital city Madrid is home to the Royal Palace and Prado museum, housing works by European masters.

British Consulate General Madrid

British Consulate General Madrid
Torre Espacio
Paseo de la Castellana, 259D
28046 Madrid, Spain
+34 917 14 63 00

British Consulate General Barcelona

British Consulate General Barcelona
Avinguda Diagonal, 477, 13ª
08036 Barcelona, Spain
+34 933 66 62 00

British Consulate Alicante

British Consulate Alicante
Edificio Espacio,
Rambla Méndez Núñez 28-32, 6ª planta,
03002 Alacant, Alicante, Spain
+34 965 21 60 22

Post-pandemic travel advice

Coronavirus has changed the way we view travel. Click here to read the latest safety tips and advice.

Details


Before visiting any country make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.

  • Ambulance: 061
  • Fire: 080
  • National Police: 091
  • Language: Spanish
  • Currency: Euro
  • Capital City: Madrid
  • Country Code: ES
  • Travel Visa: None required
  • Population: 47,190,493
  • Driving: Right hand side

Risk Level


Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;

Overall Risk 35%
Pickpickets 70%
Mugging 25%
Common Crimes 47%

Travellers Tips


Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.

Spain

  • What are the most common crimes in Spain?

    Pick pocketing

    A common crime in Spain, tourists can be easy targets so be discreet about the fact you are a visitor. They will also target people who are drunk or distracted so always be aware. Keep your valuables secure; if you’re male then the front pocket of your trousers will be far less accessible than the back pocket or your jacket pocket; if you’re female always wear your handbag facing front and kept against your chest, try not to keep your bag slung behind you.

    Three card monty

    One of the oldest con in the book, whether it’s played with 3 cards or with 3 cups and a pea. Nobody ever wins. When you see someone winning you are looking at one of the conman’s friends. He’ll have several, and every now and again one will win a lot of money, this convinces the mark that the game is one that can be won. Even stopping to watch the game makes you a mark, because you’ll find yourself in a small compressed bunch of people, and it’s easy to pick-pocket anyone when others are pressed against them.

  • What are the top safety tips for Spain?

    Pick pocketing

    A common scam in tourist areas is people dropping things close to you, if you help by picking them up be aware as they might try to take your valuables. Also avoid talking to strangers or anyone looking suspicious who approaches you, it could be a distraction whilst someone else grabs your wallet, phone or camera.

    Car theft

    Theft from motor vehicles is also common, for car radios, and anything of value. Be aware if you hire a car or self drive not to leave valuables in the car or anything on display.

    Your baggage

    Baggage may be stolen if you leave it unattended in hotels, stations, airports, so always be aware of your belongings. Make sure they are clearly marked so you know they are yours at a glance.

  • What is the best time to travel to Spain?

    Summer is the main tourist season for holiday makers, although the weather can be very mild during the winters.

    Spring: 18

    Summer: 32

    Autumn: 20

    Winter: 10

  • What are the customs and traditions in Spain?

    Kissing

    Female friends kiss one another, and men on both cheeks (starting with the left), whereas men shake hands and close friends embrace.

    Language

    “Con permiso?” should be used to say “excuse me” when you need to pass someone. “mucho gusto” – nice to meet you. If you do not understand something – always use “Mande?”, instead of “Que?”

    Three Wise Men

    Spain celebrates the feast of the Three Wise Men as a part of the Christmas holiday. There are parades in the streets and parties where the three wise men feature and give gifts to the local children.

    New Year’s Day

    The grapes of luck. This is part of the New Year’s celebrations in Spain, just before the stroke of midnight all friends gather together in front of the television with twelve grapes, one to eaten at each stroke so they will be lucky for the coming year. When they finish, they open a bottle of champagne and toast the New Year giving two kisses to everybody.

Improve Your Safety

Knowledge The more you have the better equipped you are.

Research is always number one. Any place you choose to visit usually has something about it that makes us want to find out more, ultimately the more you know the better your experience.

Awareness The more you see the safer you become.

Armed with the knowledge of the possible risks, common crimes and safety advice, your raised awareness and enables you to spot possible hazardous situations before they unfold.

Response The right reaction can change a situation.

How you handle a situation is very important and can dramatically change the outcome. If you have recognised the potential dangers early enough it will give you time to process and decide on the best course of action… Find Out More

For more country specific travel & safety information, please visit the Travel Aware website by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Towns & Cities

  • Church and tower in the sunset

    Seville

    Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It’s famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood. The Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and a minaret turned bell tower, the Giralda.

    Read more
  • Beige cityscape

    Valencia

    The port city of Valencia lies on the southeastern coast of Spain, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. Valencia is best known for great beaches and its fantastic City of Arts and Sciences.

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  • Busy street in Madrid

    Madrid

    Madrid is Spain’s central capital city. Elegant boulevards and expansive manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro are just a sample of what the city has to offer. 

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  • Birdseye view of Barcelona cityscape

    Barcelona

    Best known for its art and architecture, Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. The incredible Sagrada Família church and other landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí.

    Read more