Travel Insurance Direct

Summary

• We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions.

• Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

• The Spanish Government’s threat alert level indicates a ‘probable risk’ of a terrorist attack in Spain.

• In 2010 and 2011, the US Government warned its citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe, including on public transport and tourist infrastructure. A number of terrorist attacks on passenger railway systems, aviation interests, including passenger terminals, and other places frequented by travellers have occurred in Europe. In recent years these types of attacks have occurred in Moscow, London, Madrid and Glasgow. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services recently, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking such locations.

• Over the past year, the Canary Island of ‘El Hierro’ has experienced increased seismic activity. Three small-scale underwater eruptions occurred on 10 and 12 October 2011 near the town of La Restinga. Local authorities have since evacuated La Restinga and restricted access to the waters around it. Travellers should exercise caution on the island and follow the advice of local authorities. For further information and updates on the seismic activity see the Canary Government's website (in Spanish).

• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy

  • register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency

  • subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

Entry and exit

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Spain for the most up to date information.

Spain is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 24 other European countries, which allows you to enter Spain without a visa in some circumstances. See our travel bulletin on the Schengen Convention for more information.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Safety and security

Terrorism

We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

The Spanish Government’s threat alert level indicates a ‘probable risk’ of a terrorist attack in Spain.

In 2010 and 2011, the US Government warned its citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe, including on public transport and tourist infrastructure. A number of terrorist attacks on passenger railway systems, aviation interests, including passenger terminals, and other places frequented by travellers have occurred in Europe. In recent years these types of attacks have occurred in Moscow, London, Madrid and Glasgow. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services recently, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking such locations.

The Basque terrorist group ETA has waged a terrorist campaign in Spain for five decades. On 20 October 2011, ETA announced a “definitive cessation of armed activity”. However, the group remains armed and has broken ceasefire agreements previously.

In recent years, ETA has targeted Spanish tourist destinations, including coastal resorts and transport hubs such as airports, seaports, train stations and motorways. Government infrastructure and interests have also been targeted, including the police and civil guard.

Attacks by ETA have not focussed on any particular city or region and travellers should therefore exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety in all parts of Spain. Disruption to travel plans may be a consequence of a real or hoax terrorist attack. A bombing which occurred on 30 July 2009 in Mallorca resulted in the temporary closure of transport in and out of the island. In the event of a terrorist attack, you should follow the advice of police and other local authorities.

Spain has also been the target of attacks by Islamic extremists. A series of coordinated bomb attacks occurred on the Madrid commuter train system in March 2004, killing 192 people and injuring over 1400. In April 2004, an explosive device was found on train tracks between Madrid and Seville and defused by authorities. A number of Islamic extremists have been tried in connection with the bomb attacks.

In response to terrorist attacks, both by ETA and Islamic extremists, the Spanish Government has increased security on Spain's transport systems and in key tourist areas. However, further attacks could occur at any time and in places frequented by expatriates and tourists.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil unrest/political tension

Demonstrations and strikes occur in Spain and they can disrupt traffic and public transport services, including air and train services, leading to delays and cancellations. In Madrid, recent demonstrations have occurred in Puerta del Sol and other tourist areas. Demonstrations in the Basque Country can spark violent incidents. You should avoid all demonstrations as they may turn violent and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is particularly common in tourist areas and on public transport in large Spanish cities, especially Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. The perpetrators are often highly skilled at stealing valuables, including passports and money, without attracting the owner's attention.

Thieves often work in gangs and use various ploys to distract the attention of tourists. For example, a criminal may use large maps or offers of assistance to distract a traveller's attention, while an accomplice steals the traveller's belongings. Thieves have posed as plain clothes police officers and, while pretending to enquire after identification, have stolen money and credit cards from tourists' wallets. Tourists are sometimes intimidated into providing the pin number for their ATM card.

Incidents of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, have been reported.

Thieves commonly target motorists. They might try to convince you to pull over because of an apparent problem with your vehicle, or offer assistance to change a slashed or flat tyre. While one assists you, an accomplice steals from the car. Cars with foreign number plates are often targeted. Thieves have also broken into caravans and motor homes, particularly in public parking areas.

There are a number of elaborate scam operations based in Spain. Travellers should be cautious about travelling to Spain in response to a letter advising of a sudden financial windfall. Inheritance scams and Spanish lottery scams are the most common form, but other scams also operate in Spain. Inheritance scams typically involve receipt of a message, purporting to be from a lawyer in Spain, informing an Australian that they have received a substantial inheritance from a previously unknown relative who died in Spain. Scam lotteries based in Spain claim to represent Spanish state lotteries. If you receive unexpected correspondence from Spain asserting a financial windfall you should look carefully into the claim before sending money or travelling to Spain.

If you have been a victim of a Spanish lottery scam, we recommend against travel to Spain to seek restitution. Instead, obtain legal advice. Further information is available from the Spanish Lottery Scam web page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Money and valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Credit card and ATM fraud, often involving sophisticated equipment, is increasing in Spain. You are advised to use ATMs located in the bank lobby wherever possible.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Local travel

Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, aggressive driving practices and excessive speed. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety. Australian tourists driving in Spain are required by law to carry their valid Australian State or Territory Driver Licence, as well as an International Driver Licence.

The annual Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona in July. Participating in the running of the bulls is dangerous. Each year, some participants are seriously injured and there have been numerous deaths associated with this event. Some Australians jump off fountains during the festivities in Pamplona. This activity has resulted in severe injuries and death. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you participate in the running of the bulls or jumping from fountains. You should carefully check the details of your insurance policy.

During summer some areas of Spain, including the Balearic Island of Ibiza, are popular party destinations. We recommend you read our travel bulletin 'Partying Overseas' for tips on partying safely.

Airline safety

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Laws

When you are in Spain, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Police officers may request to see identification. Police can detain you at a police station until your identity is confirmed. You should carry ID, for example your passport, at all times.

It is illegal to photograph military installations in Spain.

It is a legal requirement for vehicles to be equipped with two red warning triangles and a reflective jacket to be used in an accident or breakdown. Drivers who do not have these items may be fined. When renting a vehicle, you should check with the rental company about traffic regulations and safety equipment.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Information for dual nationals

Spain does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Spanish dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We strongly recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Health

On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website.

The Spanish Ministry of Health recommends that tourists travelling to Spain who become ill with flu-like symptoms telephone the Spanish Emergency Services Hotline 112. English speaking personnel will be able to provide assistance over the telephone and advice on how to proceed.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Spain is high.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to get help

In Spain, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy, Madrid

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

Additional information

Natural disasters, severe weather and climate

Over the past year, the Canary Island of ‘El Hierro’ has experienced increased seismic activity. Three small-scale underwater eruptions occurred on 10 and 12 October 2011 near the town of La Restinga. Local authorities have since evacuated La Restinga and restricted access to the waters around it. Travellers should exercise caution on the island and follow the advice of local authorities. For further information and updates on the seismic activity see the Canary Government's website (in Spanish).

Spain experiences extreme storms from time to time, particularly along the northern coast and islands. Northern areas can also be affected by heavy snows during the winter months.

Forest fires can occur in Spain, especially in the summer months (June to August). During the 2009 summer, fires in the regions of Aragon, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Murcia and many other Spanish regions, claimed a number of lives and caused extensive property damage. The risk of fire is heightened in rural areas and strict penalties apply for any actions that could start a fire. If camping, ask the local authorities for advice on the fire danger.

Earthquakes can occur in Spain and may cause property damage .

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.