Generally, Spain is a safe place for travelers. With some local help, we put together this guide to staying safe in Spain. It covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers!
For everything from safety tips to restaurant recommendations, work with a local to plan your trip. They'll introduce you to a side of Spain that most tourists miss. Learn more.
So, when will Spain be safe for travel?
Here's the latest:
October 26th: American citizens are not permitted to enter Spain unless they meet specific requirements.
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Generally, Spain is considered to be a safe place to visit. In fact, Spain ranks as one of the top 10% of the safest countries in the world.
Locals tell us that you should exercise the same kind of caution you would anywhere else. This is especially true in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or any other high-traffic area. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings—just like you would do at home.
Generally, Spain is a safe to place to visit. However, given that Spain is filled with travelers the country also attracts a lot of pickpockets. Locals say they tend to strike in crowded places like bus and train stations.
Our locals recommend keeping your extra cash, credit cards, and passport locked in your hotel safe. Only take what you need when you’re out and about.
Use local insights to stay safe. These are some common scams that our locals recommend you watch out for:
This scam is commonly known as the “shell game”. A seated performer will put a ball, pea, or other small objects under a cup or shell, mix the cups or shells around, and ask you to bet which one contains the object. It’s rigged, and you won't win. More importantly, though, it makes the spectators easy targets—while they’re concentrating on following the shells, they’re not concentrating on watching their stuff.
In this scam, a Roma (gypsy) woman will offer you a small rosemary plant as a “gift”. Often, she’ll also grab your palm to read your fortune. While you’re distracted, someone may pick your pockets. Or, if she’s working alone, she’ll simply demand money for her “service”.
Because of the coronavirus, the US State Department has given Spain a Level 3 Travel Advisory—which recommendeds that Americans reconsider travel.
Before the pandemic, the State Department gave Spain a "Level 2" safety rating—the same as the U.K. and France.
Public transportation in Spain is really safe and reliable.
Locals tell us that buses, trains, and metros are the best ways to get around Spain. However, they note that you should keep your wits about you when you’re in a crowd—pickpockets will use the close quarters to try to grab your belongings.
It can be overwhelming to figure out transportation in a new country. So take the stress out of travel planning—our locals will provide detailed transit instructions (and ideas for what to do once you arrive in your destination).
If you find yourself on the metro at night, avoid riding in an empty carriage.
All tap water in Spain is safe to drink—but as with any place where you’re not used to the water, you will have to get used to the taste. You may notice a chlorine-like aftertaste in some coastal areas of Spain.
To travel in a more sustainable way, invest in a filtered water bottle that you can carry with you instead of buying bottled water.
Lying on the beach is one of the more popular things to do in Spain, but locals say to keep a couple of things in mind. The Mediterranean coast is hot and sunstroke is a real concern. Stay hydrated and don’t overdo it with the sangria. Our locals note you should be aware of the flag systems at the beaches:
The best beaches sport blue flags—that means they meet the highest standards of international health and safety.
Spain is a great place for solo female travelers. To stay safe as a solo traveler, locals recommend:
No one knows a place like the locals do. Our locals in Spain can explain how they stay safe in their hometown.
Here are some emergency numbers to know in case you run into trouble:
Our locals are also available with phone support in case you need them.