smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Spain
| Spain overall | This Advice is current for Saturday, 04 July 2009. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Terrorism (update) and Local Travel (Running of the Bulls). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Spain because of the risk of terrorism. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
In recent years, the Basque terrorist group 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.
ETA has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in Spain, including:
On 18 April 2009, French and Spanish Police arrested several members of ETA who were allegedly planning a new wave of attacks in Spain. Spanish security agencies expect ETA to launch further terrorist attacks.
Spain has also been the target of attacks by Islamic extremists. A series of well-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.
On 19 January 2008 in Barcelona, Spanish police arrested 14 people suspected of planning a Jihadist terrorist attack. In January and February 2009, there were further arrests of individuals suspected of being engaged in activities in support of Jihadist terrorist cells.
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.
Be aware that public demonstrations, particularly in the Basque Country, can spark violent incidents. You should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.
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 alleged 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.
Forest fires regularly occur during the summer months and have led to fatalities. If camping, ask the local authorities for advice on the fire danger.
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.
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. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you participate in this activity. You should check the details of your insurance policy before deciding whether to participate. For more information see our travel bulletin.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in travel advice.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
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.
Spain is located in an earthquake zone.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
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.
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.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Replacing a passport incurs an additional fee. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents 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.
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.
It is illegal to photograph military installations in Spain.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians 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 laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
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.
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 and carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza 09 in a number of countries throughout the world, including Spain. For a list of these countries, visit the WHO website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on H1N1 Influenza 09.
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.
In Spain, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
Level 24, Torre Espacio Building
Paseo de la Castellana, 259D
28046 Madrid, SPAIN
Telephone (34) 91 353 6600
Facsimile (34) 91 353 6692
Web : www.spain.embassy.gov.au
Limited consular assistance, which does not include the issue of Australian passports, may be obtained from the:
Australian Honorary Consulate
1st floor
Plaza Gala Placidia, No. 1-3
08006 Barcelona SPAIN
Telephone (34) 93 490 9013
Facsimile (34) 93 411 0904
Note : The Honorary Consulate in Seville ceased operations on 3 March 2009. Travellers in southern Spain should contact the Australian Embassy in Madrid for assistance.
If you are travelling to Spain, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
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.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
