Spain continues to be a popular destination for international travel, with no COVID-19 entry restrictions for non-essential travelers and no requirements for health certificates or negative tests according to Genuine Andalusia and Alandis Travel. While the country is open and ready to welcome visitors, listeners should be aware that the Spanish government maintains a public alert system for terrorism, placing the national terrorism threat at level 4, which is considered high on a five-point scale, as reported by Travel.gc.ca and Travel State.gov. The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to Spain to exercise increased caution due to the continued risk of terrorism and civil unrest.

Recent news highlights the need for vigilance, particularly in public places and during large events, celebrations, and religious holidays, as these have previously been targeted for attacks. Italy has also recently issued an urgent travel advisory for Spain, citing heightened security threats and changes in e-visa policy, reflecting growing concerns among European governments. Local protests and strikes—like taxi driver demonstrations in Valencia or ongoing healthcare strikes in Navarre—can cause disruptions to travel and healthcare service, so listeners should monitor local news and plan alternate routes when visiting these regions, as noted by SafeAbroad.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots, so increased caution with valuables is recommended by Travel.gc.ca and GOV.UK. Theft from parked and rental vehicles is also reported frequently; listeners are advised to use secure parking, avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, and be particularly vigilant in service areas on coastal highways.

Safety around beaches and water activities demands attention. The flag system is used to indicate water conditions: green for safe, yellow for caution, red for danger, and black for contamination. Listeners should obey local warnings, avoid swimming during severe weather, and be cautious of strong undercurrents and hidden rocks. Each year, drownings occur in the sea and pools, so children must always be supervised.

Health precautions remain important. No COVID documentation is needed, but standard hygiene measures such as regular hand washing and mask-wearing in crowded spaces are still encouraged in some places. When consuming food or water, safety remains paramount—boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it. Use insect repellent when in rural areas, conduct tick checks after outdoor activities, and avoid contact with wild or stray animals to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.

Travelers from outside the EU should also be aware of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). Non-EU nationals, including U.S. citizens, now register at borders with fingerprinting and photographs, which could mean longer wait times. The ETIAS travel authorization system is set to become mandatory for U.S. travelers entering Spain from late 2026, so listeners should watch for further official announcements regarding its implementation.

Driving in Spain requires full compliance with traffic laws—seatbelt use is compulsory for all passengers, hands-free devices must be used for mobile phones, and specific child seat regulations apply. Fines are imposed for violations, and payment within 20 days reduces the penalty by half.

In summary, Spain is open and welcoming to visitors, but travelers should remain vigilant about terrorism, petty crime, and safety in both urban and rural environments. Listeners should heed official advice during protests or public events, take precautions with personal health and safety, and stay informed about new border registration requirements.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI