Entry Requirements and Visas
Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement, which means entry requirements depend largely on your nationality. Citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland do not need visas and may stay up to 90 days with only a valid ID card or passport. Citizens of Andorra may enter and reside in Spain indefinitely without a visa.
For other nationalities, visa requirements vary. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Seychelles are permitted to stay visa-free for 90 days and may work during this period. Other nationalities should check specific requirements for their country before traveling.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will almost certainly need to arrange a visa in advance. For stays exceeding 6 months, you must obtain a residence permit (Titulo de Residencia) within the first 30 days of entering Spain.
Note that EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals under 18 traveling without their parents are required to carry written parental consent.
Money, Currency, and Typical Costs
Spain uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. As a developed EU country with an advanced economy, Spain offers a wide range of accommodation, dining, and activity options at varying price points. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Tourist areas, particularly along the coast and in popular destinations, will have higher prices than less-visited regions.
It's advisable to have a mix of payment methods. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and established businesses, but smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas may prefer cash. ATMs are readily available in urban areas for withdrawing euros.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Spain is generally a safe destination for travelers. All emergencies can be reported by calling 112, a toll-free number available throughout the country.
Spain has four types of police. Within cities, report crimes to the Policía Nacional (National Police), who wear dark blue uniforms with blue caps. The Policía Municipal or Local police (called Guardia Urbana in Barcelona) wear black or blue clothes with pale blue shirts and help maintain order within cities; while they cannot directly process crime reports, they will escort you to the National Police if needed. The Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) maintains order outside cities and along highways, identifiable by their plain green military-style uniforms. Finally, there are specialized police forces for specific purposes.
Health
Spain has modern healthcare facilities and a well-developed medical system. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare on the same terms as Spanish residents. Travel insurance is still recommended, particularly if you plan to use private medical services or need evacuation.
Pharmacies (farmacias) are common throughout towns and cities and can provide advice for minor health issues. Prescription medications you take regularly should be brought in their original containers, and it's helpful to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
Staying Connected
Spain has good mobile coverage and several major telecommunications providers. If you plan to use your phone extensively, you can purchase a local SIM card from any provider. Most urban areas, towns, and tourist destinations have reliable internet connectivity. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in cities and towns.
International roaming charges apply if you use your home country's SIM card, so a local SIM card is usually more economical for extended stays. Mobile data plans are competitively priced and easy to set up with minimal paperwork.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Spanish culture values personal warmth and social interaction. When meeting people, a handshake is standard in formal settings, while friends and acquaintances may greet with one or two kisses on the cheek. It's polite to use titles and surnames until invited to do otherwise.
Meal times differ from many other countries. Lunch (almuerzo) is typically the largest meal and often taken between 1 PM and 3 PM, while dinner (cena) is usually eaten later in the evening, often after 8 PM or 9 PM. Restaurants may not serve dinner until 7 or 8 PM. The tradition of a siesta, or afternoon rest, is still observed in some areas, with some businesses closing for a few hours midday.
Dress codes are generally relaxed in casual settings, though Spaniards tend to dress neatly in urban areas. At restaurants and bars, casual dress is acceptable unless the establishment specifies otherwise. When visiting religious sites like churches or cathedrals, dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees.
Tipping is not obligatory in Spain, though leaving a small amount (5-10%) for good service is appreciated in restaurants and bars. Service is usually included in the bill. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is customary.
Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is appreciated by locals, even if your Spanish is limited. While English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities, rural areas and smaller towns may have limited English speakers, so carrying a phrasebook or translation app is helpful.