Useful information before traveling to Spain

Spain is part of the European Union and therefore there are no particular bureaucratic formalities to enter this country. A valid identity document such as an ID card or passport is sufficient and no visa or permit is required. Minors must travel accompanied and carry an individual document.

If you want to rent a car, you should also bring your driving licence, but remember that this is not considered valid ID, so you will still need to have an ID card or passport.

If you arrive in your own car you will also need to have your insurance documents (a policy from an EU country is also valid in Spain); if you do not own the car it is advisable to have a written authorisation from the owner with a notarised signature authorising you to use it.

EU residents travelling temporarily to Spain for tourism, work or study are entitled to free health care in local public facilities, with the same health benefits as Spanish citizens; however, you must carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), commonly called the health card.

The health card does not cover orthodontic treatment, relocation and repatriation costs, and is also not valid if you are travelling to receive specific medical treatment. It is not accepted by private facilities, so we recommend that you take outtravel insurance for Spain.

Vaccinations

There is no compulsory vaccination for travelling to Spain.

The free telephone number for emergencies is 112, valid throughout Spain. Operators answer in Spanish and, in tourist areas, also in English, French and German.

Spain follows the Central European time zone.

There are several official languages in Spain. The language that everyone calls ‘Spanish’ is Castellano, spoken throughout the country. The other official languages are Catalan in Barcelona and throughout Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencian Community and a variety of Catalan in the Balearic Islands.

The international telephone code for Spain is 0034. To telephone from your country to Spain, simply add this prefix to the number you wish to call. Remember that this also applies if you are already in Spain but are calling from a mobile phone registered in your country.

The voltage in Spain is 220 volts and 50 hertz alternating current. If you are travelling with devices equipped with a three-pole electrical socket, we recommend that you equip yourself with a three-pole to two-pole adapter before entering Spain.

Good news: Spain is one of the countries that first joined the Euro and therefore you will not be forced to change money during your holiday. A nice convenience!

Shops in Spain are generally open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.00 pm; shopping centres and department stores are open from 10 am to 9 pm or 10 pm. These are approximate times, which may vary depending on location and season.

Public holidays that are observed throughout the country are:

• 1 January, New Year’s Day
• 6 January, Epiphany
• 13 April, Maundy Thursday (throughout Spain, except in Catalonia)
• 14 April, Good Friday
• 1 May, Labour Day
• 15 August, Assumption (August bank holiday)
• 12 October, Spanish National Day
• 1 November, All Saints’ Day
• 6 December, Spanish Constitution Day
• 8 December, Immaculate Conception
• 25 December, Christmas

There are additional holidays that vary according to location.

Spain is a fairly safe country, with a crime rate in the European average, but unfortunately incidents of theft and pickpocketing are very frequent. Pay particular attention to handbags and wallets and never leave valuables unattended.

In Spain, smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including transport, and in some outdoor spaces such as children’s play areas and health centre courtyards. Hotels may have smoking rooms, but they must be in separate areas and have an independent ventilation system.

For information on the climate in Spain and a weather forecast for the next few days, please visit the Spain Weather page or, if your holiday is spent entirely in the capital and its surroundings, the Madrid Weather page.