Demonstrations
Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain.
Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Spanish Government’s national anti-terror alert level is currently at level four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.
As terrorists could attempt further attacks, and such attacks could include places visited by foreigners, Irish citizens are advised to increase their security awareness and exercise heightened caution. In the event of any security incident, you should follow the instructions of the local police and your tour operator.
Safety on Balconies
There have been a number of serious accidents in recent years involving falls from balconies. Several of these have resulted in the death or serious injury of an Irish citizen. It is important to exercise caution when using hotel and apartment balconies, particularly if you have consumed alcohol or drugs, and to avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you suffer a balcony fall while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurance company may refuse to cover any resultant costs. You should also be aware that the Spanish authorities may impose fines on those engaged in risky behaviour on balconies, including climbing over them or jumping from them. Children should always be supervised when on or near a balcony.
Water Safety
There can be risks associated with water activities. Sadly, each year people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain. Always make sure to take sensible precautions when swimming or enjoying water activities. Closely supervise children in or around any body of water at all times.
Spanish beaches can have strong undercurrents, hidden rocks, or shallow depths. Do not dive into unknown water. In Spain, many beaches have a flag system. It is important that you understand the system and follow any warnings.
Water Safety Ireland provide comprehensive guidance on pool safety, beach safety, safe swimming tips, water sports and more. Before you travel, familiarise yourself with the advice from Water Safety Ireland.
Crime
Most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime. However, given the very high number of holidaymakers that visit Spain, additional security measures are rolled out in public areas at peak times, such as during the summer and at Christmas. You should be aware that in areas such as airports, bus stations, railway stations, tourist areas and major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there is a much higher risk of pickpocketing and muggings. We advise you to take basic precautions:
- Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets, passport and money together in the same place, for example your luggage or bag. Leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary, and consider carrying your Passport Card. Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as cafes, train and bus stations, bars, restaurants, etc.
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible
Petty Crime
Be vigilant about petty crime: many of the cases we encounter involve stolen passports and credit cards.
In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you so that an accomplice can rob you more easily.
Road Crime
Always be cautious when approached by anyone claiming to be a police officer, either in plain clothes or travelling in unmarked vehicles.
In all traffic matters, police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window, which reads ‘Policía’ or ‘Guardia Civil’, and normally have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights.
In non-traffic matters, police officers may be in plain clothes. However, you have the right to ask a police officer to identify themselves. Also, a genuine police officer will not request that you hand over your bag or wallet. If they ask you for identification, show them photographic ID such as your passport, Passport Card or driver's licence. If in any doubt, you should converse through the car window and contact the Spanish authorities on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.
Vehicle Crime
Theft from vehicles is common in Spain. Remember to keep your doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight while driving.
Be aware of 'highway pirates' who target foreign-registered and rental cars. There have been reports of such activity in the vicinity of airports, in particular. Some will try to make you stop, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. In some cases, they will even deliberately orchestrate a collision in order to get you to stop and exit your car, before stealing personal belongings from you.
If you decide to stop to check the condition of your/their vehicle, try to stop in an area with lights and people, such as a service station, and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.
Date Rape Drugs
The Spanish authorities have warned of date rape drugs, including GBH and liquid ecstasy, being used. Don’t inadvertently lower your alertness to these risks simply because you are on holiday.
Police
There are two main police forces in Spain:
- The Policía Nacional (National Police) is the nationwide metropolitan police agency of Spain. It deals with criminal, judicial, terrorism and immigration matters. They can be contacted by dialling 091.
- The Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) operates mainly in rural areas. It has both military and civilian functions. They can be contacted by dialling 062.
There are also regional police forces in the Basque Country (‘Ertzaintza’), Catalonia (‘Mossos d’Esquadra’), and Navarra (‘Policía Foral’).
In most urban areas, there is the Policía Local (dial 092), which is responsible for traffic inside the cities and minor crime.
Reporting a Crime
If you’re a victim of a crime while in Spain, report it to the local police immediately by calling the emergency services on 112 - responding operators all speak English.
Make sure you get a copy of the ‘denuncia’ (police report) when you report the crime. For example, if you’ve had belongings stolen, you’ll need the police report for insurance purposes. If your passport is lost or stolen, keep the police report for your insurance claim, to apply for an emergency travel certificate and to apply for a replacement passport when you return to Ireland.
Making a Police Report
You can make a police report either:
1. In person: At the nearest police station. English language interpreters are not always available at short notice so you should consider bringing a Spanish-speaking person with you.
2. Online: You can also make a police report online. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person.
Some Spanish cities have a Police Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (‘Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero – SATE’) where crimes can be reported in English.
Driving
You drive on the right in Spain. The rules of the road in Spain are broadly similar to those in Ireland, and roads are modern and well maintained. Traffic is faster-paced than in Ireland and driving customs are different. You should exercise particular caution while driving at night. If you want to drive:
- Bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
- Be aware of Spain’s traffic laws, such as speed limits
- Wear your seatbelts at all times, in front and back seats
- Children under 135cm in height must use an approved child safety seat secured on the rear seats of the vehicle;
- Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights
- The use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device can result in a fine and driving ban while in Spain
- You must wear a reflective vest and use a reflective triangle warning signs if you need to stop at the roadside
If Travelling between Gibraltar and Spain
Vehicles (both cars and motorcycles) may experience significant delays when entering Spain from Gibraltar and sometimes vice versa. Take water and extra food with you during the hot summer months and wear warm clothing in winter. It is possible to park cars in La Línea in Spain and walk across the border, and this can help to avoid the worst of the queues. While parking in La Línea immediately next to the border incurs charges, check for free parking throughout the town and next to the stadium (this is an extra kilometre of walking). This also has the advantage of avoiding Gibraltar's complex one way system, very narrow streets, and limited parking.
For the latest information on the waiting time for the queue to leave Gibraltar, you can call +350 200 42777.
Hiring a Vehicle
If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Driving an HGV
Lorry drivers should be aware that fines relating to tachometer and other irregularities are strictly enforced by the Spanish police. These fines are very severe and must be paid either on the spot or by bank transfer. The latter can be done directly or by the haulage company’s Spanish agent, if they have one. Once payment is made, the vehicle will be allowed to continue. A form for appeal is given with the receipt.
