Spain

   ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must have at least three months validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. Six months is recommended.
• Beginning November 10, 2024, the EU Entry/Exit system (EES) will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control in the EU/Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will be required to provide their passports as well as have a photo of their face taken and their fingerprints scanned each time they cross the external borders of a country in the EU. Everyone, regardless of age, will need to go through the EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints; however, they will still need to have a facial scan taken. Learn more at europa.eu/ees

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.
• Please note: Beginning in late 2026, all U.S. citizens traveling to the European Union (EU) will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization ahead of their departure through the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app. Applications costs EUR 7, though children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from paying the application fee. Approval will generally be delivered via email within minutes of submission.
  • Once approved, the ETIAS travel authorization will allow you to enter the EU as often as you want for short-term stays, normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The authorization is linked to your passport and is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

• Read more at: US Department of State Profile for Spain

LANGUAGE

• Spanish is the official language of Spain
• Catalan, Valencian, Galician, Basque, and Aranese are officially recognized for their regions. Other protected languages include Aragonese, Asturian, and Leonese.

CURRENCY

• The unit of currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR, €).
• Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards.
• Banks usually offer the best exchange rates. Normal banking hours are 8:30am to 2:00pm Monday through Friday, with some offering Thursday evening (4:00pm to 7:00pm) or Saturday morning (9:00am to 1:00pm) service.

TIME ZONE:

GMT +1 (+2 in Daylight Saving Time)

VOLTAGE:

230V, 50Hz

PLUG TYPE:

Spain uses Type F plugs.

IMPORT & EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

• Jewelry may not be exported unless declared on arrival.
• Visitors are allowed free export of moderate quantities of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
• If arriving from or traveling to another E.U. country, there are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency. If arriving from or traveling to a country outside the E.U., amounts exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 must be declared.

• For detailed import and export regulations, please consult the IATA Travel Centre.

   TRAVELERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

• No vaccinations are required to visit Spain.
• It is recommended that you are up to date on all routine vaccinations.

• Please visit the CDC.gov website for recommended immunizations to visit Spain.

OTHER SAFETY NOTES

• The Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization does not target foreigners, but be sure to monitor local developments and avoid all demonstrations.
• Spain has a moderate crime rate. As in most developed countries, typical criminal activities such as pick pocketing, mugging, and purse snatching do occur, and petty thieves are known to target tourists, especially at historic sites and on public transportation. Use common sense awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.
• If you are stopped by someone who claims to be a plainclothes police officer, ask to see their law enforcement identification.
• Do not leave drinks unattended.

LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

• When visiting churches or religious monuments, men and women should cover their shoulders and wear long pants or skirts.
• Locally owned businesses and shops usually close in the afternoon for a few hours for lunch and are also closed on Sundays.
• Most cities in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. You could be arrested or fined if you break the law.
• Spanish beaches allow topless sunbathing. Some beaches will also allow nude sunbathing.

   GRATUITIES

In Spain, tipping is not expected but when done, it is preferred in Euros (EUR, €).

Please remember, there is no obligation to tip and American standards for tipping are some of the highest in the world. The following list is only a suggestion for your convenience and may vary by itinerary. Amounts listed are per person, unless otherwise noted.

• Airport assistance: €5 per service
• Porters: €5 per trip
• Transfers: €5 per transfer
• Guide – full day: €25 per day
• Guide – half day: €15 per day
• Driver – full day: €15 per day
• Driver – half day: €10 per day
• Guide/driver – full day: €30 per day
• Guide/driver – half day: €20 per day
• Taxi drivers: Round up to the nearest whole Euro
• Restaurants: 10% of bill for excellent service. It is uncommon to tip for drinks in bars and nightclubs.

   WEATHER

Spain has a diverse climate due to its varied geography, encompassing coastal areas, mountains, and plateaus. Coastal areas generally experience milder temperatures and more moderate weather, while inland and southern regions can have hotter summers and colder winters. Additionally, Spain's islands, such as the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, may have different climate patterns.

Summer (June to August):

• Summers in Spain are typically hot, especially in inland and southern regions. Coastal areas tend to have milder temperatures. Inland temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), while coastal areas often range from 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F).

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn brings cooler temperatures, and it's a pleasant time to visit. Inland areas cool down, and temperatures range from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Coastal regions remain relatively mild.

Winter (December to February):

• Winters vary across regions. Inland and northern areas can be cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. Coastal areas have milder winters, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 18°C (46 to 64°F).

Spring (March to May):

• Spring is a mild and comfortable season. Inland temperatures start to rise, ranging from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Coastal areas are pleasant, with temperatures between 12 and 20°C (54 to 68°F). Spring is a good time to experience the blooming landscapes.