COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Spain due to the ongoing threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4). 

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Spain

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Spain and across Europe. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. Spanish authorities continue to report the disruption of planned attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.

On 17 - 18 August 2017, two terrorist related incidents occurred in Las Ramblas, Barcelona, and Cambrils, approximately 120kms southwest of Barcelona. These events resulted in a number of fatalities and injuries.

The Spanish government maintains a national terrorism alert level in response to terrorist attacks in Europe and elsewhere, as well as information held by its security agencies.  The current alert level is available on the Spanish Interior Ministry's website  (in Spanish).

The Basque terrorist organisation Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) announced a ‘definitive cessation of armed activity’ in October 2011, and a full disarmament took place in April 2017. ETA announced its full dissolution effective from 2 May 2018. 

New Zealanders in Spain are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places, particularly at tourist sites, shopping areas and transport hubs, such as airports and railway stations.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching and pick pocketing is common in Spain, and is particularly common in tourist areas and on public transport, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Foreign tourists are targeted by professional thieves in Spain, and this regularly includes New Zealanders. We advise New Zealanders in Spain to maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure personal belongings. You may wish to leave your passport and other valuables in a secure place and instead carry a photocopy of your document.

There are a wide variety of scams in operation, involving various forms of distraction to tourists while they are being pickpocketed. These distractions can be elaborate and involve accomplices. For example, an accomplice will “accidentally” dirty your clothing by spilling coffee or food on you to allow a seemingly helpful bystander to offer assistance in cleaning it while they pick the pockets of your clothing. Bags, wallets and purses are frequently stolen from restaurants, street side tables, and other crowded locations, such as beaches.

Thieves have been known to pose as police officers, asking to see wallets for identification purposes – if approached by someone claiming to be a police officer we recommend you show only your ID and not your wallet or other valuables. Thieves have also been known to target hotel rooms and safes.

Thieves are known to target motorists, especially in rental cars. Service stations are a popular area for thieves and they may try to convince you there is damage to the car, or in some cases, tourists have had their cars physically damaged e.g. punctured tyres – then had their belongings stolen whilst investigating. New Zealanders are advised to be wary of anyone who approaches or offers assistance and if you decide to stop and get out of the car to investigate, we advise you to lock all the doors and keep valuables in a safe place.

The Spanish Police provide information and helpful tips for tourists here:

• Tourist Attention Service
• Safety Tips for Tourists

The New Zealand Embassy website  provides advice on what to do if your New Zealand passport is lost or stolen.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations occur regularly throughout Spain and can disrupt traffic and transport, leading to delays and the cancellation of services. There have previously been large gatherings of people in Barcelona and other areas of the Catalonia region in relation to the political developments there. While the majority are largely peaceful some protests can become violent with little warning, including instances of arson and vandalism. New Zealanders in Spain are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protests. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media.

General Travel Advice
Keep your passport in a safe place and only carry a photocopy for identification purposes. Local authorities can request ID at any time and can detain a person until identity is proven. 

Parts of Spain can experience extreme temperatures in the summer months.  This can also increase the risk of forest fires.  Flash flooding can also occur.  We advise checking weather warnings in advance and following the advice of the local authorities.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Spain should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Spain are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

If you enter Spain on a Spanish or other non-New Zealand passport, your access to consular assistance may be limited. Read our advice on dual citizenship here.

Travel tips

• Travel to Europe
• Abolition of border controls in Europe
• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Madrid, Spain

Street Address Calle del Pinar, 7, 3rd floor, 28006 Madrid, Spain Telephone +34 915 230 226 Fax +34 915 230 171 Email madrid@embajadanuevazelanda.com Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/spain Hours Mon-Fri 0900-1400, and 1500-1730, July and August: Mon-Fri 0830-1330 and 1400-1630

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Barcelona, Spain

Street Address Camelias, 32/Pasaje Camil Oliveras, Barcelona 08024 Telephone +34 93 209 5048 Email nzconsulatebcn@gmail.com Hours By appointment only

See our regional advice for Europe