Is Spain safe to visit? Advice, scams and health

Spain is safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the main risks are petty theft in crowded places, traffic, and summer heat. You can travel freely with normal precautions: keep your wallet and phone in a front pocket, don't leave bags unattended, and be alert in metro stations and busy plazas. Government advisories from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ and Ireland all rate Spain as low risk, with routine precautions advised.

All major English-speaking governments rate Spain as a low-risk destination. The US State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canada, Australia, NZ and Ireland all advise normal precautions, with a focus on petty crime and terrorism (the latter is a general, low-probability concern across Europe). Check your own government's page before you go, as alerts can change after events.

The most common scams target tourists in busy areas: the 'found ring' trick, where someone picks up a ring and offers it to you, then demands money; the 'bird poop' or 'mustard' distraction, where a stranger wipes something off your shoulder while an accomplice steals from you; and overcharging at restaurants or taxis, especially near landmarks. Also be wary of people asking for signatures for fake charities, and of 'helpful' strangers at ATMs who offer to assist and then skim your card.

Simple rules: keep your bag zipped and in front of you, don't stop for unsolicited offers, use official taxi ranks or ride apps, and check your bill before paying. If someone approaches you with a story, it's almost always a scam.

Spain has excellent public healthcare, and EU visitors can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor, the GHIC, for state-provided care. Travellers from outside the EU should have travel insurance that covers medical treatment, as private care can be expensive. Pharmacies are everywhere and can treat minor ailments; for emergencies, call 112.

In summer, heatwaves are common, especially in the south. Drink water, avoid the midday sun, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Tap water is safe to drink in most of Spain, though some people prefer bottled water for taste. There are no mandatory vaccinations for Spain, but check routine vaccines are up to date.

Spain is safe at night in most areas, but as anywhere, stay in well-lit, populated streets and avoid empty alleys. In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, metro stations and tourist attractions are prime spots for pickpockets. Keep your passport and valuables in a hotel safe, and carry only a copy of your passport when out.

Traffic is a real risk: pedestrians are hit by cars and scooters, especially in cities. Look both ways before crossing, even on one-way streets, and be careful of electric scooters on pavements. If you drive, note that Spain drives on the right, and some motorways have tolls.