Spain

Spain is part of both the EU and the Schengen Area. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality — citizens of many countries (including the US, UK, Canada and Australia) can enter visa-free for short stays, while travellers from elsewhere need a Schengen visa in advance. Verify the rules for your own passport before booking.

If you are visa-exempt, the standard limit is 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area combined. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your planned departure, issued within the last ten years, with at least one blank page.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational — non-EU visitors are registered with biometrics instead of a passport stamp. A separate authorisation, ETIAS, is expected later in 2026 for visa-exempt visitors and is not yet required. Confirm the current rules for your passport with Spain's official sources before you travel.

Spain uses the euro (€). Card payments are near-universal — contactless tap-to-pay is accepted almost everywhere, including most restaurants, shops, taxis and transit — but carry some cash for small tapas bars, local markets and rural areas.

ATMs (cajeros) are widely available; use machines attached to recognised banks rather than standalone 'Euronet'-style machines, and always decline an ATM's offer to bill you in your home currency.

Tipping is modest and not obligatory in Spain — locals tip little. At casual bars, leaving small change or rounding up is plenty; at a sit-down restaurant for good service, rounding up or leaving around 5–10% is generous. The inexpensive 'menú del día' is typically not tipped.

Spaniards are warm and social. The common greeting between friends is two kisses on the cheek, starting with the right — though men typically just shake hands with other men. A handshake is standard in any formal context.

Spain runs on a famously late schedule — lunch, the main meal, is around 2–3:30pm, and dinner rarely starts before 9pm. Many businesses still close for a midday break, and restaurant kitchens often close in the afternoon, so don't expect a hot dinner at 6pm.

Eating is central to Spanish culture: tapas are small plates meant for sharing, and the 'menú del día' is an excellent-value fixed-price lunch. A few Spanish words go a long way. Be aware that some regions — notably Catalonia and the Basque Country — have a strong distinct identity and their own language.

Spain's two main international gateways are Madrid–Barajas and Barcelona–El Prat; Málaga, Valencia, Alicante and Seville also handle international flights. Both major airports connect to their city centres easily by metro and commuter train.

For travelling between cities, Spain's rail network is outstanding — Renfe is the national operator, and its AVE high-speed trains link major cities (Madrid to Barcelona in about 2.5 hours). Competitors Iryo and Ouigo also run the busiest routes, so compare fares, and book in advance for the cheapest tickets.

Within cities, metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and others are clean, cheap and the fastest way around. Taxis are metered and regulated; rideshare apps (Uber, Bolt, Cabify, FreeNow) operate in larger cities, though availability varies.

Connectivity in Spain is excellent — 4G is everywhere and 5G covers cities and most tourist areas, and free Wi-Fi is common. The easiest option for most visitors is an eSIM — a digital plan you buy online and activate before arrival.

Alternatively, physical prepaid SIM cards from Spanish operators (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo) are sold at the airport and phone shops nationwide.

If you already have a mobile plan from an EU/EEA country, 'roam like at home' rules mean you can use your normal allowance in Spain at no extra cost. Travellers from outside the EU should check their carrier's roaming rates — an eSIM or local SIM is almost always cheaper.

Spain is a safe country for travellers, with low rates of violent crime. The main everyday risk is petty theft — pickpocketing and bag-snatching are very common, especially in Barcelona (Las Ramblas, the metro, the Sagrada Família area, the beach) and at crowded spots, airports and on public transport in any city.

Thieves often work in teams and use distraction techniques — a staged spill, a 'helpful' stranger, someone showing you a map. Watch for the fake-police scam (real officers will only ask for ID, never your wallet). Keep valuables out of sight, carry bags in front of you, and stay alert in crowds.

Tap water is safe to drink virtually everywhere in Spain, though taste varies by region. The EU-wide emergency number is 112, with English-speaking operators. For minor health needs, a 'farmacia' (a green cross) is your first stop. Travel insurance is recommended, as visitors pay for care.

Power: Spain uses 230V / 50Hz and Type C and Type F plugs (the standard two-round-pin European plugs). Travellers from the UK, US and elsewhere need a plug adapter.

Language: the national official language is Spanish (also called Castilian). Several regions have co-official languages you'll see and hear locally — Catalan, Galician and Basque. English is widely understood in tourist areas but less so in smaller towns.

Best time to visit: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are generally best — pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. Summer is hot, especially inland, and in August many local businesses close for holidays.

Time zone: mainland Spain is on Central European Time (UTC+1), switching to Central European Summer Time (UTC+2) from late March to late October. Note the Canary Islands are one hour behind the mainland.