Spain
About Spain
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Spanish |
| Capital | Madrid |
The Kingdom of Spain is located in southwestern Europe between Portugal and France, with borders on the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay, and the North Atlantic Ocean. The population of Spain is approximately 46 million people. While Spanish is the official language, there are recognised regional languages of Aranese, Basque, Catalan, and Galician.
The government of Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a king as chief of state and a president as head of government. The monarchy is hereditary. The president is proposed by the monarch and is usually the leader of the majority party or majority coalition.
Spain was one of the great powers in history. This country left its influence in the many areas and countries that were explored or colonized. In more recent history, Spain has experienced civil war and dictatorships; but with the death of General Franco in 1975, there has been a firmly established parliamentary democracy. Spain is a developed country with a large modern economy and very high living standards.
Spain is second only to Italy in numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and worldwide, Spain has the greatest number of World Heritage Cities.
Recommended Vaccinations For Spain
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For Spain
There are no recommendations for Spain at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Spain
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis A in Spain.
For Some Travellers
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in Spain and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats. There is risk of rabies in the African territories of Ceuta and Melila in Spain.
Safety & Security in Spain
Personal Safety
Most travellers to Spain do not experience any safety or security risks as the country is generally safe, and violent crime is rare. However, petty crime against tourists does occur, especially in major cities and during holidays and festivals.
Travellers are advised to be wary of people attempting to create distractions, particularly in crowded areas, as pickpockets often work in teams. Some may also pose as police officers and demand to see valuables and documentation. Travellers should ensure their valuables and travel documents, especially passports, are kept hidden and secure at all times.
There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches. Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can lead to arrest and detention. Possession of large quantities will usually result in prosecution and a prison sentence. Spain is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. Spain does not recognise a third gender.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Planned and spontaneous demonstrations occur in Spain frequently, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can unexpectedly escalate and become violent.
