Listeners planning to travel to Spain should be aware that as of October 2025, there are no COVID-19 entry restrictions, and travelers, including those from the United States, do not need to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. However, the general conditions for entry into Spain remain in force, and each traveler should verify specific requirements via the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. The Spanish government advises that starting in the last quarter of 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries such as the US will require an ETIAS travel authorization to enter Spain and other Schengen Area countries, but this is not yet in effect according to Genuine Andalusia.
A new security measure began in October 2025: the European Union’s Entry/Exit System, or EES, which requires most non-EU nationals, including Americans, to register biometrics like fingerprints and photos when crossing the border. The US Embassy Madrid and the Government of the United Kingdom have both confirmed this, and travelers should expect longer border queues as a result. Border authorities may ask for proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details, travel insurance, and evidence of financial means. Spain requires proof of funds: in 2025, this is a minimum of €118 per person per day, or at least €1,065 for stays of nine days or more, as stated by the Spanish Consulate in Washington.
Travelers should exercise increased caution due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. According to recent travel advisories from Smartraveller and the US Department of State, Spain’s national terrorism alert level remains high, and attacks could occur anywhere without warning. It is recommended to remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and stay updated on official warnings.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is widespread in tourist areas of Madrid, Barcelona, and on public transportation. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and safety guides like Spain Traveller recommend taking extra care in crowded locations, keeping valuables secure, and being alert to distraction scams. Thieves may also target travelers in hotel lobbies, bars, or airport terminals, and there are reports of ‘highway pirates’ targeting foreign-registered vehicles. When driving, be cautious if approached by people claiming to be police; genuine officers in unmarked vehicles will display flashing electronic signs reading “Policía” or “Guardia Civil,” and will not ask to see personal belongings or wallets.
Outdoor and adventure travelers should know that mountain activities bear risks, and proper preparation is important. The Government of Canada urges visitors to hire reputable guides, obtain necessary insurance, and avoid venturing off marked trails or ski slopes. Incidents of falls from balconies and drownings in pools or at the beach have been reported, particularly among those consuming alcohol. Always heed safety advice at accommodations, supervise children, follow beach flag warnings, and avoid risky behavior near heights or water.
There are periodic delays at the Gibraltar-Spain border due to enhanced controls, so travelers are advised to bring extra food, water, and fuel if crossing. Finally, Spain hosts many large public events, festivals, and processions. Authorities advise attendees to be mindful of their belongings and to follow directions from police and event organizers.
In summary, Spain remains a popular and generally safe destination, but travelers should be prepared for heightened border security, remain alert in crowded or tourist-heavy areas, follow recommended safety practices, and stay informed about possible risks such as terrorism or petty crime. Always check the latest official advisories and local updates before and during your trip.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
A new security measure began in October 2025: the European Union’s Entry/Exit System, or EES, which requires most non-EU nationals, including Americans, to register biometrics like fingerprints and photos when crossing the border. The US Embassy Madrid and the Government of the United Kingdom have both confirmed this, and travelers should expect longer border queues as a result. Border authorities may ask for proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details, travel insurance, and evidence of financial means. Spain requires proof of funds: in 2025, this is a minimum of €118 per person per day, or at least €1,065 for stays of nine days or more, as stated by the Spanish Consulate in Washington.
Travelers should exercise increased caution due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. According to recent travel advisories from Smartraveller and the US Department of State, Spain’s national terrorism alert level remains high, and attacks could occur anywhere without warning. It is recommended to remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and stay updated on official warnings.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is widespread in tourist areas of Madrid, Barcelona, and on public transportation. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and safety guides like Spain Traveller recommend taking extra care in crowded locations, keeping valuables secure, and being alert to distraction scams. Thieves may also target travelers in hotel lobbies, bars, or airport terminals, and there are reports of ‘highway pirates’ targeting foreign-registered vehicles. When driving, be cautious if approached by people claiming to be police; genuine officers in unmarked vehicles will display flashing electronic signs reading “Policía” or “Guardia Civil,” and will not ask to see personal belongings or wallets.
Outdoor and adventure travelers should know that mountain activities bear risks, and proper preparation is important. The Government of Canada urges visitors to hire reputable guides, obtain necessary insurance, and avoid venturing off marked trails or ski slopes. Incidents of falls from balconies and drownings in pools or at the beach have been reported, particularly among those consuming alcohol. Always heed safety advice at accommodations, supervise children, follow beach flag warnings, and avoid risky behavior near heights or water.
There are periodic delays at the Gibraltar-Spain border due to enhanced controls, so travelers are advised to bring extra food, water, and fuel if crossing. Finally, Spain hosts many large public events, festivals, and processions. Authorities advise attendees to be mindful of their belongings and to follow directions from police and event organizers.
In summary, Spain remains a popular and generally safe destination, but travelers should be prepared for heightened border security, remain alert in crowded or tourist-heavy areas, follow recommended safety practices, and stay informed about possible risks such as terrorism or petty crime. Always check the latest official advisories and local updates before and during your trip.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners planning to travel to Spain should be aware that
as of October twenty twenty five, there are no COVID
nineteen entry restrictions, and travelers, including those from the United States,
do not need to show proof of vaccination recovery or
a negative test result. However, the general conditions for entry
into Spain remain in force, and each traveler should verify
(00:23):
specific requirements via the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. The
Spanish government advises that starting in the last quarter of
twenty twenty six, travelers from visa exempt countries such as
the US will require an ETS travel authorization to enter
Spain and other Schengen Area countries, but this is not
yet in effect. According to genuine Andalusia, A new security
(00:45):
measure began in October twenty twenty five, the European Union's
Entry Exit System or EES, which requires most non EU nationals,
including Americans, to register biometrics like fingerprints and photos when
crossing the border. The US Embassy Madrid and the Government
of the United Kingdom have both confirmed this and travelers
(01:06):
should expect longer border cues As a result. Border authorities
may ask for proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details,
travel insurance, and evidence of financial means. Spain requires proof
of funds in twenty twenty five. This is a minimum
of one hundred eight euro per person per day, or
at least one thousand sixty five euros for stays of
(01:28):
nine days or more. As stated by the Spanish Consulate
in Washington, Travelers should exercise increased caution due to the
ongoing threat of terrorism. According to recent travel advisories from
Smart Traveler and the U S Department of State, Spain's
national terrorism alert level remains high and attacks could occur
anywhere without warning. It is recommended to remain vigilant, follow
(01:53):
instructions from local authorities, and stay updated on official warnings.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bags snatching, is widespread in
tourist areas of Madrid, Barcelona and on public transportation. The
UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and safety guides like
Spain Traveler recommend taking extra care and crowded locations, keeping
(02:14):
valuables secure, and being alert to distraction scams. Thieves may
also target travelers in hotel lobbies, bars or airport terminals,
and there are reports of highway pirates targeting foreign registered vehicles.
When driving, be cautious if approached by people claiming to
be police. Genuine officers in unmarked vehicles will display flashing
(02:36):
electronic signs reading Policia or Guardia Civil, and will not
ask to see personal belongings or wallets. Outdoor and adventure
travelers should know that mountain activities bear risks and proper
preparation is important. The Government of Canada urges visitors to
hire reputable guides, obtain necessary insurance, and avoid venturing off
(02:58):
marked trails or ski slopes. Incidents of falls from balconies
and drownings in pools or at the beach have been reported,
particularly among those consuming alcohol. Always heed safety advice at accommodations,
supervise children, follow beach flag warnings and avoid risky behavior
near heights or water. There are periodic delays at the
(03:19):
Gibraltar Spain border due to enhanced controls, so travelers are
advised to bring extra food, water and fuel if crossing Finally.
Spain hosts many large public events, festivals and processions. Authorities
advise attendees to be mindful of their belongings and to
follow directions from police and event organizers. In summary, Spain
(03:40):
remains a popular and generally safe destination, but travelers should
be prepared for heightened border security, remain alert in crowded
or tourist heavy areas, follow recommended safety practices, and stay
informed about possible risks such as terrorism or petty crime.
Always check the latest official adv advisories and local updates
(04:01):
before and during your trip.
Listeners planning to travel to Spain should be aware that
as of October twenty twenty five, there are no COVID
nineteen entry restrictions, and travelers, including those from the United States,
do not need to show proof of vaccination recovery or
a negative test result. However, the general conditions for entry
into Spain remain in force, and each traveler should verify
(00:23):
specific requirements via the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. The
Spanish government advises that starting in the last quarter of
twenty twenty six, travelers from visa exempt countries such as
the US will require an ETS travel authorization to enter
Spain and other Schengen Area countries, but this is not
yet in effect. According to genuine Andalusia, A new security
(00:45):
measure began in October twenty twenty five, the European Union's
Entry Exit System or EES, which requires most non EU nationals,
including Americans, to register biometrics like fingerprints and photos when
crossing the border. The US Embassy Madrid and the Government
of the United Kingdom have both confirmed this and travelers
(01:06):
should expect longer border cues As a result. Border authorities
may ask for proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details,
travel insurance, and evidence of financial means. Spain requires proof
of funds in twenty twenty five. This is a minimum
of one hundred eight euro per person per day, or
at least one thousand sixty five euros for stays of
(01:28):
nine days or more. As stated by the Spanish Consulate
in Washington, Travelers should exercise increased caution due to the
ongoing threat of terrorism. According to recent travel advisories from
Smart Traveler and the U S Department of State, Spain's
national terrorism alert level remains high and attacks could occur
anywhere without warning. It is recommended to remain vigilant, follow
(01:53):
instructions from local authorities, and stay updated on official warnings.
Petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bags snatching, is widespread in
tourist areas of Madrid, Barcelona and on public transportation. The
UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and safety guides like
Spain Traveler recommend taking extra care and crowded locations, keeping
(02:14):
valuables secure, and being alert to distraction scams. Thieves may
also target travelers in hotel lobbies, bars or airport terminals,
and there are reports of highway pirates targeting foreign registered vehicles.
When driving, be cautious if approached by people claiming to
be police. Genuine officers in unmarked vehicles will display flashing
(02:36):
electronic signs reading Policia or Guardia Civil, and will not
ask to see personal belongings or wallets. Outdoor and adventure
travelers should know that mountain activities bear risks and proper
preparation is important. The Government of Canada urges visitors to
hire reputable guides, obtain necessary insurance, and avoid venturing off
(02:58):
marked trails or ski slopes. Incidents of falls from balconies
and drownings in pools or at the beach have been reported,
particularly among those consuming alcohol. Always heed safety advice at accommodations,
supervise children, follow beach flag warnings and avoid risky behavior
near heights or water. There are periodic delays at the
(03:19):
Gibraltar Spain border due to enhanced controls, so travelers are
advised to bring extra food, water and fuel if crossing Finally.
Spain hosts many large public events, festivals and processions. Authorities
advise attendees to be mindful of their belongings and to
follow directions from police and event organizers. In summary, Spain
(03:40):
remains a popular and generally safe destination, but travelers should
be prepared for heightened border security, remain alert in crowded
or tourist heavy areas, follow recommended safety practices, and stay
informed about possible risks such as terrorism or petty crime.
Always check the latest official adv advisories and local updates
(04:01):
before and during your trip.
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