Spain
Tourist Information - Spain Facts and Sightseeing Tours
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Spain
Facts - Espana Facts and Tourist Information
Reino
de España - KIngdom Spanien
Span.National Holiday: 12. Oktober
(ng Amerikas)
time zone: MEZ
capital : Madrid (2.879.100 Einwohner)
telephone prefix : ++34
Memberships: EU, Nato, OECD, OSZE, Uno, WEU
Spain
and Andorra - Consular Information Sheet / ESPANA TOURIST INFORMATION
April 4, 2001
COUNTRY
DESCRIPTION: Spain and Andorra are both highly developed and stable
democracies with modern economies. Additional information may be obtained
from the Tourist Office of Spain, telephone: (212) 265-8822, or via
the Internet at http://www.okspain.org.
Entry
Requirements: passport required. A visa is not required for tourist
or business stays of up to 90 days. For further information concerning
entry requirements for Spain, travelers should contact the Embassy of
Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone
(202) 728-2330, or the nearest Spanish Consulate in Boston, Chicago,
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or
San Juan. The web site of the Spanish Embassy in the United States is:
http://www.spainemb.org. Further information on Andorra should be obtained
from the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th Floor, New
York, NY 10018, telephone (212) 750-8064.
In
an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments
have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include
requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the
child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having
such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
DUAL
NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Spanish laws affecting
U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that
impose special obligations on Spanish citizens. For additional information,
please see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
for our Dual Nationality flyer.
SAFETY
AND SECURITY: The ETA Basque terrorist organization remains active
in Spain. ETA efforts have historically been directed against police,
military, and other Spanish government targets. Since November 1999
ETA has conducted scores of attacks, resulting in over two dozen deaths.
In March 2001, ETA issued a communique announcing its intention to target
Spanish tourist areas. While ETA has targeted tourist areas in the past,
the size and the location of past bombings suggest that they were not
intended to cause serious injury. Since 1999, a smaller Marxist group,
GRAPO, has mounted several attacks, and has killed three people. Americans
have not been the specific targets of the attacks of either of these
groups.
CRIME:
While most of Spain has a low rate of violent crime, the principal
tourist areas are experiencing increasing crime directed against tourists.
Madrid and Barcelona, in particular, have reported a growing incidence
of muggings by gangs brandishing weapons and/or using force. Travelers
using public transportation should be alert to the potential for muggings
or pickpocketings. Crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and theft
from cars are frequent, and scams are often employed. For example, thieves
often attempt to distract their victims by squirting mustard on their
clothing, asking for directions on the street, or otherwise diverting
attention from an accomplice. Thefts of small items like radios, luggage,
camera or briefcases from parked cars are a common problem. Roadside
thieves posing as "Good Samaritans" to persons experiencing
car and tire problems typically attempt to divert the driver's attention
by pointing out a mechanical problem, and then steal items from the
vehicle while the driver is looking elsewhere. Drivers should be extremely
cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish
police officer or Civil Guard. Travelers who accept unofficial assistance
are advised to protect their valuables by keeping them in sight or locking
them in the vehicle. Andorra has a low rate of crime.
The
loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens
may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad,
for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available
by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES: Good medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance
is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid
programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for
health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas
may face extreme difficulties.
MEDICAL
INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult
with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm
whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency
expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom
cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental
coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans
that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency
services such as medical evacuations.
When
making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider
that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior
to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost
well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care
overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have
purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency
occurs, found it life-saving. When consulting with your insurer prior
to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas
healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses
you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful
information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance
programs, is provided in the Department of State's bureau of Consular
Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,
available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202)
647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other
health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's
Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/.
TRAFFIC
SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens
may encounter road conditions which differ significantly from those
in the United States. The information below concerning Spain is provided
for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.
Safety
of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Traffic
in Madrid and Barcelona is faster-paced than in U.S. cities. Night driving
on Fridays and Saturdays in urban areas may be dangerous due to drivers
under the influence of alcohol. Night driving in isolated rural areas
can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads. Traffic
is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas
and Easter seasons.
Public
transportation in large cities is generally excellent. Taxi services
are relatively inexpensive, although taxi drivers occasionally overcharge
tourists coming from the airport. Travelers are advised to use registered
cabs only.
For
additional general information about road safety, including links to
foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau
of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
For specific information concerning Spanish driving permits, vehicle
inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Spanish
national tourist organization offices in New York via the Internet at
http://www.okspain.org.
AVIATION
SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed the Government of Spain's Civil Aviation Authority as Category
1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for
oversight of Spain's air carrier operations.
For
further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation
within the U.S. at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet
web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability
as official providers of air services. For information regarding the
DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at telephone
(618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS: It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Spain in
Washington, D.C. or one of Spain's consulates in the United States for
specific information regarding customs requirements. This is especially
important if you are attempting to send any medications to Spain through
postal channels.
Spain's customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary
Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment,
commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.
ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International
Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and
guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information,
please call (212) 354-4480, or send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org,
or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.
CRIMINALPENALTIES:
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's
laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those
in the United States and may not afford the protections available to
the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be
more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons
violating Spanish law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or
imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal
drugs in Spain are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.
CHILDREN'S
ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and
international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet
site at http//travel/state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202)
736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY
AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or visiting Spain or
Andorra are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S.
Embassy in Madrid or at the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona where
they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Spain
or Andorra. The U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain is located at Serrano
75; telephone (34)(91) 587-2200, and fax (34)(91) 587-2303. U.S. citizens
who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
listed below can obtain updated information on travel and security within
Spain or Andorra. Additional information is also available through the
U.S. Embassy's Internet homepage at http://www.embusa.es/indexbis.html.
There
is a U.S. Consulate in Barcelona, at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25; telephone
(34)(93) 280-2227 and fax (34)(93) 205-5206.
There
are also Consular Agencies in the following locations:
Malaga,
at Avenida Juan Gomez Juanito #8, Edificio Lucia 1C, 29640, Fuengirola,
telephone (34)(952)474-891 and fax (34)(952) 465-189, hours 10:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m.;
La
Coruna, at Canton Grande 16-17, telephone (34)(981) 213-233 and fax
(34)(981) 222-808,
hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;
Las
Palmas, at Edificio Arca, Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7,
telephone (34)(928) 222-552 and fax (34)(928) 225-863, hours 10:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m.;
Palma
de Mallorca, Ave. Jaime III, 26 Entresuelo, 2-H-1 (97), telephone (34)(971)
725-051 and fax (34)(971) 718-755, hours 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
Seville, at Paseo de Las Delicias 7, telephone
(34)(954) 231-885 and fax (34)(954) 232-040, hours 8:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m.;
Valencia,
at Doctor Romagosa #1, 2-J, 46002, Valencia telephone(34)(96)-351-6973
and
fax (34)(96) 352-9565, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For
Andorra, please contact the U.S. Consulate in Barcelona.
* * *
This
replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 10, 2000, to add
or update sections on Entry Requirements, Safety/Security, Medical Insurance,
and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
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