While Spain has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sunny beaches, amazing scenery and many cultural sites, there are also a number of pickpockets, petty thieves and criminals that travelers have to be aware of. Travelers to Spain should be aware of a number of Spain travel safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable time while in the country.

To be able to enter Spain, a Schengen visa may be needed by some nationals. United States citizens who will stay in Spain or other Schengen countries for less than 90 days do not need a Schengen visa. However, travelers who will stay longer than 90 days, such as for business or to study will need to apply for a visa. Check with your travel agent or your home country’s state department or the Spanish Embassy for the particular requirements.

Spain is a highly developed country, although it is currently experiencing some economic issues, similar to some of the other countries in Europe. The country’s open border policy in keeping with the Schengen agreement has somewhat made it vulnerable to the entry of terrorists. In 2004, the underground train station in Madrid was bombed by terrorists, which resulted in close to 200 deaths and over 1,000 injured, so travelers are advised to keep up to date on travel advisories issued by their respective countries. In October 2011, the ETA, a known terrorist and anti government group, has declared as ceasefire with the Spanish government. However, the group has been known to violate previous agreements so travelers should not be complacent.

Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, such as abandoned luggage at the airport or other public transportation terminals. Also, travelers should have patience and allow for ample time to undergo security checks at airports, due to measures against the increased threat to security. Travelers should also keep in mind that current economic and political turmoil has resulted in an increase in street crime activity.

As with any major tourist city, there is petty crime activity in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Be especially mindful of your bags and belongings when in crowded places, such as bus terminals, train stations, plazas and other tourist sites. Pick pocketing and mugging are quite common and seems to be part of the tourist trade. Using a money belt is a good idea to carry your cash and passport. Placing your valuables in your backpack is not a good idea.

Women should only use a purse that has a zippered enclosure. When carrying a purse, be sure to hold it in front of you, rather than slung on the side. Hold your purse or bag close to your body at all times. This way, you’ll feel if someone is trying to grab it and you won’t easily lose it if someone cuts off the straps. Also, carry only what you need for the day, such as a camera, wallet with just enough cash for the day and one credit card and a bottle of water. The less you have to lug around, the less distracted you’ll be.

As soon as you check in, you may want to use the hotel safety deposit box to secure your cash, traveler’s checks and other travel documents. A copy of your passport that you can bring with you should suffice. Talk to the hotel concierge before you leave for the day and have him write down your directions, as well as the place where you want to go. Although it may be unavoidable to carry a map with you as you go around, it makes sense to study your route before you walk out the door. This will help draw less attention to yourself and make you less conspicuous. Another good tip is to get a copy of the hotel business card so you can simply show the cab driver where you want to go, especially if you don’t know how to speak Spanish. This takes the guesswork out of where you want to go.

Observe common sense and travelers should avoid drawing too much attention by not wearing expensive watches or flashy jewelry. A good tip to keep in mind is that if you don’t want to lose it, don’t bring or wear it on your trip. This means you should probably leave the expensive bling and other valuable items at home. If you must ask for directions, talk to the police personnel strategically located all over the city, or talk to your hotel concierge before leaving your hotel so you can be familiar with your destination.

Be aware that pickpockets do work in groups, so stay away from crowds. One may act to distract you by bumping onto you, while the other makes away with your valuables. Pickpockets work in train stations, bus terminals and hang out outside churches, at malls and other plazas. Another modus operandi is trying to collect signatures for a campaign or having a fake pregnant woman go near you and steal the contents of your bag while the accomplice covers the actions with a map. Many tourists have seen these criminals caught right in the middle of the act of stealing, although the perpetrators are rarely caught as they immediately feign ignorance and are able to lose themselves in the crowd as soon as attention is brought to them.

Thieves may also act as plainclothes police officers driving unmarked cars and try to harass motorists. Ask for identification and never surrender your wallet to anyone. Some of these are very persistent so travelers simply need to be firm and walk away. If strangers approach you, it’s best not to make eye contact or simply walk away. If they are persistent, it’s all right to speak in a clear manner and to tell them in a clear firm voice to go away. Walk briskly away from them or go to a police officer.

In Madrid, tourist crime has been reported outside the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol and the Royal Palace. In Barcelona, many crimes have been reported occurring at Las Ramblas, the Sagrada Familia area, the metro stations, the Gothic Quarter and Plaza Real. The beaches are also hotspots for petty crimes.

If you do find that you have been victimized, call your credit card company right away. You may request for replacement travel documents from your country’s embassy using the copies you have brought along with you. Report any crimes and seek medical attention as needed. Also, stay in reputable hotels where you can be more assured of the safety and level of security.

While there is a small likelihood of possible terrorist activity, it shouldn’t deter travelers from exploring Spain. The government has taken efforts to counter terrorism on its shores, such as increased security checks especially at airports, train stations and borders. To facilitate the ease of security checks, avoid wearing metals on your person, such as belts, metal jewelry and chains, and be sure to remove these items when going through security check. Readily bring out any laptops, iPads and electronic devices to speed up the process. Also be sure to follow airline safety regulations especially when it comes to carryon items, especially with liquids, sharp objects and many electronic devices. This makes it a good idea to pack light or to simply check in your baggage when traveling so you don’t have to deal with long queues at airports. These measures will help cut back on delays and make travel easier.

Aside from these criminal activities, travelers should be warned that there are many Spanish based scams online. Beware of any alleged lottery winnings or other big money windfalls that you didn’t sign up for. Before you send in money or decide to pack up and travel to Spain to collect your winnings, verify the information to validate its authenticity.

Another basic Spain safety travel tip to keep in mind is to be discreet about your plans and travel itinerary. There’s no need to reveal to a stranger you just met what hotel and room number you’re staying at. As with anywhere in the world, it’s not a good idea to let a stranger carry your drink or leave your things unattended for any period of time. While violent crime is rare, it has been known to happen. The date rate drug has been used on tourists so vigilance and common sense are keys to stay protected.

Spain is a shopping paradise for many people. When buying from boutiques and other establishments, be sure to count your change to make sure it is correct before putting it in your wallet or bag. Giving the incorrect change to tourists has been known to happen, especially those not familiar with the euro currency. Check your receipts to make sure you have been billed for items correctly. Avoid the temptation to buy counterfeit goods and fake designer products from people off the streets. These are illegal and may be confiscated when you reach the border or when you return to your own country.

Keep your receipts with you and remember that because Spain is part of the Schengen agreement, tourists can shop duty free. Tell the merchant that you are a tourist and wish to avail of your tax refund. The proper forms will be completed at the point of purchase. You need to keep this with you and surrender it before you leave the final Schengen country of your trip to avail of your tax reimbursement. If you wish to receive the refund in cash, there will be a ten percent service charge. If you wish to receive it as a credit on your credit card, then you will receive the credit after 30 days.

When you’re in the major cities in Spain, travelers will find that it’s quite easy to get around by using the public transportation or by walking. If using a taxi, it’s customary to pay a nominal tip. Bikes can also be safely rented.

Driving in Spain may not be a good idea, especially if you plan to drive around the busy cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville or Valencia. It’s better to stick with the reliable public transportation system or simply use a marked cab. This saves you the hassle of having to deal with aggressive and speeding drivers, as well as unfamiliar roads, one way streets and a multitude of pedestrians and other driving distractions.

If you plan to drive in Spain, you must get an International Driver’s License, especially if you’ll be staying for a period of time. Using a US-issued driver’s license will not suffice as a driving permit in Spain. When renting a vehicle, make sure that it is in good running condition and equipped with the proper safety device. Reflective devices are mandatory and is absence is subject to strict fines.

If you’re driving in Spain, beware of “Good Samaritan scams”, wherein a person will distract you by indicating a problem with your vehicle, while an accomplice steals your luggage and other valuables inside the vehicle. Be sure to drive with the doors locked and windows rolled up and that your valuables are safely stored away and not readily visible to prying eyes.

Hitch hiking is also not advisable in Spain. Not only are drivers reluctant to give a ride to strangers, the language barrier may make it difficult to communicate with someone so you may end up going in the opposite direction of where you need to go.

Traffic does get heavier during the summer season, as well as during festivals. It is illegal to use a cellular phone in Spain while driving, unless using a hands-free device. The violation of this can result in a 300 euro fine. It’s best to keep your eyes and attention on the road at all times, especially when driving in an unfamiliar country. If you get pulled over for a traffic violation by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, you must pay the fine immediately. You will be issued a receipt for the traffic violation on the spot.

When it comes to public health, Spain is very clean and travelers will find that there are hardly any medical travel advisories relating to the country. Access to excellent medical facilities is readily available. However, as a precaution, it’s a good idea to get a doctor’s checkup to ensure that you are in the best of health during your trip. If you are taking any prescription medication, be sure to carry an ample supply with you in your purse or carryon luggage, as well as a copy of the prescription. Do not remove your medication from its original packaging. Travelers may also want to bring along a few first aid remedies such as anti-acids, in case the Spanish cuisine proves to be too rich for a sensitive constitution. Bringing your own over the counter painkillers will also save travelers a few euros.

Travelers to Spain should have travel medical insurance. Keep in mind that most medical insurance policies do not extend coverage outside of the United States, so it’s necessary to ensure that you have the insurance needed to pay for medical costs in case something goes awry during your vacation. Many travel insurance policies work on a reimbursement basis, so keep all receipts for any medical treatment, tests and medication you may receive in Spain. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the features of your policy before you leave home so you know what to do in case you need to make a claim. Also, remember that many activities are excluded from travel insurance policies, such as injuries sustained from running with the bulls in Pamplona.

While the citizens of the country do enjoy the good life, the consumption of alcohol on the streets of Madrid as well as in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands is illegal, with the exception of those sold at street cafes and bars. Drug use, distribution and sale are also illegal in Spain. Even if you want to party in the beach town of Ibiza, it’s still best to unwind mindfully and observe common sense. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse, so travelers should observe proper decorum at all times.

If you plan to hit the beach or enjoy the sun, the use of sunscreen is a good idea to avoid sun damage on the skin. Drink lots of water to say hydrated when going on tours or when out on the beach to prevent heat stroke and dehydration. Even a simple day of touring the city can make travelers feel tired and overheated. Take frequent breaks, and wear comfortable clothes. A hat or cap is a good accessory to have. It can get quite hot in some parts of Spain so dress accordingly to stay cool. If you plan to go visit a church or other sacred areas, skimpy clothing isn’t allowed, so bring a short jacket or shawl as needed.

On the other hand, if you plan to go to Spain during the winter months, then warm clothing is a must. Some regions experience extreme freezing temperatures. Do your research to help you plan the articles of clothing you need to bring on your trip. If you happen to forget something, don’t worry. The many department stores and shopping areas in Spain carry a full line of products you can simply purchase and use during your trip.

Much of Spain is mountainous. During the summer season, forest fires have been known to happen, especially due to extreme temperatures. If you smoke, be sure to put out your cigarette butts completely. Smoking in public places is prohibited in Spain.

Over on the Canary Islands, travelers should be aware that there has been some seismic activity in the town of El Hierro. Those with travel plans to visit the area should confirm the safety and availability of resources in the area before proceeding.

By being aware of some basic safety precautions, travelers to Spain can have a more enjoyable time in the country. These Spain travel safety tips aren’t meant to discourage travelers from going on tour, but are instead meant to make travelers aware of some of the inherent dangers of travel, so that the right precautions can be taken.

These are just some of the most basic Spain travel safety tips to keep in mind. By observing these guidelines, travelers will be that much closer to having a safe yet enjoyable time while exploring the many parts of Spain. It’s possible to have a fabulous vacation in one of the most amazing countries in the world, as long as travelers have an open mind, keep an adventurous spirit intact while at the same time practice good common sense. Use our handy Travel Guide Spain as a convenient and highly informative source of data to help make your stay in Spain more enjoyable and truly memorable.