Spain Health & Safety

Health & Safety

There are no particular health risks or endemic diseases associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccinations are required for entry.

Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries which provides citizens of the EU emergency health care the same as for Spanish Citizens. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Note that the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Similarly travellers from outside the EU should ensure they have full travel insurance.

One should buy bottled water rather than having the local water and as Spain is a hot country make sure to liberally apply sunscreen and avoid the blazing sun. It is always advisable to keep a note of Passport number and other details, numbers of Travellers cheques and document of Holiday Insurance.

Spain is generally considered a safe country. Petty theft is the most common risk for travellers. Most visitors to Spain have a trouble free trip, but be aware of pickpockets and scams, particularly in tourist areas, where the skill levels of petty thieves is much higher.

If driving take sensible precautions such as leaving nothing of value in view in a parked car.

The Red Cross has an arrangement of a 24 hour emergency ambulance service. Added to this there is also a Chemist which is a Farmacia in Spain which is open for 24 hours. Duty schedule is also marked on the doors of all chemists.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.