Health - Spain travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Health - Spain travel advice? ›

Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information. Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water.

The national terrorism alert level for Spain is 'high'. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Demonstrations can occur and cause disruption.

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ). The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about: how to apply for a GHIC. how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time.

Short-term visitors and travelers to Spain are responsible for covering their own healthcare costs. They are not eligible for the benefits of the public health system.

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Spain. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Spain: COVID-19, rabies and tetanus. Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

For hikes in Spain, consider breathable shorts and a T-shirt or a polo shirt for a coastal wander, and add a sweater for loftier yomps where you might experience cooler temperatures the higher you trek. Leggings and water-repellant sweaters are also a good idea.

So can I drink the water in Spain? Yes, at least 99.5% of all public tap water in Spain is safe to drink according to international water quality standards. But there are issues such as taste, odor chlorine by-products, microplastics and local pipe contaminants.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

And if you fall ill or get injured in Spain and require healthcare that isn't covered by an EHIC or GHIC, you'll have to pay for the medical expenses yourself which may include private treatment – unless you travel with insurance.

Travelling with over-the-counter medicines

This is often fine, particularly in Europe, as they're usually less tightly controlled than prescription medication.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital in Spain? ›

Spanish hospitals are conveniently located, so that patients do not have to travel far to reach their local hospital. Plus, medical treatment at state hospitals is free of charge for patients. For scheduled hospital appointments and treatment, patients have to ask their GP for a referral.

Tourists in Spain have several options to see a doctor, including online consultations, travel insurance doctors, public health directories, and local recommendations. Online doctor services like Doctorsa provide quick, affordable, and English-speaking medical assistance, available 24/7.

Anybody living and working in Spain has access to public health care. As a resident who pays social security payments, you will be eligible for free state healthcare as an expat (through either employment or self-employment).

Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

Entry requirements​​

Present proof of identity and a valid travel document. Present the corresponding visa if required, according to nationality. Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial resources. Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain.

How Long Can You Stay in Spain? Spain, like many other European countries, follows the 90-day rule. This means you can spend up to 90 days in Spain within 180 days without requiring a visa.

While these protests highlight local frustrations with overtourism, such as overcrowding and rising housing costs, most demonstrations are peaceful, and Barcelona remains generally safe for tourists.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Putting the economic arguments aside, the Spanish are a hospitable people, not given to a generalised grudge. You'll find them welcoming and helpful, if a little exhausted. They don't want you to stay away, they just ask that you treat their home as you would your own.

Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.