Overview

Security status

Avoid non-essential travel.

Security Status Last Updated: 12 March 2020

Emergency assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management. You can also contact the Spanish Emergency Services by calling 112. The operators speak English.

Latest travel alert

Novel Coronavirus

The Irish Authorities advise against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice.

As a result of an increase in COVID-19 cases, a number of restrictions have been re-introduced in Spain, including the closure of nightclubs and late night bars as well as restrictions on the opening hours of restaurants and other bars. The use of face masks or other face coverings is mandatory on public transport and in most public areas.

Additional restrictions have been put in place in regions where there have been concentrated outbreaks, including in the regions where the cities of Barcelona, Pamplona and Zaragoza are located. Further measures may be introduced where authorities consider them necessary to prevent or slow the transmission of the virus.

Restrictions on entry to Spain by travellers from the European Union, Schengen area and a number of other countries have been lifted. These travellers are not currently required to self-isolate after arrival to Spain.

Travel within Spain is generally permitted but it is important to be aware of developments and related protective public health measures to contain COVID-19 in the locality you intend to visit and to adjust travel plans accordingly

Please follow the advice of local authorities and comply with the measures in effect at your location.

Under Spain’s Travel Health programme, travellers to Spain are required to complete a Locator Form providing contact details and any history of contact with COVID-19. This form can be completed on-line via the Spain Travel Health website or app. Additional health checks such as temperature checks now apply at points of entry to Spain. Further information on these revised entry requirements are available on Spain’s Travel Health programme website.

All persons travelling or returning to Ireland are obliged to fill in a form called the Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form and will also be asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Please consult the HSE’s website for further information.

We recommend that you follow the Embassy of Ireland, Madrid account on Twitter for updates.

COVID-19 Be alert to common signs of infection: respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms.

HSE medical advice to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is below.

Do:

• wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze

• put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands

Don’t:

• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Additional information on the Coronavirus can be found via the following links:

HSE

Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social / Ministry of Health, Spain

World Health Organisation

ECDC

HPSC

Safety and security

There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high.

Demonstrations

Public gatherings and demonstrations may take place with little or no warning.

We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations, and should follow the advice of the local authorities.

Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain.

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Since 2015 the Spanish Government’s national anti-terror alert level is has remained at four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.

As terrorists could attempt further attacks, and such attacks could include places visited by foreigners, Irish citizens are advised to increase their security awareness and exercise heightened caution. In the event of any security incident, you should follow the instructions of the local police and your tour operator.

On 17 and 18 August 2017 two related terrorist attacks took place in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona and in the town of Cambrils, approximately 100km from Barcelona. These incidents, in which vehicles deliberately targeted pedestrians, resulted in 16 deaths, and injuries were sustained by over 100 people, including Irish citizens. Many of those who died or were injured were foreign tourists.