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Spain Now Requires Booster Shot For Travelers — What To Know

Face masks are still required both in both indoor public spaces and outdoors.

Travelers heading to Spain will now be required to show proof of a COVID-19 booster dose, becoming the latest country to rely on the extra shot.

Starting Feb. 1, most international travelers, including those from the United States, will be required to show proof they have received a booster if more than 270 days (about 9 months) have passed since the last dose of their initial vaccine series, according to Spain's tourism site .

The new booster dose rule is in addition to the current requirement that travelers fill out a Spain Health Control form, which can be obtained through the Spain Travel Health portal or through apps (on Androidor iOS devices).

When in Spain , face masks are required to be worn both in indoor public spaces and outdoors.

Spain is classified as a "Level 4" destination by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency's highest travel warning. Destinations are designated as "Level 4" if they report more than 500 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last 28 days.

Currently, Spain is reporting about 97,194 new cases on average each day, according to Reuters , which is a significant decrease from earlier in January.

Booster shots of a coronavirus vaccine are becoming an increasingly common requirement. Last year, Israel started requiring booster shots for anyone looking to obtain a "green pass ," which is required to access public spaces like restaurants, and France recently started requiring a booster shot seven months after being vaccinated to obtain a "sanitary pass," mandatory in public places like restaurants and cafes as well as on long-distance trains.

In the U.S., Hawaii is considering adding a COVID-19 booster requirement to its Safe Travels program, while the island of Maui has already changed the definition of "fully vaccinated" to include a booster shot. And earlier this month, the Metropolitan Opera in New York City started requiring all performers, employees, and audience members to show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Spain further eases restrictions, allows unvaccinated travelers with a negative test

Spanish officials backtracked on last week's extension of COVID-19 protocols to allow unvaccinated tourists to resume travel to the country if they agree to take a predeparture test.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Unvaccinated tourists can enter by taking a predeparture test

Visitors from non-European Union countries, including the United States, can now go to Spain by submitting results of a negative COVID-19 test taken ahead of travel.

Travelers are able to take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure or a rapid antigen test within one day (or 24 hours) of departure for Spain.

"This is good news, expected by the tourism sector, which facilitates the arrival of tourists from outside the EU for the high season, guaranteeing safe mobility," Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Reyes Maroto said in a statement on May 21 . "The new phase of the pandemic allows us to relax the health requirements for entry to Spain, equating non-EU travelers with those from the EU and associated Schengen countries."

Passengers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous 180 days can also provide proof that they have successfully recovered from COVID-19 at least 11 days prior to travel.

The news from the Spanish Interior Ministry follows the agency's quiet extension of previous policies through June 15, requiring all tourists to be vaccinated and boosted if a certain amount of time has elapsed since a traveler's final vaccine dose.

The extension coincided with the country recording 400,000 new cases of COVID-19 in April alone, before case numbers dropped to just under 10,000 cases the first week of May, according to data from the World Health Organization .

Protocols for vaccinated travelers

Since February, vaccinated adults have been able to travel to Spain by showing proof of full vaccination to enter Spain.

Per Spanish officials , travelers are only considered "fully vaccinated" if they have received a booster shot within or at the nine-month mark following one's final vaccine dose.

"If more than 270 days (9 months) have passed since receiving the last required dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. citizens must show proof of having received a booster shot at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain," the U.S. Embassy in Spain confirmed .

Spanish vaccination requirements do not apply to travelers age 12 or below.

Read more: The 13 European countries that still require masks on flights despite EU dropping rules

Face masks are required on flights to Spain

Although Spain dropped its previous indoor and outdoor mask mandate in April, masks remain required on flights to and from Spain, per the country's health minister.

This rule applies to flights through June 15. It directly conflicts with broader mask rules for European flights, as the mask mandate previously enforced by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is no longer in place.

However, several other European countries have maintained their own policies to continue compulsory mask-wearing for passengers on board flights to and from their respective countries, including Germany, Greece and Italy.

Non-EU air passengers to Spain, including those who are just transiting, must complete an online health form. After completing the form, you should receive a QR code to present at boarding and upon arrival when passing through airport health controls.

Bottom line

The latest news shifting entry protocols means all Americans, regardless of vaccination status, are once again able to visit Spain.

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Guide to the Covid-19 booster shot in Spain: Who is eligible and when will it be available?

Individuals who are aged 70 and over are first in line to receive a third vaccine dose, coinciding with the start of the annual flu campaign.

After conducting one of the most successful Covid-19 vaccination campaigns in the world, Spain’s public health system is now preparing for a new challenge: administering a third dose to nearly seven million people in the 70-and-over age group. The effort will coincide with the annual flu shots, which mostly target the same age group.

According to Oxford University’s statistical repository Our World In Data , which makes it possible to compare vaccine coverage by country, Spain is the only one of the 50 most populous nations to have fully vaccinated nearly 80% of the population. Among neighboring countries, only Portugal (with a population of 10.3 million, ranking 90th globally) has a higher rate at 86%. The European Union average is 64%.

According to information released on Wednesday by the Spanish Health Ministry, 37,102,507 people, representing 88.1% of the target population (those who are 12 and over) have now been fully vaccinated. The 14-day cumulative case rate has grown slightly to 43 per 100,000 people, which is still within the low-risk scenario. The ministry also reported 31 new Covid-related fatalities yesterday, for an official death toll of 87,082 since the start of the pandemic. Also, 2,528 new infections were reported for a total of 4,993,295 since March 2020.

Many citizens are now wondering whether they are eligible for a booster shot, who the manufacturer is, and how it will be administered. The following are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Who should get a third shot and when?

According to data from the Health Ministry, there are 6.9 million people in the 70-and-over age group living in Spain. Of these, 99.2% have been fully vaccinated. This entire segment of the population will soon start receiving appointments for a third shot – the southern region of Andalusia began sending out messages on Monday. Technically they are not the first, however: severely immunocompromised individuals have already received it. “It’s been decided to administer it to the over-70s because they are still a risk group,” said Antoni Trilla, head of preventive medicine at Clínic Hospital in Barcelona. “Also, because ageing typically causes a drop in antibody levels that makes them more exposed to infection. Although many of the over-70s remain protected against the most serious forms of the disease thanks to cell immunity, I usually say that a booster shot obviously boosts [immunity], and it’s important to reduce virus circulation among these groups.”

The Public Health Committee, made up of central and regional health authorities, has also discussed the possibility of extending the third dose to people over the age of 65, but no decision has been made yet. “For those under 65, or under 60 at the most, the available evidence shows that a third dose is not necessary for healthy individuals,” said Amós García, president of the Spanish Vaccinology Association (AEV).

In any case, the third dose should be administered at least six months after the second one, which means that practically everyone in the 70-and-over category is already eligible.

Which vaccine will be used for the third dose?

People who received messenger-RNA vaccines will get a similar booster shot. Most people in the 70-plus age group were given Pfizer-BioNTech and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has authorized a third dose of this vaccine. A smaller group instead received Moderna during the original vaccination campaign, and the EMA has yet to issue a statement on whether a third dose of this brand is considered safe, although it is expected to do so in the coming days, just like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did last week. The EMA did recommend a booster shot of Moderna for immunocompromised patients.

For an even smaller number of people in the 70-and-over group who were administered the single-dose Janssen vaccine, made by Johnson & Johnson, the situation is less clear. “It’s still undergoing review, although everything points to their receiving a second dose of a messenger-RNA vaccine, given the data and evidence that’s emerging,” said Amós García.

What steps need to be taken in order to get vaccinated?

None in particular. The system used in each region of Spain to reach out to residents about getting their first doses will be used again for the booster shot, according to sources consulted by this newspaper.

How will the third dose affect the information on the EU’s Covid pass?

The third dose will be registered, just like the first two, and reflected on the common certificate used across the European Union to prove the bearer has protection from Covid-19.

What if someone refuses to get the third dose?

“We don’t know whether acceptance will be as high as with the first two doses, although we have positive early data,” said Trilla. “For now they’re going to immunocompromised people, and all of them have showed up for their appointments.” This expert said that if enough individuals in the 70+ group reject a booster shot when the drive gets fully underway, health authorities will likely roll out awareness campaigns .

How long will the booster shot campaign last?

There are no specific deadlines, although it is expected that a majority of eligible people will receive their third dose before the end of the year.

Is it possible to get the third dose and the flu shot at the same time?

Yes, in fact it is recommended. “There’s no problem, according to all published studies. But you should get one in each arm,” jokes Amós García. “From a logistical point of view, the most reasonable thing is to get them together because you save time and trips, both for the patients and for the health professionals.” Although there are a few minor differences between the regions, flu shots will start to be administered in the second half of October.

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Spain Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Spain

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Spain entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Spain from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain.

Can I travel to Spain if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Spain without restrictions.

Can I travel to Spain without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Spain without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Spain?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Spain.

Can I travel to Spain without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Spain?

Mask usage in Spain is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Spain?

Restaurants in Spain are open. Bars in Spain are .

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Spain entry requirements: Travel restrictions explained and when the Covid vaccine rules could end

Spain is one of the few countries in europe to still require proof of vaccination upon entry.

Spain has announced it will scrap Covid vaccine passports for non-EU travellers, allowing unvaccinated British holidaymakers to enter this summer .

Spain is one of the few countries in Europe to still require proof of vaccination upon entry.

But unvaccinated travellers will soon be able to enter with proof of a negative Covid test .

Madrid’s Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, said the move will be made official within days.

She told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: “It will be a matter of days before we are going to eliminate a restriction that could be discouraging tourists from outside the European Union from visiting us, and that is that we are going to stop requiring the vaccination certificate to allow them to enter with a negative test.

“Always with caution, the world sees us as a safe destination, more than 92 per cent of the Spanish population is vaccinated.”

What are Spain’s current entry requirements?

If you are traveling to Spain as a tourist you must show valid proof of one of the following:

• Being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain
• Having recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months

 Your dates of vaccination must be specified, and your final dose must have been administered within 270 days prior to travel to Spain.

If you had your second dose more than 270 days prior to travel to Spain, you must be able to show proof of having received a booster jab. There is no requirement for 14 days to have passed between receiving your booster jab and entering Spain.

Unvaccinated children aged 12 to 17 can travel to Spain with proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours, or proof of recovery from Covid in the past six months.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from all Covid entry requirements.

How are they changing?

When the change becomes official, people who are not fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter Spain for tourism.

They will still be required to present proof of a negative test.

Full details of the type of test and when it must be taken are yet to be confirmed.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

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

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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Spain Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Spain.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

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. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Spain. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Spain.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Spain is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Spain, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Spain is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Spain include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Spain’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Spain, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Spain for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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