Spain is the second-most visited country in the world, topped only by France, according to some sources. Since 1992—when Barcelona hosted the Olympics, Seville hosted Expo 92 and Madrid was declared the European Cultural Capital—tourism here has expanded tremendously.
Its famous beaches, warm sun and Mediterranean coasts attract the most visitors, and its other coastline along the Atlantic north of Portugal is also a gem. Spain’s landscapes are varied, and provide an ideal environment for exploration and adventure.
Historical cities such as Toledo and Granada, contemporary Barcelona or the villages of Andalusia represent just a few of the areas worth visiting. The culture, the cuisine and the history await discovery.
Spain’s national airline is IBERIA (IB) and the country itself has over 30 international airports. AENA (Aeropuertos Espanoles y Navegacin A?rea), the organization in charge of managing all Spanish airports, is located in Madrid. Inquirers may visit their website at Aena.es. Many flights are available from the UK.
Departure tax
None
Northern Spain is rather temperate, but the south’s arid heat gains strength from northern Africa. Although conditions can be stifling during the mid-summer, April through October are the most pleasant months. Bitter cold envelops the central plateau in winter.
Country code: 34. Area codes are integrated with a nine-digit number. Cell phones have good coverage throughout most of Spain; and roaming agreements stand with all major networks. Fax and telegram services are available at most post offices, and Internet cafes frequent most metropolitan vicinities.
Standard currency: Euro. Major credit cards are generally accepted as well as Eurocheck cards and travelers checks.
Passport and Visa
All travelers require a valid passport except the following:
- Nationals of EU nations with valid national ID cards
- Nationals of Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal whose passports expired less than 5 years prior to visit
- Nationals of Germany and the UK whose passports expired less than 1 year prior to visit
- Nationals of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Netherland Antilles, and Switzerland who either have valid national ID cards or passports which have expired no more than 5 years prior to visit
Contact appropriate authorities before leaving. Also, it is sensible to have a return ticket; you may be asked for adequate proof of funds to finance the stay if you cannot produce one.
Visas are required by all except the following:
- Nationals of Aruba; Bolivia; Bonaire; Colombia; Costa Rica; Croatia; Curacao; Ecuador; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Kenya; Malaysia; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Singapore; Suriname and Venezuela for up to 3 months
- A visa granted by one of the Schengen countries is valid in all other member countries
Spain operates on a 220V or 225V/50Hz. Two-pin plugs are generally used.
Spain’s drinking water is assuredly safe to drink everywhere; however, on some Mediterranean coastlands and islands it is advisable and common practice to drink bottled water. Caution: Rabies is present in Spain, and vaccination prior to arrival is advised for those at high risk.
Official language: Spanish (Castillian). Some other minor languages are Catalan (spoken in the northeast), Galician (northwest) and Basque (north).
As with the rest of the world, Spain has an increased threat of international terrorist attacks. The possibility for terrorist groups entering its borders anonymously is greater due to the openness between Spain and its Western European neighbors. Americans are cautioned to use common sense and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Standard time zone: GMT +1 (mainland Spain/Balearics). When daylight saving time is observed (March to October), it is GMT +2.
Service is included with the price of food or drink in all establishments; however, a five or ten percent tip is common at bars, restaurants, hotels, and for taxis.
