Spain and Andorra (U.S. report)

March 12, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTIONS: Spain and Andorra are both highly developed and stable democracies with modern economies. Spain is a member of the European Union. Additional information on Spain may be obtained from the Tourist Office of Spain, telephone (212) 265-8822, or via the Internet at http://www.okspain.org. The website of the Spanish Embassy in the United States is http://www.spainemb.org. Additional information on Andorra may be obtained from the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10018, telephone (212) 750-8064 or via the Internet at http://www.andorra.ad.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required for both countries, but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Individuals who enter Spain or Andorra without a visa are not authorized to work. American citizens planning to study in Spain should be aware that Spanish immigration regulations require applications for student visas to be submitted 60 days before anticipated travel to Spain.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information concerning entry requirements for Spain, travelers should contact the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 728-2330, or the nearest Spanish consulate in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Spanish government websites with information about entry requirements (in Spanish) can be found at http://www.mae.es and http://www.mir.es. For further information on entry requirements to Andorra, travelers should contact the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th floor, New York, NY 10018, telephone (212) 750-8064 or via the Internet at http://www.andorra.ad.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Spanish or Andorran laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on their citizens. For additional information, please see the Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/dualnationality.html for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Spain and Andorra share with the rest of the world an increased threat of international Islamic terrorist incidents. On March 11, 2004, terrorists bombed four commuter trains coming into Madrid causing close to 200 deaths and over 1,400 injuries.

The ETA terrorist organization remains active in Spain; historically, ETA attacks have been directed against the police, military, local politicians, and Spanish government targets. However, in February 2004, ETA reiterated its intention to target Spanish tourist areas, advising that foreign nationals could be among the victims. In December 2003, Spanish police thwarted an ETA attempt to bomb a train loaded with pre-holiday travelers. On March 1, 2004, Spanish authorities intercepted 500 kilograms of explosives, which suspected ETA terrorists were taking to Madrid. Since 2001, ETA attacks have included a number of car-bomb incidents, some occurring in areas frequented by tourists, including the Madrid and Malaga airports. While there were no American fatalities from these incidents, there have been a number of injuries. U.S. tourists traveling to Spain should remain vigilant, exercise caution, monitor local developments, and avoid demonstrations and other potentially violent situations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

CRIME: While most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime and most of the estimated one million American tourists have trouble free visits to Spain each year, street crimes against tourists occur in the principal tourist areas. Madrid and Barcelona, in particular, report increasing incidents of muggings and violent attacks, some of which have been so violent that victims have needed medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older tourists and Asian Americans seem to be particularly at risk. Criminals frequent tourist areas and major attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, outdoor cafes, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, beach resorts, city buses, subways, trains, train stations, airports, and ATM machines.

In Barcelona, a number of attacks have been reported on Las Ramblas, near the Picasso Museum, in the Gothic Quarter, in Parc Güell, in Plaza Real and on Montjuic. In Madrid, incidents have been reported in major tourist areas, including the area near the Prado Museum, near Atocha train station, in Retiro Park, in areas of old Madrid including Sol and El Rastro flea market, near the Royal Palace and in Plaza Mayor.

Travelers should remain alert to their personal security and exercise caution. Travelers are encouraged to carry limited cash, only one credit card, and a copy of their passport; leaving extra cash, extra credit cards, passports and personal documents in a safe location. When carrying documents, credit cards or cash, you are encouraged to secure them in a hard-to-reach place and not to carry all valuables together in a purse or backpack.

Thieves often work in teams or pairs. In most cases, one person distracts a victim while the accomplice performs the robbery. For example, someone might wave a map in your face and ask for directions or "inadvertently" spill something on you. While your attention is diverted, an accomplice makes off with the valuables. Thieves may drop coins or keys at your feet to distract you and try to take your belongings while you are trying to help. Attacks are sometimes initiated from behind, with the victim being grabbed around the neck and choked by one assailant while others rifle through or grab the belongings. A group of assailants may surround the victim in a crowded popular tourist area or on public transportation, and only after the group has departed does the person discover he/she has been robbed. Purse-snatchers may grab purses or wallets and run away, or immediately pass the stolen item to an accomplice. A passenger on a passing motorcycle sometimes robs pedestrians. There have been several reports of thieves posing as plainclothes police officers sometimes beckoning to pedestrians from cars and sometimes confronting them on the street and asking for documents. American citizens are encouraged to deal with uniformed law enforcement personnel only.

Theft from vehicles is also common. Items high in value like luggage, cameras, laptop computers, or briefcases are often stolen from cars. Travelers are advised not to leave valuables in parked cars, and to keep doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight when driving. "Good Samaritan" scams are unfortunately common, where a passing car or "helpful" stranger will attempt to divert the driver's attention by indicating there is a flat tire or mechanical problem. When the driver stops to check the vehicle, the "Good Samaritan" will appear to help the driver and passengers while the accomplice steals from the unlocked car. Drivers should be cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard.

While the incidence of sexual assault is statistically very low, attacks do occur. Spanish authorities have warned of availability of so-called "date-rape" drugs and other drugs, including "GBH" and liquid ecstasy. Americans should not lower their personal security awareness because they are on vacation.

A number of American citizens have been victims of lottery or advance fee scams in which a person is lured to Spain to finalize a financial transaction. Often the victims are initially contacted via internet or fax and informed they have won the Spanish Lottery (El Gordo), inherited money from a distant relative, or are needed to assist in a major financial transaction from one country to another. For more information, please see the information sheet on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/scams.html.

Andorra has a low rate of crime.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Spanish government has a system for foreigners to file police reports by telephone with an English speaker, which must be followed up by a trip to a police substation to sign the form and obtain a copy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INSURANCE: Good medical care is available in both Spain and Andorra. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance companies prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have found it to be life saving when a medical emergency has occurred. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Spain and Andorra is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

Traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is faster-paced than in U.S. cities and can be unnerving due to unfamiliar signs or motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes. Drivers should always obey the closest traffic light, as there are separate pedestrian lights in the city. Drivers should be alert when driving at night in urban areas, due to the possibility of encountering drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol. Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous, because of farm animals and poorly marked roads. Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons. New traffic regulations went into effect in Spain on January 30, 2004. Of particular note is the prohibition on the use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving a car. There is a fine of 150 euros for violation of this regulation and loss of driving privileges. Pedestrians should use designated crossing areas when crossing streets and obey traffic lights.

Public transportation in large cities is generally excellent. All major cities have metered taxis, and extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. Travelers are advised to use only clearly identified cabs and to ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter. A green light on the roof indicates that the taxi is available. Rail service is comfortable and reliable, but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Spanish driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Spanish National Tourist Organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.okspain.org. For information about driving in Andorra refer to the Andorran website at http://www.andorra.ad.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain's civil aviation authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or ' visit the FAAs Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C., or one of Spain's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. This is especially important if you are attempting to send any medications to Spain through postal channels. Spain's customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters , located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit www.uscib.org for details.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Spanish law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Spain are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. The Madrid City and Balearics Regional Governments have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. Visitors to Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca should be aware that failure to respect this law might result in the imposition of fines.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or visiting Spain or Andorra are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid or at the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Spain or Andorra.

The U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, is located at Serrano 75; telephone (34)(91) 587-2200, and fax (34)(91) 587-2303. U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy, Consulate General, or one of the Consular Agency listed below can obtain updated information on travel and security within Spain or Andorra. Additional information is available through the U.S. Embassy's Internet homepage at http://madrid.usembassy.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Barcelona is located at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25; telephone (34)(93) 280-2227 and fax (34)(93) 205-5206. Visitors to Barcelona can access additional information from the Consulate General's web page at http://barcelona.usconsulate.gov/.

There are six Consular Agencies in Spain, which provide limited services to American Citizens, but are not authorized to issue passports.

Fuengirola near Malaga, at Avenida Juan Gomez Juanito #8, Edificio Lucia 1C, 29640, Fuengirola, telephone (34)(952) 474-891 and fax (34)(952) 465-189, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;

La Coruna, at Canton Grande 6, telephone (34)(981) 213-233 and fax (34)(981 22 28 08), hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;

Las Palmas, at Edificio Arca, Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7, telephone (34)(928) 222-552 and fax (34)(928) 225-863, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;

Palma de Mallorca, Edificio Reina Constanza, Porto Pi, 8, 9-D, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Telephone (34)(971) 40-3707 or 40-3905 and fax (34)(971) 40-3971. Hours 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;

Seville, at Paseo de Las Delicias 7, telephone (34)(954) 231-885 and fax (34)(954) 232-040, hours 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;

Valencia, at Doctor Romagosa #1, 2-J, 46002, Valencia telephone (34)(96)-351-6973 and fax (34)(96) 352-9565, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For Andorra, please contact the U.S. Consulate in Barcelona.

* * *

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 14, 2003, to update sections on Safety and Security, Crime, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions and Children's Issues.

 

Still Current at: 18 May 2004 
Updated: 4 May 2004 

 
 Spain - U.K. report
  

SUMMARY


On 2 April, an explosive device was discovered and defused on the main Seville-Madrid railway line. There was a resultant disruption to train services.

Around 200 people were killed and over 1400 injured in co-ordinated explosions at three Madrid railway stations early on 11 March. A group purporting to represent Al Qaida claimed responsibility on 13 March.

There is a general threat in Spain to Western, including British, targets from terrorism. In the light of the recent terrorist attacks, you should take sensible precautions and remain vigilant in public places and when travelling by train.

ETA, the Basque terrorist group, recently renewed its threat to attack the Spanish tourist industry in 2004.

You should also be alert to the existence of street crime. But the vast majority of visits to Spain are trouble-free.

Visitors to ski resorts should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before they travel and throughout their visit (see: http://goski.com/spain.htm and http://www.avalanches.org ).


SAFETY AND SECURITY


Terrorism

Ten bombs exploded on trains at three railway stations in Madrid on 11 March. Around 200 people were killed and over 1400 injured. The Spanish police have received videotape in which a group claiming to represent Al Qaida say it was responsible for the bombings. Whilst you should remain vigilant in public places, there is no indication that British nationals were targeted. Travellers should be aware that terrorists have previously targeted Spanish trains.

The ETA threat against the tourist industry was renewed this year when tour operators in Spain and foreign companies that include Spain in their holiday offers received a letter stating that tourist facilities would continue to be ETA targets during 2004. The warning has also been circulated by ETA to EU Embassies in Spain. Given this active campaign and the millions of tourists who visit Spain each year there is a chance that visitors will be caught up in further attacks. Warnings may not always be given or a bomb could explode prematurely.

On 27 July 2003, a car bomb exploded in the car park of the airport at Santander in northern Spain. A warning was received and the area safely evacuated. This incident followed two explosions on 22 July 2003, in resorts on the Costa Blanca; the first inside the Hotel Bahia in Alicante and the second inside the Hotel Nadal in Benidorm. Although warnings were given and the hotels evacuated, both bombs exploded prematurely causing injuries to some police officers and those being evacuated including, in Alicante, one British woman.

As well as tourist facilities, ETA also continues to attack other targets eg Spanish politicians, members of the security forces, judges and journalists. When bombs have been used to target specific individuals, warnings have not been given. In April 2003, one of ETA's internal bulletins included multinational companies with operations in Spain in a long list of possible economic targets. Incidents of street violence in the Basque country, involving youths sympathetic to ETA, and directed against the security forces, political parties and banks have dropped to all time historical lows over the last year or so. When they do occur, they usually happen late at night, more often than not at weekends, and take the form of petrol bomb or similar home made explosive devices against the homes or offices of local politicians, security force buildings and cash dispensers.

It is worth noting that several senior ETA members have also been arrested since the beginning of December 2003 and that ETA announced a ceasefire that would apply only within Catalunya on 18 February.

You should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks from global/international terrorism in all countries of the world, against civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites. The Spanish authorities are fully aware of the impact of terrorism and are taking measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant (see "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism").

Disruptions from real or hoax terror attempts can be expected. You should follow the instructions of the local police and other authorities.

Crime

Your passport is a valuable document. Look after it! Replacing a lost or stolen passport can be time consuming and expensive.

Street crime is common in many Spanish cities, towns and holiday resorts. It is occasionally accompanied by violence. You should keep all valuable personal items, such as cameras or jewellery, out of sight and avoid carrying passports, credit cards, travel documents and money together in handbags or pockets. Be wary of approaches by strangers either asking for directions or asking for, or offering, help of any kind. These approaches, at times made by bogus policemen, are sometimes ploys to distract attention while they or accomplices make off with valuables or possessions and/or, for example, take note of credit card numbers for future illegal use. Visitors should be aware that some money exchange booths post one exchange rate and pay at another, claiming, subsequent to the transaction, that the higher rate is applicable only to the exchange of large amounts of money. To date, reports of such practices are confined to Benidorm where the police are aware and taking action.

To combat street crime the authorities have increased the police presence in tourist areas. Nevertheless, you should remain alert in all areas (including hotel lobbies, airports, train and bus stations, on public transport, at car rental outlets and even supermarkets and their car parks) and avoid walking alone after dark in quiet locations whenever possible.

In Madrid, you should take particular care in the Puerto de Sol and surrounding streets including the Plaza Mayor, the Retiro Park and Lavapies.

In Barcelona, you should be especially vigilant in the Plaza Catalunya, Ramblas and surrounding streets of the old city and, following a recent spate of violent muggings, the Monjuic area. You should also be vigilant at the airport. The cities and areas listed above are not exclusive and you should take appropriate care and precautions to guard against street crime in all places.

The incidence of rape and sexual assault is statistically low. Nevertheless attacks occur. You are advised not to lower your personal security awareness because you are on holiday. The Spanish authorities have warned that you should also be alert to the availability and possible use of "date rape" and other drugs, including "GBH." and liquid ecstasy.

Motorists should be on the look out for "highway pirates" who target foreign registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. Motorists are sometimes targeted in service areas and subsequently tricked into stopping on the hard shoulder. The usual ploy is for a passing vehicle to suggest by gesture that there is something seriously wrong with a rear wheel. If you decide to stop to check the condition of your vehicle you should be extremely wary of anyone offering help. You should lock all vehicle doors and keep bags containing valuables out of sight. Car keys should not be left in the ignition.

Local Travel

Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays to travellers crossing between Spain and Gibraltar.

Road Travel

You should take particular care when driving as regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher. Pedestrians should take care particularly when crossing roads (even at zebra crossings), or walking along unlit roads at night.

Driving licences and insurance documents must be carried and produced for inspection if required.

It is a legal requirement for motorists travelling to or transiting Spain to carry (in all vehicles) two red warning triangles to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle. Failure to comply may result in the imposition of a spot fine of up to 90 Euros. This requirement is in addition to the need for drivers to carry a spare wheel, a spare fan belt and full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them.

Spanish law allows the carriage of any loads (eg bicycles) on the back of cars, camper vans or caravans provided the load is securely fixed, does not touch the ground, compromise the stability of the carrying vehicle, create noise or block lights, reflectors, number plates or prevent signals made by the driver from being seen. There is currently no requirement for bicycle racks to be certified or pass a technical inspection. If a trailer is used, bicycle racks must not rest on the drawbar coupling as this could result in the maximum weight allowed for in the trailers technical specifications, being exceeded.


LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS


Respect Spanish laws and customs. In Spain the possession of all recreational drugs is illegal. The authorities take the matter of drugs very seriously and the possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment. You should not therefore become involved with drugs of any kind.


The Madrid City, the Balearics and Canary Islands Regional Governments have banned, other than in registered street cafes and bars, the consumption of alcohol in the street. Failure to respect this law may result in the imposition of fines.




HEALTH


You should hold a completed E111 form. This is obtainable free of charge at most UK post offices, and will cover the costs of any emergency health care you receive at State run hospitals during your stay. But, please note that those unlucky enough to be involved in an accident may be taken to a private clinic in the first instance where an E111 will not be valid to settle the bill. You are therefore strongly recommended to also take out full private insurance cover. Additionally, an E111 form gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature. Visitors to Andorra, which is not an EU member, are specifically reminded that E111 forms are not accepted there.


For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/index.htm




GENERAL


Purchase of Property, Timeshare Ownership and Holiday Clubs
 
If you intend to purchase a property in Spain you are strongly advised to engage a local lawyer. For further information on living and working in Spain please visit our Embassy website: http://www.ukinspain.com . Some general guidance notes on purchasing property are also available from the Spanish Desk in the Consular Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Room G/105/6, Old Admiralty Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2PA; and from British Consular Offices in Spain.
 
It is probable that a British couple searching for property in the Valencia region recently became the victims of an unscrupulous gang posing as property vendors. The couple were abducted by the gang, forced to hand over money to them and subsequently murdered. This is an isolated incident and the persons responsible have been apprehended by the police. However, British Citizens purchasing property in Spain are strongly recommended to deal only with established and reputable estate agents or with other contacts whom they know to be reliable and genuine, and to make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels.
 
Timeshare ownership is well established in Spain with many known and respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally, fairly and successfully. However, there are equally many unscrupulous companies in operation, some of which claim to provide various incentives (including stock market investments and discounts on airfares and accommodation) when exchanging existing timeshare ownership or taking out membership of holiday clubs. More often than not, such inducements do not materialise once a deal has been signed and sealed. If you are approached by agents operating such schemes you should treat the approaches with the utmost caution.
 
Purchases of Tobacco products for export
 
HM Customs and Excise recently revised its guidelines on the amount of tobacco products British citizens may import into the United Kingdom, for personal use, from other European Union countries. However, under Spanish law, the number of cigarettes for personal use, which may be exported from Spain without additional paperwork remains unchanged at 800. Anything above this amount is regarded as a trade transaction, which must be accompanied by the required documentation. Anyone who intends to export more than 800 cigarettes should consult the Spanish Customs authorities before any purchases are made.
 
If travellers are apprehended with more than 800 cigarettes, but without the necessary accompanying documentation, the Spanish authorities are liable to seize the excess cigarettes or impose a large fine. Travellers to the Canary Islands should note that, although part of Spain, the Canary Islands are outside the EU trading zone.
 
Dangerous cigarette lighters
 
United Kingdom airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority are concerned about the serious fire risk in hold loaded luggage arising from promotions in Spanish holiday resorts in which cigarette lighters are attached to and/or packed in cartons of some brands of cigarettes. The lighters have a sensitive electronic ignition, which can be activated by movement within a suitcase as it is being transported. Travellers who buy such cartons of cigarettes are advised to remove the lighters and dispose of them prior to their return flight as these lighters should not be carried onboard an aircraft.
 
Skiing
 
If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Spanish Tourist Office in London for advice on safety and weather conditions before travelling. They can be contacted at: 22-23 Manchester Square, London, W1M 5AP; Tel: 020 7486 8077; Fax: 020 7486 8034.
 
You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the dangers of avalanches in some areas. Further information can be obtained at the following websites: http://goski.com/spain.htm and http://www.avalanches.org
 
You should be aware that, on rare occasions, the consumption of alcohol combined with low temperatures and high altitude can be fatal.
 
Emergency telephone number: 112.
 
For further information and Consular details in Spain, please visit the British Embassy website: http://www.ukinspain.com .
 
The Euro
 
You are reminded that the currency of Spain is the Euro.
 
EURO 2004
 
For information please go to: EURO 2004
 
European Union
 
Information on the EU can be found at: Travelling and Living in the EU (pdf) and Britain and the European Union.
 


OTHER


Spain Country Profile




CONTACT DETAILS

Address:    C/ Fernando el Santo, 16
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Telephone:    (34) (91) 700 82 00
(34) (91) 319 02 00
(34) (91) 524 9700 Consular Services 
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Email:    presslibrary@ukinspain.com 
 

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