Is Spain safe to travel to?

Spain is widely considered a safe destination for most visitors, with a low practical traveler risk (37/100). That said, the official advisory is Level 2: Exercise increased caution (government advisory score 45/100), mainly due to occasional protests, transport disruptions, and common tourist scams in major cities and resort areas.

What are the main travel risks in Spain?

The most common travel risks in Spain are pickpocketing and tourist scams in busy areas (especially around attractions, transit hubs, and nightlife), occasional civil unrest or demonstrations that can disrupt plans, and intermittent transport reliability issues such as strikes or delays. Petty crime is relatively low (17/100), but it concentrates in crowded hotspots.

What is the current travel advisory for Spain?

Spain is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory, with a government advisory score of 45/100. Travelers should stay aware of local conditions, particularly around demonstrations and high-traffic tourist zones.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Spain?

Check local news for protests or strike announcements, avoid demonstrations, and allow extra time for trains, metros, and flights during disruption periods. Use anti-theft habits in Barcelona, Madrid, and other busy tourist areas (keep phones and wallets secured), and be cautious with unsolicited help, “friendship” approaches, and too-good-to-be-true offers.

Spain

Europe

Higher risk than 42% of countries. Main concerns: civil unrest and transport reliability.

Government Advisory

Elevated

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Traveler Practical Risk

Low

Confidence: high. Main drivers: civil unrest, transport reliability, tourist scams.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

📢Civil Unrest

Europe avg: 5875

🚌Transport

Europe avg: 5250

🎭Scams

Europe avg: 5250

⚠️Violent Incident

Europe avg: 2430

🌊Natural Disaster

Europe avg: 2624

🏥Health

Europe avg: 1818

🔓Petty Crime

Europe avg: 1817

Practical advice

✓Monitor local developments and avoid demonstrations or fast-changing border areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 5/12/2025 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Spain

Is Spain safe to travel to?: Spain is widely considered a safe destination for most visitors, with a low practical traveler risk (37/100). That said, the official advisory is Level 2: Exercise increased caution (government advisory score 45/100), mainly due to occasional protests, transport disruptions, and common tourist scams in major cities and resort areas.
What are the main travel risks in Spain?: The most common travel risks in Spain are pickpocketing and tourist scams in busy areas (especially around attractions, transit hubs, and nightlife), occasional civil unrest or demonstrations that can disrupt plans, and intermittent transport reliability issues such as strikes or delays. Petty crime is relatively low (17/100), but it concentrates in crowded hotspots.
What is the current travel advisory for Spain?: Spain is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory, with a government advisory score of 45/100. Travelers should stay aware of local conditions, particularly around demonstrations and high-traffic tourist zones.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Spain?: Check local news for protests or strike announcements, avoid demonstrations, and allow extra time for trains, metros, and flights during disruption periods. Use anti-theft habits in Barcelona, Madrid, and other busy tourist areas (keep phones and wallets secured), and be cautious with unsolicited help, “friendship” approaches, and too-good-to-be-true offers.

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