Many travellers ask, “Is Spain safe?” and the good news is that, yes, Spain is considered a very safe country for visitors. Globally it takes the top 25th position on the Global Peace Index, which reflects the country’s strong societal stability and effective law enforcement.
Violent crime is rare, but petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft, can happen, especially in busy tourist areas. Despite its safety, travellers should still take basic precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
This article will serve as your guide to staying safe in Spain, covering important safety considerations, healthcare tips, emergency services numbers, and practical advice for enjoying your Spain with peace of mind.
This is what to expect
Is Spain safe?
Yes, Spain is very safe. Numbeo reports a Crime Index of approximately 37.6/100 and a Safety Index of around 62.4/100, both these metric indicate that Spain has low levels of crime. On the global scale, Spain ranks 25th on the Global Peace Index, showing that the country is stable and secure.
Spain also has laws in place to protect people, and its main Criminal Code (Ley Orgánica 10/1995) clearly explains what is considered a crime and how it is punished. Law enforcement is well-organized, with national police forces like the Policía Nacional and the Guardia Civil, supported by regional courts and the General Council of the Judiciary. The government also operates public-safety programs, such as the Safe Tourism Plan, and provides digital tools for reporting crimes, which help keep both residents and visitors safe.
The most common issues are pickpocketing and petty theft in busy tourist areas. Violent crime is uncommon because of the country’s clear laws and effective police presence. Therefore, Spain remains one of the safest European countries to visit or live in.
Spain Safety Overview
| Metric | Value / Rank for Spain | What This Means for Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Index (Numbeo) | ≈ 37.6 / 100 | A lower score means less crime. Spain falls into the low-crime range. Most issues involve pickpocketing, not violent crime. |
| Safety Index (Numbeo) | ≈ 62.4 / 100 | A higher score means people generally feel safe. Spain scores well, showing residents and visitors feel secure in daily life. |
| Global Peace Index 2025 Rank | 25th globally | This ranking reflects stable politics, low violent crime, and good public safety. Spain is considered a peaceful and secure country compared to most nations. |
| 2025 Global Passport Index – Quality of Life Rank | 4th globally | A high quality-of-life ranking usually goes hand-in-hand with safety. Good healthcare, stable institutions, and safe cities contribute to this score. |
Important Emergency Services and Contacts in Spain
As a tourist, a traveler, or a resident in Spain, knowing the contacts to local authorities that can come to your assistance for any kind of emergency is important. This is a comprehensive list of emergency services in Spain along with the relevant contacts.
| Service | Contact / Number | What It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| General Emergency Number | 112 | Main emergency line across Spain (police, medical, fire). Available in multiple languages. |
| National Police (Policía Nacional) | 091 | Crime reporting, theft, fraud, identity issues, and general policing in urban areas. |
| Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) | 062 | Rural policing, road safety, border protection, and emergencies outside major cities. |
| Local Police (Policía Local) | Varies by city | Traffic issues, local disturbances, neighborhood safety. |
| Tourist Assistance Service (SATE) | Varies by city (available in major tourist areas) | Helps tourists report crimes, replace documents, or access support services. |
| Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja) | 900 100 333 | Medical assistance, disaster support, social services, health emergencies. |
| Health Emergencies | 061 | Direct medical emergency line; sends ambulances and emergency medical teams. |
| Gender-Based Violence Hotline | 016 | Confidential, multilingual support for domestic violence; does not appear on phone bills. |
| Pharmacy Emergency Locator | Local signs or regional websites | Shows 24-hour pharmacies (farmacias de guardia) in each area. |
| Roadside Assistance (DGT) | 011 | Traffic alerts, breakdown support information, and road safety updates. |
| Foreigners & Immigration Information (Ministry of Inclusion & Migration) | +34 910 504 420 | Residency, visas, and immigration guidance. |
| Embassy or Consulate | Country-specific | Assistance with passports, legal help, emergencies, and repatriation for foreign nationals. |
9 Key Safety Considerations in Spain: Tips for Staying Safe as a Traveler.
01/ Civil unrest and protests
Protests and strikes happen often, especially in big cities. They can disrupt transport, including flights, trains, and buses. Some protests close to tourist areas have turned tense or resulted in clashes with police.
How to stay safe:
- Avoid protests and large crowds.
- Follow local news for updates about planned demonstrations.
- If your plans are affected, speak to your airline, hotel, or tour operator.
02/ Petty crime (Most common risk for tourists)
Petty theft is the biggest safety issue in Spain, especially in places like Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, and major tourist hotspots.
| Common Crimes Include | Thieves Usually Target |
|---|---|
| Pickpocketing | Public transport and stations |
| Bag-snatching | Busy areas like beaches, museums, and markets |
| Theft from cars | Restaurants and outdoor cafés |
| Theft while you’re distracted | Airports, even after security |
How to stay safe:
- Keep bags zipped and close to your body.
- Do not leave bags on chairs or the ground.
- Don’t walk alone in dark or empty streets.
- Keep your passport in a safe place and carry only a copy
03/ Road Crime
Thieves sometimes target cars with foreign plates, especially along the Mediterranean coast. Car break-ins also happen in car parks and at gas stations.
How to stay safe:
- Don’t leave belongings visible in your car.
- Keep the doors locked when driving.
- Be cautious of strangers offering help on the road.
- Use secure or guarded parking whenever possible.
04/ Credit card fraud
ATM and card fraud can occur in big cities and popular tourist destinations, but you can stay safe by using ATMs inside banks or shopping centres and covering the keypad when entering your PIN.
05/ Drink spiking & party safety
Be careful while out at night. Drink spiking has been reported in clubs and bars, especially in tourist nightlife areas. Needle spiking can also happen.
To stay safe you must:
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
- Stick to reputable venues.
- Seek medical help immediately if something feels wrong.
06/ Scams
There are different scams but the common ones include, fake inheritance scams, fraudulent emails claiming you are owed money and pickpocket distraction scams.
To stay safe, avoid sending personal or financial details to unknown contacts and be extra suspicious of unsolicited emails or offers.
07/ Cyber safety
In some instances, public Wi-Fi can expose your data to hacking. To be on the safer side, avoid public/shared computers for sensitive tasks and use a VPN whenever possible.
08/ Climate & natural disasters
These are the common natural hazards to look out for when travelling to Spain. Make sure to follow local authority instructions, monitor weather alerts, and avoid affected areas.
- Wildfires: common from May to September.
- Floods: especially after heavy rain (sometimes fatal).
- Earthquakes: rare but possible.
- Winter storms: in northern regions.
09/ Swimming and beach safety
Strong undercurrents exist on many Spanish islands, and several drownings occur each year. Safety precautions to take are to, swim only at supervised beaches, follow the flag warning system and check local weather and sea conditions.
Healthcare Considerations When Traveling to Spain
Travel Insurance
Always get comprehensive travel insurance before leaving home. Healthcare in Spain is very reliable, but make sure your policy covers all medical expenses overseas, including hospital treatment and medical evacuation. If you don’t have insurance, you may need to pay very large amounts upfront for care.
Before you travel, make sure your policy clearly states:
- What activities are covered
- What medical treatments are included
- That you’re insured for your entire time away
Physical and mental health
Think about your health needs before travelling, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Do this at least 8 weeks before departure. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor or a travel clinic to:
- Get a general check-up
- Confirm whether your trip may affect your health
- Find out which vaccines you may need.
Medication
Some medicines that are common in your country may be restricted or unavailable in Spain. Others may even be illegal, even if prescribed by your doctor.
To avoid problems:
- Check with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to confirm your medication is allowed
- Bring enough for your whole trip. Keep in mind you cannot mail medicine into Spain.
- Carry your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining, what the medication is, your dosage and that it is for personal use
Is Transport Safe in Spain?
Yes, transport in Spain is very safe. The country has one of the most reliable public-transport systems in Europe, with well-maintained trains, metros, buses, and domestic flights. Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville have modern networks with good security, CCTV, and regular police patrols. Long-distance trains (Renfe), high-speed AVE trains, and intercity buses adhere to strict safety protocols and are considered very safe for travelers.
These are the safest modes of transport to help you explore all the things to do in Spain.
| Transport Mode | Safety Level |
|---|---|
| Metro/Subway (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia) | Very Safe |
| Trains (Renfe, AVE high-speed) | Very Safe |
| Buses (intercity and urban) | Safe |
| Taxis and Rideshares (Uber, Cabify) | Safe |
| Car rentals | Safe |
| Tram/Light rail | Very Safe |
| Domestic flights | Very Safe |
| Ferries and boats | Safe |
Travelling to Spain: Practical Advice for Travelers
For anyone looking to explore Spanish tourism, while remaining on the safe side of the law, these are key travel considerations to keep in mind.
Visas and border rules
Each country sets its own entry and exit requirements. To check what you need for Spain, contact their embassy, consulate, or immigration office. Rules can change quickly, so confirm with your airline or the nearest Spanish embassy before travelling.
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so short stays (up to 90 days) may not require a visa, but longer stays or changes in travel purpose do.
Spain also offers long-term visas for those who wish to stay longer, such as the Spain Digital Nomad Visa or the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa. Always ensure your passport is stamped when entering the Schengen zone. To also be aware of how far your passport can take you, the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions can help you discover the true value of your passport.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU has introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES)for non-EU nationals . Your fingerprints and photo may be taken at borders, creating a digital record. If you re-enter the Schengen zone within three years, only a fingerprint or image will be needed. Remember to keep your total stay under 90 days in any 180 days to avoid penalties.
Money
Spain uses the Euro (€). If travelling from a non-EU country, declare amounts of €10,000 or more in cash or equivalent currency. Failing to declare can result in fines. No declaration is needed when travelling within the EU.
Driving and Road Travel
To drive in Spain, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Vehicles must have two red warning triangles and a reflective jacket. Driving in urban areas can be risky due to congestion, speeding, and aggressive drivers. Electric scooters have their own regulations, so check local rules before use.
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