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Weather & climate
Weather in Spain
Spain
18°
Slight rain showers
Sat
12°
18°
Sun
10°
18°
Mon
10°
20°
Tue
12°
20°
Wed
10°
20°
Thu
10°
16°
Fri
7°
15°
SPF level in Spain
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Spain
What British travellers need to know
You can travel to Spain without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for purposes like tourism or visiting family.
Your passport must be less than 10 years old on your arrival date and have at least 3 months validity remaining after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
At border control, you may need to show documents such as a return ticket, proof of travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and your accommodation details.
Visits to any Schengen countries in the 180 days before your trip count towards your 90-day visa-free limit, so ensure your total stay is within this period.
When the Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented, you may need to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at the border, which could cause longer wait times.
Good to know:
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Spain, with exceptions for items like powdered baby milk or special medically required foods.
You must declare any cash or travellers cheques if the total value is 10,000 euros or more upon entry to avoid seizure.
Safety in Spain
Tips when travelling
Spain is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your passport, money, and valuables secure and be alert to distraction thefts, especially at airports and car hire desks.
Do not drink alcohol in the street as it is illegal in many areas and can result in an on-the-spot fine.
It is illegal to be on the street in only swimwear in some parts of Spain, so cover up when leaving the beach.
Be aware that drinks in Spanish bars are often stronger than in the UK, and do not leave your drink unattended to avoid spiking.
You must show photo ID if asked by a police officer and can be detained until your identity is confirmed.
You will get a fine and may be evicted from your hotel for dangerous or irresponsible behaviour on a balcony.
Bonus tips:
Only use official taxis or licensed transport firms, as passengers using unlicensed services face fines of up to 600 euros.
Be cautious of 'highway pirates' who may try to flag you down on the road, and only stop in well-lit public areas.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Spain
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Spain. Ensure you have your physical license with you. If you are a resident, you may need to exchange your UK license for a Spanish one.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Spain drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Spain
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Spain. However, neither covers all medical costs, including repatriation. Comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended for peace of mind.
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Spain. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available. Be aware of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika or Dengue fever, especially during warmer months, and take precautions against mosquito bites.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in urban areas, tourist locations and large establishments. Acceptance may be limited in rural areas or smaller shops.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Spain
Tipping is appreciated in Spain for good service but is not obligatory. Locals may round up slightly or leave a small amount.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service. Rounding up is common for good service
Bar/Café
Rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving small change is common
Taxi
Rounding up to the nearest Euro is appreciated
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night of stay left at the end of the stay in the room
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU-wide free roaming for UK mobile users has ended. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Spain. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming, but it is not guaranteed. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use a lot of data.
Local SIM
20 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Spain
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in major cities and tourist areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Spain offers good internet connectivity, with widespread WiFi and decent mobile data speeds, especially in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
091
Ambulance
061
Fire
080
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Spain
Country code
+34
To call the British Embassy in Madrid, you would dial 00 34 917 14 63 00.
The country code for Spain is 34. The exit code from the UK is 00. Spanish phone numbers are 9 digits long.
Languages in Spain
Spanish(primary)
Catalan
Basque
Galician
UK Embassy
British Embassy Madrid
Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
8 days ago
Travel disruption
- The warning about the high-speed train collision near Adamuz on 18 January has been removed.
- The disruption update for services between Madrid and Andalusia has been removed, including the replacement transport plan.
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- When entering the Schengen area, you do not need to take any action before arriving at the border.
- You now need to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Border procedures
- The requirement to manually get your passport stamped at the border before the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully rolled out has been removed.
- The reminder for visitors to show entry/exit stamps as proof of not overstaying the 90-day limit has been removed.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- EU long-term residents in any Schengen country are now explicitly exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES) in all Schengen countries.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Passport validity
- Passport validity rule now explicitly states a passport with a 'date of issue' over 10 years old is invalid for entry to the Schengen area.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now described as 'being implemented' rather than 'being rolled out'.
- The reference to a 'phased' introduction and the specific start date of '10 April 2026' has been removed.
Airports in Spain
Beaches in Spain
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist travel to Spain for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
Spain is generally a very safe country for tourists. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is the most common concern, particularly in tourist hotspots like Barcelona and Madrid. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and keep valuables secure.
The best time to visit Spain depends on your preferences. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) can be very hot, especially in inland cities, but ideal for beach holidays. Winter (November-March) is mild in the south but can be cold in the north.
Be wary of scams such as the 'lucky heather' scam, where someone offers you a sprig of heather and then demands payment. Also, avoid agreeing to unsolicited services or goods, and be cautious of street performers who become aggressive about payment. Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.
In Spain, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plug types are C and F. Plug type C has two round pins and type F has two round pins with side grounding clips. UK visitors may need a plug adapter.
Spain is known for its delicious cuisine. Be sure to try paella (rice dish with seafood or meat), tapas (small savory dishes), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), and churros with chocolate.
The dress code in Spain is generally smart casual. During the day, comfortable clothing is acceptable, especially in tourist areas. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees. For evenings out, especially in cities, dress a bit more stylishly.
Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is common. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also appreciate tips for good service.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.