Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is particularly common in tourist areas and on

There is an ongoing risk of terrorism in Europe. In the past, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid and Moscow. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services in recent years, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists travel magazines in attacking European locations.
Demonstrations and strikes occur in Spain and they can disrupt traffic and public transport services, including air and train services, leading to delays and cancellations. Recent demonstrations in the city centres close to tourist areas in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other large cities have, on occasion, resulted in clashes travel magazines with police.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Spain for the most up to date information.
travel magazines Spain is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 25 other European countries, which allows you to enter Spain without a visa in some circumstances. See our travel bulletin on the Schengen Convention for more information.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned travel magazines date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport travel magazines photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
There is an ongoing risk of terrorism in Europe. In the past, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid and Moscow. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented travel magazines by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted travel magazines by European security services in recent years, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking European locations.
travel magazines The Basque terrorist group ETA has waged a terrorist campaign in Spain for five decades. On 20 October 2011, ETA announced a definitive cessation of armed activity . However, the group remains armed and has broken ceasefire agreements in the past.
ETA has targeted Spanish tourist destinations, including coastal resorts and transport hubs such as airports, seaports, train stations and motorways. Government infrastructure and interests have also been targeted, including the police and civil guard.
Attacks by ETA have not focused on any particular city or region and travellers should therefore exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety in all parts of Spain. Disruption to travel plans may be a consequence of a real or hoax terrorist attack. A bombing which occurred on 30 July 2009 in Mallorca resulted in the temporary closure of transport travel magazines in and out of the island. In the event of a terrorist attack, you should follow the advice travel magazines of police and other local authorities.
travel magazines Spain has also been the target of attacks by Islamic extremists. travel magazines A series of coordinated bomb attacks occurred on the Madrid commuter train system in March 2004, killing 192 people and injuring over 1400.
In response to terrorist attacks, travel magazines both by ETA and Islamic extremists, the Spanish Government has increased security on Spain's transport systems and in key tourist areas. travel magazines However, further attacks could occur, including travel magazines in places frequented by expatriates and tourists.
Demonstrations and strikes occur in Spain and they can disrupt traffic and public travel magazines transport services, including air and train services, leading to delays and cancellations. Recent demonstrations in the city centres close to tourist areas in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other large cities have, on occasion, resulted in clashes with police.. Demonstrations in the Basque Country can spark violent incidents. You should travel magazines avoid all demonstrations as they may turn violent and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is particularly common in tourist areas and on public transport in large Spanish cities, especially Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. The perpetrators are often highly skilled at stealing valuables, including passports and money, without attracting the owner's attention.
Thieves often work in gangs and use various ploys to distract the attention travel magazines of tourists. For example, a criminal may use large maps or offers of assistance to distract a traveller's attention, while an accomplice steals the traveller's belongings. Thieves have posed as plain clothes police travel magazines officers and, while pretending travel magazines to enquire after identification, have stolen money and credit cards from tourists' wallets. Tourists are sometimes intimidated into providing the pin number for their ATM card.
Thieves commonly target motorists. They might try to convince you to pull over because of an apparent problem with your vehicle, or offer assistance to change a slashed or flat tyre. While one assists you, an accomplice steals from the car. Cars with foreign number plates are often targeted. Thieves have also broken into caravans and motor homes, particularly in public parking travel magazines areas.
travel magazines There are a number of elaborate scam operations based in Spain. Travellers should be cautious about travelling to Spain in response to a letter advising of a sudden financial windfall. Inheritance scams and Spanish lottery scams are the most common form, but other scams also operate in Spain. Inheritance scams typically involve receipt of a message, purporting to be from a lawyer in Spain, informing an Australian that they have received a substantial inheritance from a previously unknown relative who died in Spain. Scam lotteries based in Spain claim to represent Spanish state lotteries. If you receive unexpected correspondence from Spain asserting a financial windfall you should look carefully into the claim before sending money or travelling to Spain.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Credit card and ATM fraud, often involving sophisticated equipment, is increasing in Spain. You are advised to use ATMs located travel magazines in the bank lobby wherever possible.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. travel magazines Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. Barcelona has a very high incidence of passport theft. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission travel magazines or Consulate as soon as possible.
Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, aggressive driving practices and excessive speed. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety . Australian tourists driving in Spain are required travel magazines by law to carry their valid Australian State or Territory Driver Licence, as well as an International Driver Licence.
The annual Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona in July. Participating in the running of the bulls is dangerous. Each year, some participants are seriously injured and numerous deaths have occurred over the years. Some Australians jump off fountains during the festivities in Pamplona. This activity has resulted in severe injuries and death. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you participate in the running of the bulls or jumping from fountains. You should carefully check the details of your insurance policy.
During summer some areas of Spain, including the Balearic Island of Ibiza, travel magazines are popular party destinations. We recommend you read our travel bulletin travel magazines ' Partying Overseas ' for tips on partying safely.
When you are in Spain, travel magazines be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Police officers may request to see identification. Police can detain you at a police station until your identity is confirmed. You should carry ID, for example your original driver s licence and a photocopy of your passport, at all times.
It is a legal requirement for vehicles to be equipped with two red warning triangles and a reflective jacket to be used in an accident or breakdown. Drivers who do not have these items may be fined. When renting a vehicle, you should travel magazines check with the rental company about traffic regulations and safety equipment.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating travel magazines to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Spain does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Spanish dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We strongly recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.
The Spanish Ministry of Health recommends that tourists t