How to travel safely and securely in Spain
Are you going to Spain this summer? How do you travel safely and securely whether you are going on business or for pleasure with your family? We have gathered some piece of good advice here.
Updated May 2022
Follow travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Follow the travel advice of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Spain:
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.um.dk
Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.formin.finland.fi
Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.mfa.is
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.regeringen.no
Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.regeringen.se
We also recommend that you sign up on the travel data base of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to be informed and warned by the authorities if necessary.
Other useful links for travellers in Spain
https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm
Follow the COVID-19 situation by staying informed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or on the Spanish Embassy’s website.
Prior to travelling, remember to investigate whether your local and European Corona Pass is recognised as evidence of test results, vaccinations, and immunity.
You can find more information by contacting your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hospital services in Spain
In the larger Spanish cities, the standard of both the public as well as the private hospitals is high, and the larger chains of hospitals are usually strategically placed in the tourist destinations.
Outside the big cities and tourist areas, be aware that doctors and nurses may not speak English or have Scandinavian-speaking interpreters, as you see in private hospitals, for example.
Many travellers find the language barrier a challenge. Call SOS International, and we will help you.
Contact SOS International before consulting a doctor or going to a hospital in Spain.
In that way we can ensure the best quality of treatment for you.
Our 24/7 alarm centre is ready to provide help at +4570105050
You are advised to consult your doctor and/or vaccination centre well in advance of your travel for advice on vaccination, prophylaxis, precautions and diseases.
Country specific and individualised vaccination advice can be found at:
Denmark: www.vaccination.dk
Finland: www.thl.fi
Iceland: www.landlaeknir.is
Norway: www.fhi.no
Sweden: www.vaccinationsguiden.se
Before travelling, always check your travel insurance in order to find out what is covered if you fall ill on your travel abroad.
SOS International's alarm centre is ready to receive calls and assist around the clock.
Call us at +45 7010 5050
How to avoid having your holiday ruined by 'traveller's diarrhoea'?
Traveller's diarrhoea' is caused by bacteria in food and water or bacteria that get into the mouth from one’s own unclean hands.
"Traveller's diarrhoea"or in medical language “Gastroenteritis,” is one of the most frequent diagnoses at SOS International, along with other infections.
There are many patients who are hospitalised with the illness and many more that are not hospitalised.
To avoid it, remember these four following things:
- Wash hands before all meals
- Only eat street food that is cooked in front of you and that is piping hot
- Consider whether you think that the hygiene looks acceptable at restaurants and cafes
- Respond quickly to vomiting and diarrhoea and contact our alarm centre, so you can get in touch with a doctor in our network and be treated as soon as possible
The general security situation in Spain
- Spain is considered a low risk destination.
- There is – as in most European countries - a general risk of terrorism.
- Most crime in Spain is petty, i.e. pick pocketing, bag-snatching and other opportunistic theft.
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Crowded areas - such as public transport, tourist attractions, night clubs, restaurants and market places - are more prone to terrorist attacks.
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void any large gatherings or demonstrations.
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Keep an eye on your belongings at all times and be aware of distraction burglary.
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If you are victim of a criminal offense, report this to the local tourist police as soon as possible.
Local emergency numbers in Spain:
SOS – all services: 112
Police: 091
Emergency number in case of illness and health: 061
Fire Service: 080
Local police: 092
During your journey
SOS International can arrange what we call "house calls", a comfortable and convenient solution if you are ill. A doctor can come to you either at your hotel or apartment.
A house call is easy and convenient for you or your family, and avoids making contact with other patients, for example. We arrange payment, and the doctor will give you a receipt if required.
If your symptoms are not suitable for a house call, it is still imperative that you contact SOS International. We can then ensure that you are referred to suitable treatment right from the start.
Always use your common sense when travelling and going to and from medical facilities. Especially if you have to call an ambulance.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced number of travellers has affected the hospitals at popular holiday destinations economically. That means that some medical providers might try to make up for lost income when the tourists return. As an example, by offering ambulances in cases with symptoms where it may not be necessary.
Ambulance collection can easily cost Eur 400-600, even for short distances. You, the patient, can risk ending up with the bill.
Think carefully whether the treatment you get, including ambulance collection, is needed compared to the treatment you can get at home.
Contact us
Are you travelling and in need of acute assistance?
Contact SOS International's alarm centre on +45 7010 5050.