Do I currently need a PCR to enter Spain? The law requires every car to have at least 2 warning triangles, replacement bulbs, a reflective jacket, driving license, vehicle registration and a certificate of motor insurance. Whether you are resident in Spain or you are a tourist visiting Spain who will be hiring a car, you must be absolutely aware that Spanish drivers often do not stick to the road rules that you may be used to in your own country.. Often drivers will turn off without indicating or they will weave in and out of lanes rather than sticking to the outside lane. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (34) 91-587-2200. Currently yes. All passengers need to wear seatbelts. U.S. citizens traveling to Spain are subject to COVID-19 entry restrictions. Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Spain. So far all the requirements you must meet during this year 2022 to successfully enter Spain. Anti-start breathalyser. Never park at a yellow curb, in front of dropped curbs, gates, or garages, or where you see no parking signs or no through road signs. Non-EU nationals usually need to exchange their license after six months (or one year if driving on an IDP). Road Accidents. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. If you wish to drive motorbikes over 75cc you will need to take the corresponding test either in Spain or abroad. 'Alcolock' on buses prevention of international child abduction, information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alternatively, you can take out membership with an organization such as the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (Real Automvil Club de Espaa RACE). This test must be official and original, written in English or Spanish, and must include: To make things easier and more understandable for foreigners, the Spanish Ministry of Health has launched a map where you can find the health entry requirements that you must meet according to your country of origin. Spain has one of the lowest fatal road accident rates in the EU. Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Carpooling has started to take off in many countries, especially in bigger cities. Make sure that yours is on this list to be able to make your trip. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise increased caution, as traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is often faster-paced than in the United States and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs and traffic lights and different driving habits, including motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes. You just have to pick a theme and a place where you want to enjoy it. Local police, sometimes dressed in plain clothes, can require you to produce identification to establish your identity upon request and detain you for further questioning. Vehicles from the EU/EFTA will just need to show proof of VAT payment on the vehicle. Be alert when driving at night in urban areas; you may encounter drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol. Importing a car from the EU/EFTA region is fairly straightforward. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBIpages for information. This visa exemption does not provide for the right to work in the Union and is subject to the reciprocity mechanism applicable to third countries. The latest rules: The drink drive limit for new drivers (less than 3 years) has gone down from 0.05% to 0.02%, the same as for bus and coach drivers. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To rent a car in Spain, one must be 21 years old. 6 months recommended, 3 months beyond your date of departure is required, U.S. Embassy Madrid You are required to go through all of these stages to apply for a Golden Visa for Spain: 1. Below we analyze the health requirements that currently exist for foreigners intending to enter Spain. If you are coming to Spain to participate in a sports program, please check with the Embassy of Spain that you have the correct visa. From 21 October 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to Spain have been lifted. Exchange of an EU licence is therefore entirely voluntary. You can buy new and used cars in Spain, or even import cars from abroad, as long as youre a Spanish resident and follow the correct procedures. Also, be warned that illegally parked vehicles can be towed away. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. An International Driving Permit is valid for 12 months. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. 35007 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Drivers and riders mustn't use headphones and headsets (any device attached to your ear). Fax: (34) 92-822-5863 The maximum period of six months must not have elapsed, counting from the first day of residency. Would you like to be updated with the latest immigration news and other useful tips for you? Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Similar to many other countries, Spain has designated parking spaces for disabled drivers. You should not travel to Spain as a student or for an athletic/study program without the appropriate Spanish visa. Private transportation companies (such as Uber or Cabify) are often used in Madrid and Barcelona but check private transportation websites for operating status before arrival. For VTC drivers: Driver License. Residence Permit as a Family Member of an EU Citizen. If you wish to drive in Spain after Brexit then the requirements you will need to adhere to will depend on your residency . If you buy a new car from a dealership, they will usually put you in touch with contracted garages although these might not always be the most cost-effective solution. Furthermore, only Barcelona (93rd) features among the worlds 100 most congested cities. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police, Contact relatives or friends with your written consent, Provide general information regarding the victims role during the local investigation and following its conclusion, Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution, Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Don't forget you must carry the following 7 essential items in your car when driving in Spain in 2022 Passport or ID Card Driving Licence Insurance Certificate Original registration document (permiso de circulacin) Ficha Tecnica/itv (Mot Certificate) Two warning triangles Reflective Jacket (s) - for anyone who gets out of the car on a main road. U.S. citizen students and athletes have been denied entry and held in immigration detention at Spanish airports awaiting return flights to the United States because they lacked the appropriate visa. You are not online. Although it is not required, many U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain have found it helpful to hire a local attorney to be their advocate and defend their rights during any judicial process. 90km/h on out-of-town roads. Medical Insurance:Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. To drive in Spain, you'll need to carry your primary driver's license as well as an International Driver's Permit (IDP), and a collection of safety gear is required to help in an emergency, even though you are not required to have it at all times. If you choose to carry your passport with you, remember this also increases the risk that it could be lost or stolen. If you decide youd like to sell a car, the process is similar to the one youd go through for buying a used car. From 6 July 2022, drivers of vehicles intended for the transport of passengers by road that have anti-start breathalysers, will be obliged to use these . You can usually just turn up at most garages, although you can book in an appointment to avoid problems or if you have a complex problem with your car. Country Summary:Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Buy a ticket from a machine and place it clearly on the dashboard, showing the hours of validity. a crime). Application on line in Spain In the case of drivers with less than two years' experience, this limit is lowered to 0.3 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. If you are caught using a hand-held mobile phone or device while driving in Spain, you could face a fine of up to 200 and lose up to 6 points on your license. Some attacks have required the victim to seek medical attention. Please visit the, If you are considering traveling to Spain to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). If you wear glasses you MUST carry a spare pair! Read our tips and advice on driving in France, Spain and Portugal which explain all the essential facts you need to know, including advice on roads and public transport systems. Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the toll-free emergency number in Spain, 016, for assistance, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid at (34) 91-587-2200 or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona at (+34) 93-280-2227. More of that above in the drink drive section of this post. EEA: Includes all the countries in the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Both fixed radars (permanently placed) and mobile radars (used by police orGuardia Civil)are used. In the case of short trips or tourism, it shall be six months from the date of entry into the country. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Cars from outside the EU are usually subject to additional import taxes. There is no possibility of driving in Spain with a US license and the IPD. With our digital brochures and guides, you will be able to discover the best of our cuisine, culture and fiestas. U.S. citizen minors living in Spain: Spanish law mandates that all Spanish minors traveling internationally without their parents or legal guardians must have written notarized permission from a parent or guardian. The minimum driving age in Spain is 21, though drivers aged 24 and younger are subject to an additional daily fee, a "young driver surcharge" ranging from 10.00 EUR to 20.00 EUR, per day. About the Book. E-mail: pmagency@state.gov, U.S. Consular Agency Seville Guide To Driving Safely in Spain. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Contact the British institution to find out which document supporting your rights you are going to be issued with. In the case of British citizens residing in Spain, the deadline is from the date on which legal residence in the country was obtained. The below table shows limits for different categories of Spanish driver: Driving under the influence of any drugs is illegal. Most garages open around 08:00-09:00 and close around 18:00-19:00, many shutting for a couple of hours in the afternoon (14:00-16:00). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. For the return to Great Britain, it will be necessary to carry out deworming treatment between days 1 and 5 before the trip.For further information, please check the website for the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. While U.S. law does not require minors traveling without a parent/guardian to have the parents/guardians written permission, Spanish authorities and airlines have occasionally misinterpreted the law and stopped U.S. citizens minors from departing the country. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Read thecountry information page for additional information on travel in Spain. Like many countries, Spain enforces strict speed limits. The new rules also prohibit scooters on pavements and other pedestrian areas, and states that the popular scooters have no right of way at crossings but also not on the pavement and other pedestrian areas. E-mail:sevillaconsagency@state.gov, U.S. Consular Agency Valencia Traveling Through Europe:If you are planning to visit, transit and/or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. Its a great way of economizing on costs as well as helping the environment. If youre looking for a used model, you can also search for private sellers or car auctions. By the end of 2022, however, you may have to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before you enter Spain: this is a simple online application that will allow you to enter the Schengen Area with minimal hassle and paperwork. You will have to do it the "Spanish" way. Your valid US driving license. Whether you drive a city-center runaround or you're planning a road trip across the beautiful Spanish countryside, choose the right premium for you and your driving needs with Linea Directa today. From 1 March 2022, driving licences issued by the UK authorities will be valid for driving in Spain for a period of six months. Failing to comply can result in on-the-spot fines or worse. Tickets usually cost around 1. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If you have a valid UK driving licence. To learn more about the main rules you should take into account while driving in Spain, read the article about Driving in Barcelona, things you need to know. Choose one of the acceptable investment opportunities. Driver and passengers must wear seat belts at all times. U.S. citizens have reported pickpocketing, theft, and sexual assault, and occasionally other violent attacks. An EU driving licence is valid in Spain as long as it is current. Spain Driving Laws: Minimum Age and Rules Pertaining to Children. Basic rules for driving in Spain. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Importing from outside the EU is a bit more complicated. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Fines are between 100-600 and, if you are speeding by at least 20km/h above the limit, you will get a points deduction of between 2-6 points. Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in Spain can differ significantly from those in the United States. However, for drivers with less than 2 years on their licence, the legal limit is reduced to just 0.1g of alcohol in blood. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200 These are often in blue zones where you see blue ticket machines and street markings. As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals remain exempt from the requirement to be in possession of visas when crossing the European Union's external borders for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. New drivers are effectively forbidden to drink and drive, with a very low 0.1 mg/l limit. Fax: (34) 95-246-5189 Drivers in Spain with disabilities or mobility issues can apply for an EU parking card which gives the holder special parking rights such as designated parking spaces and free/discounted parking. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Parking in town or city centers is controlled by ticket machines in many places. Driving in Spain is not too different from driving in many other European countries in terms of rules and regulations. Students and athletes: Students, prospective students, and athletes should visit the Embassy of Spain website for additional information on entry requirements. Road signs in Spain follow a similar pattern to those in many other European countries. Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone. Exemption Spanish Citizenship Exams: When Can You Avoid Taking Them? Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack including knives, firearms, and vehicles to more effectively target crowds. You could be arrested or fined if you break the law. British residents who did not apply for the exchange, renewal or extraordinary replacement of their driving licence before 31 December 2020 will have to apply for a new Spanish driving licence. Fax: (34) 95-422-0791 You will need an International Driving Permit to drive in Spain after Brexit if you have: A paper driving licence - green or pink version. Most Spanish dealerships and online platforms now also sell a range of electric cars and hybrids, which are more eco-friendly and have tax benefits. You will also need to buy car insurance. You could be given a roadside breath test if the police suspect you of being over the limit. You can find information on disability services in Spain from: Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: Spains open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorists to enter and exit the country anonymously. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Suscrbete a nuestra newsletter! You are not allowed to drive in Spain while using a mobile phone or hand-held electronic device, unless it is connected to a hands-free device. Your email address will not be published. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy Madrid or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona immediately. They are the same that we have already seen and explained in detail in this other article, but here is a summary: And, in addition, you should check whether or not your country requires a Schengen visa to enter as a tourist (find out here the complete list of countries that must apply for one). In some instances, a medicine prescribed in the United States will not have a local equivalent. Spanish customs authorities will reject and return to the shipper medication mailed from the United States. If you are unable to produce a license when stopped by the Spanish authorities, you could be fined around 500. It ranks only 67th out of 87 assessed countries on the 2022 Global Traffic Index. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive. We recommend you, first of all, to make sure that you have the right documents for driving in Spain. Yeah, right. Throwing objects on the road such as cigarette butts will carry a penalty of 6 points and a 200 to 500 fine, instead of the previous 4 points. You can drive a car in Spain if youre aged 18 or above and have a valid driving license. The driving culture is quite relaxed. Hence, if you have any doubts or need personalized legal advice, our immigration lawyers are at your complete disposal: Your email address will not be published. If you are planning a trip to Europe and intend on driving in Spain, this is an essential book for you. After six months of residency, your foreign driving license will no . Driving a vehicle without a valid license is considered a very serious violation in Spain. Driving License Requirements in Spain When you are renting a car in Spain then be sure to have an International Driving License. From 1 January, if you are travelling with pets you will still be able to do so, but you will need to have an animal health certificate issued by the UK health authorities and you will have to enter through one of the authorised airports or ports of entry.In the case of dogs, cats and ferrets, a valid rabies vaccination must be presented in addition to the animal health certificate. Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 inSpain. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. You must bring the car through Spanish customs and will usually have to pay import tax. Thus, in this article we analyze in detail how to enter Spain in 2022, what requirements you will have to meet (updated) both if you enter for tourism or to get your residency, and all the health information you should consider to avoid entry problems depending on your country of origin. Fax: (34) 96-352-9565 However, Spanish congress recently approved a bill requiring municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants to implement a LEZ by 2023. Many sexual assaults occur at night or during the early morning hours. However, the frequent changes in the current pandemic situation daily generate tons of doubts for those travelers, since the regulations for entering the country are constantly being modified and renewed. US citizens are usually required to have a valid passport and a US driver's license. As in the UK, there is zero tolerance to any class of illegal drug whilst driving. Some car rental suppliers in Spain have heightened restrictions on driver age . There are now several websites and apps where you can search for or advertise carpooling in your area. See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. A1 permit (Motorcycles with maximum engine . You need to be at least 18 years old to drive in Spain and 21 to hire a car. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. If you're planning to drive elsewhere in Europe, you might need an IDP, which is a requirement or recommendation in over 140 . Many companies also require you to have had your driving licence for a minimum of one or two years. Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites. The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply: you are no. Drink driving law in Spain. Visit the Embassy of Spain website for the most current visa information. Riding A Motorcycle In Spain Expat Tips Published: 28 July 2020 11:52 CET Updated: 22 June 2022 11:52 CET. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. As one of the most geographically diverse and culturally rich countries in all of Europe, from the spectacular sun-soaked beaches of San Sebastian, to the crisp mountainous vistas of Bilbao, a trip to Spain is something all travel enthusiasts should partake in at least once.Spain has the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the largest number of World . UK drivers with the new-style photo card licence will need both the paper counterpart and photo card. Drink driving limits in Spain. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on encouraging or conducting attacks worldwide, including within Europe. Once youve registered the vehicle, you will get a registration number and will be able to get Spanish license plates. Most cities in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. ), Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists, Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights). Crime: Street crimes against U.S. citizens usually occur in the principal tourist areas across Spain. Another good resource is the UK Michelin website. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. The following information answers the main questions that may arise on the topic. It is important that travelers research this on the European Agency for Medication website prior to travel. Drivers approaching from the right have priority, although vehicles from either direction have priority at roundabouts. To get a Spanish driving license, you need to be a Spanish resident and pass a two-part driving test (written theory and practical). Using unauthorised intercommunication devices during the theory or practical test in Spain now carries a 500 fine and a 6 month ban from resitting the driving exams. If you dont have any breakdown coverage, you can contact RACE for assistance but you will have to pay a fee for their services. We suggest you apply for the International Driving License (IDL) to be on a safe side. The U.S. government does not pay medical bills for private U.S. citizens. Touring Spain by Car. Vehicles overtake on the left. Want to hit the open Spanish road? Prepare for your trip in advance with our useful information on entrance requirements, money, safety, healthcare, opening times, etc. On the other hand, every month Spain updates the list of countries and territories that have no restrictions to enter Spain. Review the, For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the, High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc. Required fields are marked *. In early 2022, the waiting times in the Canary Islands were between four and five months. 41101 Sevilla, Spain 2nd Floor, Office E-2 No.4 Good medical care is available in Spain. Surrogacy is illegal in Spain and subject to complex local regulation. To drive a car in Spain you must be at least 18 years old and the same goes for a motorbike over 125cc. Please note that health requirements are subject to change, so this information may become obsolete quickly. These are resident zones. Telephone: (34) 95-421-8751 Rail service is comfortable and reliable but varies in quality and speed. You can get up-to-date traffic information in Spain on the DGT website (in Spanish) or an English-language info map on N332. There should be a sufficient lateral driving distance between your car and other vehicles traveling in the same or the opposite directions. Youll need to complete an exchange form and bring along ID, proof of Spanish residence, and your existing driving license.