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Reviewed: 12 June 2009, 10:55 NZDT
Still current at:
04 July 2009
There is some risk to your health in Spain due to a significant number of Influenza A (H1N1) or ‘swine flu’ cases and we advise caution. There is also a risk to your security due to the threat from terrorism.
New Zealanders in Spain are advised to conform to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities to contain the spread of Influenza A (H1N1). We recommend health precautions like regularly washing your hands, avoiding large gatherings of people and avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick. For more information on health precautions you should follow, see the New Zealand Ministry of Health website (external link). New Zealanders in Spain who develop flu-like symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
On 11 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised its Influenza Pandemic Alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6 (pandemic phase). See the WHO website for more information.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Spain should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
The Basque terrorist organisation ETA is active in Spain and has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks over the years. Significant attacks in recent times include: a Basque businessman shot dead by ETA gunman in Northern Spain in December 2008; a car bomb in October 2008 at Pamplona University that injured seventeen people; a car bomb in September 2008 in Santona, Cantabria that killed one person and injured six others; an explosion outside a Police Station in Ondarroa in September 2008 that injured eleven people.
In 2004, bomb attacks on trains in Madrid killed 192 people and injured over 1,400. A group claiming to represent Al Qa’ida claimed responsibility.
Occasionally advance warning is given of terrorist attacks in Spain so instructions and restrictions issued by local authorities should be followed at all times.
There is a particularly high incidence of petty crime in Spain which can include theft of passports, credit cards, wallets and the like. This crime is mainly opportunistic so New Zealanders are advised to maintain a high level of personal security awareness and guard their belongings at all times particularly at airports, restaurants and in public transport. Travellers are also advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Spain are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Europe
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Britain - United States - Canada - Australia
Abolition of border controls in Europe
Contact details are
Street Address Pinar 7 3rd floor, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Telephone +34 915 230 226 Facsimile +34 915 230 171
Email embnuevazelanda@telefonica.net
Website New Zealand Embassy Madrid [external link]
Office Hours Sept to June Mon-Fri 0900-1400, 1500-17.30hrs July to Aug Mon-Fri 0830-1300, 1330-1630hrs
Contact details are
Street Address: 2nd Floor, Travesera de Gracia 64, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: +34 93 209 0399 Facsimile: +34 93 202 0890
