Spain

Overview

On 23 July 2026 the Spanish Interior Ministry declared a national emergency due to multiple major wildfires which have merged near Madrid.

These wildfires have forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people across Madrid, Ávila, Toledo and Castellón. 

Several towns and cities in the Madrid and Ávila areas are still under mandatory lockdown. The restrictions are in place to protect people from hazardous air and to keep roads open for emergency vehicles and services. Major roads and public transport lines in the central mountain corridors are closed.

New Zealanders in Spain should always

• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation or lockdown orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information

The Community of Madrid website (in Spanish) has more local information.

Here’s our advice on what to do if there’s a natural disaster or severe weather while you’re travelling overseas.

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand. There have been terrorist attacks in Spain, including in places visited by foreigners.

Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Spain should be aware of are:

• Crime - watch out for petty crime, such as theft, especially in Barcelona and Madrid.
• Civil unrest - demonstrations and protests can disrupt traffic and public transportation.    

New Zealanders travelling or living in Spain should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

See below for detailed travel advice.

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