Why is Spain on high alert for terrorism?

Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place. Further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.

Why is there a travel warning for Spain?

Advisory summary

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and target: Tourist locations. Transportation centers like airports and train stations.

Why are tourists being targeted in Spain?

From the mainland to the idyllic islands of the Spanish coast, mass protests have broken out against what locals call "mass tourism". They say the huge number of summer holiday-makers are overwhelming their neighbourhoods, pushing up the price of housing and forcing them out.

Is it safe to live in Spain right now?

Yes, Spain is considered very safe globally. It consistently ranks highly (often in the top 10) on the Global Peace Index due to low violent crime rates and political stability.

What level of caution is Spain?

For Spain, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 advisory urging "increased caution" due to "terrorism and civil unrest." The advisory was updated on May 12, 2025. On May 13, 2025, the U.S. "Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain.

Spain remains on high alert in wake of terror attacks

Is it safe to go to Spain at the moment from the UK?

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

What is the warning triangle in Spain?

Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has announced that from 1 January 2026, all vehicles on Spanish roads must be equipped with a V-16 emergency beacon, replacing the traditional warning triangles used to signal breakdowns or accidents.

Which is safer, Spain or the UK?

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Spain ranks 29th out of 163 countries globally. The homicide rate is approximately 0.69 per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than the EU average (1.0) and far below the US rate of 6.8. The UK rate is 0.95.

What is the safest town in Spain?

Is it okay to go to Spain right now?

The national terrorism alert level for Spain is 'high'. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur anywhere, at any time and without warning. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Demonstrations and strikes can occur and disrupt transport.

Why don't Spaniards want tourists?

The backlash against mass tourism, known locally as turismofobia, is not new, but it has intensified in recent years. Locals in cities like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and San Sebastián have voiced concerns about overcrowding, rising living costs, and the loss of local culture.

What cities in Spain are protesting?

Protests are planned in Barcelona and seven other Spanish cities, including Granada, Palma and Ibiza; Portugal's capital Lisbon; and the Italian cities of Venice, Genova, Palermo, Milan and Naples, according to announcements issued by several of the organising groups.

Why are tourists targeted?

(1) Tourists are the preferred target because, in general, they carry large amounts of money or other valuables and often carry them visibly, in public, and in a relaxed way;2 (2) Tourists are more vulnerable in a physical and social space that is not their own, and they often give out obvious signs that they are ...

What level alert is Spain?

Terrorism. There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Spanish Government's national anti-terror alert level is currently at level four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.

Why is Spain on high alert?

Risk level

Exercise a high degree of caution in Spain due to the threat of terrorism.

What is the emergency in Spain?

Emergency number

In Spain, 112 is the general number for contacting the emergency services.

What is a yellow warning in Spain?

Yellow: There is no meteorological risk for the population in general, although there is a risk for a specific activity (usual meteorological phenomena, but potentially dangerous). Orange: There is a significant weather risk (unusual weather phenomena with some degree of danger for usual activities).

Are Brits welcome in Spain?

Spanish tourism officials say Britons are still welcome in Spain this summer - they just need to discover the country's 'still unknown' destinations, including a beautiful island that gets just a few hundred visitors a year.

Why are Malaga holiday home bookings declining?

Malaga, one of Spain's top tourist spots, sees holiday rentals drop by 37,000 in 2024 due to overtourism protests, overcrowding fears, and declining domestic demand.

Is Lanzarote safe?

Lanzarote has fantastically low crime rates. Pickpockets may act in very touristy areas around the resorts, however.

Where are they protesting about tourists?

This hot European summer, anti-tourism protests have made headlines, from Barcelona to Venice, Mallorca and the Canary Islands. The unrest is not confined to Europe, though.

Why might tourists behave badly?

Social media influence and a desire for carefree fun are cited as reasons for reckless behavior. Despite this, a majority of respondents support stricter penalties for tourists' misconduct.

What country sends out the most tourists?

The countries that send the most tourists to the world

China tops the list with more than 155 million tourists leaving the country annually. Travelers seek cultural experiences, shopping, and luxury destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.