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When planning your trip to Spain, you’ll likely research cultural and historical sites, culinary experiences, excursions to Mediterranean beaches, and more. Spain certainly has something for everyone. To be sure you get to enjoy every moment of your trip, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected.
Trips to Spain lasting less than 90 days do not require travel insurance. However, knowing you’re protected from unexpected travel complications leaves you free to enjoy your trip to the fullest with peace of mind that you’re covered.
Travel insurance is always recommended for Spain and other international destinations. Domestic health insurance typically does not cover you in another country, potentially leaving you with costly medical bills if you get sick or hurt abroad. Plus, you never know when an unexpected event could put the money you spent for your trip at risk.
Whether going abroad or staying within your own country, Seven Corners offers a variety of plans to meet most travelers’ needs. Benefits can vary depending on the plan you choose, the add-ons and customizable options you select, and your state or country of residency. Before you explore a new destination, explore some of the travel insurance benefits found in many Seven Corners plans and protect your trip to Spain.
Seven Corners could reimburse you for the prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses you insured if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Covered reasons can include triggers such as an illness that prevents you from traveling or inclement weather, like a hurricane, that makes it impossible to get to your destination.
Some travelers like the flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason, not just those listed in their plan document, and still be reimbursed for some of their insured trip expenses. If this is you, consider adding optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.
An interruption often means you ended your trip and returned home early, but it can also include needing to start your trip late. Coverage for a trip interruption can reimburse you for the unused portions of your trip expenses that were prepaid and nonrefundable. If you have additional transportation expenses because of your trip interruption, this benefit covers those, too.
For more flexibility to interrupt your trip and still be reimbursed, consider adding optional Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage. Like CFAR above, IFAR allows you to interrupt your trip for any reason — returning home early because your destination feels unsafe, ending your trip ahead of schedule if you change your mind about travel — not just the covered reasons listed in your plan document.
Delays can happen any time — on your way to Spain, returning home, or even in the middle of your trip. If your trip delay was caused by a covered reason, such as a flight delay lasting the required amount of time, this benefit could help you get reimbursed.
If your baggage is delayed by your airline or other common carrier, you’ll need to replace necessary personal items to enjoy your trip in Spain. Seven Corners can reimburse you for the purchase of necessary belongings such as clothing and toiletries.
If your baggage is lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen during your trip, your travel insurance could pay to replace or repair the insured items.
For both lost and delayed baggage, remember that there are some requirements and exclusions. For example, some items such as laptops may not be covered, and your luggage must be delayed for the length of time stated in the plan before you are eligible for reimbursement.
Spain is generally a safe place to travel, but injuries and illness can still happen. Travel medical insurance can pay for medical treatment if you get sick or hurt during your trip. Most domestic health insurance doesn’t cover you overseas, and neither does the insurance you find with most credit cards or airlines. That’s why Seven Corners’ travel medical coverage is so important for international travelers.
Seven Corners Trip Protection plans provide coverage for Emergency Accident and Sickness as well as Emergency Dental expenses. We also provide a variety of travel medical plans with customizable levels of medical coverage for both U.S. and international residents, and plans for those with pre-existing conditions.
If you are injured or become ill while traveling in Spain and it’s determined that it’s medically necessary to transport you to a medical facility where you can receive adequate care, Seven Corners will arrange your emergency medical evacuation. We will also arrange your return home so you can continue recovering.
This Seven Corners benefit provides coverage for loss of life or limb resulting from an injury caused by an accident during your trip to Spain.
Seven Corners Trip Protection is our most popular plan for U.S. residents. This plan covers your trip expenses, belongings, and emergency medical expenses while traveling to Spain. We also offer an annual trip protection plan for multiple trips, perfect if you travel frequently to Spain or anywhere else in the world.
Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance provides robust coverage for medical expenses if you get sick or hurt during your trip. This plan is great for anyone planning a trip to Spain. We’ll help you get the care you need without you having to worry about how you’ll pay for it.
Finding the best travel insurance for your special trip to Spain is quick and simple. Answer a few questions on our interactive guide or describe your trip to our licensed agents, and we’ll show you the best options for you and your trip. You might be surprised how affordable travel insurance for Spain is once you receive your hassle-free quick quote.
The cost of travel insurance varies based on the plan you choose as well as a number of other factors. Trip protection plans are priced based on your trip expenses and are generally 4-10% of your total insurable trip cost. Make sure you have the right amount of coverage — not too much and not too little — by learning how to calculate your trip cost.
The cost of a travel medical plan is based on:
Get a quick quote with no commitment when you answer a few simple questions about your trip to Spain and see what kind of coverage could be best for you.
As part of the Schengen Agreement, Spain allows U.S. citizens to stay for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. There are some restrictions, however.
Spain allows U.S. citizens to stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. To stay longer than 90 days or travel within any of the 29 European countries in the Schengen area while visiting Spain (in any 180-day period), travelers must acquire a Schengen travel visa.
Schengen visas are acquired for tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, studies, training placements, or volunteer activities that last under three months, or for other non-gainful activities. It also allows transit through the territory and airports.
To obtain this type of tourist visa for Spain, simply apply at your nearest Spanish embassy, consulate, or visa application center if:
Types of Visas for Travelers
There are three types of Schengen visas: A, C, and D. The A and C categories have a validity of 180 days during which holders can stay in Spain, or any other Schengen country, for 90 days. You cannot apply for a visa more than 180 days before your planned departure date, and it is recommended that you submit your application at least 3 weeks in advance.
Briefly, the Schengen visa types are for"
At your visa appointment, your fingerprints and photo (biometric data) will be taken, and you will hand in your application with all required documents for Spain, which are listed below. Plan to bring the originals and a copy of all application documents to your appointment.
Once you’re in Spain, as you travel through the Schengen area, here are some documents you may be asked for at border control.
There are no COVID restrictions or masking requirements in Spain as of February 2024. While there are no vaccine requirements to travel to Spain, the CDC recommends you stay current with routine vaccines.
Spain ranks among the top 10% of the safest countries in the world. Still, you should always monitor your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, just like you would at home. Specifically in larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, which have high-traffic tourist areas, keep handbags zipped up and wallets and phones close to your body to discourage pickpocketing.
For questions about more serious crime, consider that the 2020 Global Peace Index, which considers crime, as well as war and terrorism, named Spain the 38th safest country in the world. The U.S. was ranked 121 out of 163.
For up-to-the-minute updates on things like weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, or even personal family emergencies, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
This free service allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Once enrolled, you’ll receive relevant, timely information about your destination country to make informed decisions when necessary.
Additionally, it’s wise to visit the U.S. Department of State website to check the latest travel advisories for Spain.
The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish, which is spoken by all citizens. However, certain communities have their own official language in addition to Spanish. For example, Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country and part of Navarre.
While many Spaniards understand and speak English, especially in tourist areas, it's appreciated if visitors make an effort to speak some basic Spanish phrases.
Spain has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations, including the Moors and Romans. This is reflected in its art, architecture, music, and dance, such as flamenco. Much like their culture, Spaniards are generally known for being warm, friendly, and socially vibrant. To ensure you are respectful while in the country, consider these cultural differences.
Spaniards are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature and are generally warm and friendly in their greetings.
Common greetings include a kiss on both cheeks (air kisses without actual contact) among friends and family. Handshakes are common in more formal or business settings. Spaniards often have a closer sense of personal space compared to Americans. It's normal for people to stand closer together during conversations, and physical contact is more accepted.
Socializing is a significant part of Spanish culture. People often meet friends and family in cafes, bars, or at home, and social events can last for extended periods. Building and maintaining relationships is highly valued in Spanish culture.
It’s worth noting that while punctuality is important, there is generally a more relaxed approach to time in social situations. It's not uncommon for events to start a bit later than scheduled.
Spaniards tend to be more direct in their communication style. They may ask personal questions and share their own opinions openly.
This directness should be perceived as genuine and reflects a desire for clear and honest communication. You will likely find that Spaniards you meet are expressive in their communication, using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey emotions. They may seem more animated in conversations compared to some other cultures.
Spaniards are generally approachable, and strangers are often welcomed into conversations. They may be open to helping tourists or newcomers, offering directions, and providing recommendations for local experiences.
Spaniards often enjoy a more relaxed and leisurely dining experience. Meals are seen as social events, and it's common for people to spend a significant amount of time at the table, especially during lunch and dinner.
Meal times are generally later than in the United States. Breakfast is typically light and eaten early in the morning, while lunch (almuerzo) is the main meal and is usually served around 2 p.m. or later. Dinner (cena) is commonly eaten after 9 p.m.
When dining out, a service charge is often included in the bill, and additional tipping is not as customary. However, if you have any small change to round up the bill, that is appreciated.
Remember that customs can vary across different regions of Spain, so there may be some regional differences in these general observations.
The euro (€) is the official currency of Spain. As of February 28, 2024, the exchange rate is 1€ euro to $1.08.
Consider downloading a free app like Currency, Wise, or Revolut for quick currency conversions on the go while abroad.
Most of Spain has hot and dry summers as well as cold and dry winters, with a big contrast between day and night.
Spain has a diverse climate based on geography. In the summer (June - August), Spain’s inland areas like Madrid can be hot, often exceeding 30°C (86°F) or more, while coastal areas like Barcelona and Valencia experience milder temperatures, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Southern regions, including Andalusia, can have scorching temperatures, often exceeding 35°C (95°F) and sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F).
During winters (December - February), inland and northern regions can experience cold temperatures, with some areas in mountainous regions seeing snowfall. Coastal areas generally have milder winters, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
For specific and up-to-date information, you can consult Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) for weather forecasts, climate data, and real-time updates for different regions in Spain. World Weather Online: Spain and Climate-Data.org also provide climate information, average temperatures, and resources to help you plan and prepare for the weather conditions during your visit to different parts of Spain.
Tap water in Spain is generally safe to drink in most urban areas. It undergoes strict quality controls, and you can use it for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. However, if you are in more rural or remote areas or if you have any concerns, you may prefer to drink bottled water.
Food is a huge part of Spanish culture, so Spain has incredibly high food safety standards, and most food available, including produce from local markets, is safe to eat. It's advisable to follow standard food safety practices, such as washing fruits and vegetables before consumption. Street food is generally safe in well-touristed areas.
Visit World Health Organization (WHO) - Spain or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Spain for general guidelines on safe water and food practices during your travel.
While the traditional midday siesta (afternoon lunchtime with family or even a nap) is less common in urban areas, some shops and businesses may close for a few hours in the afternoon. This is more prevalent in smaller towns and rural areas.
Public transportation in Spain is generally reliable and a cost-effective way to explore cities. Options include metro and public transportation, trains, buses, taxis or paid car services, rental cars, bikes, domestic flights, and even tuk-tuks in tourist-heavy areas like Barcelona.
Spain’s extensive and high-speed train network (AVE and Renfe) connects major cities. The Spanish train system is known for its efficiency and comfort. Long-distance and regional buses are widely available to connect cities and towns that might not be served by trains. Taxis are metered, and tipping is customary but not as much as in some other countries. Many cities in Spain have bike-sharing programs and bike rentals are often available for tourists. Domestic flights can help you reach islands like the Balearic or Canary Islands.
U.S. residents traveling to Spain should purchase adapters ahead of their trip to ensure their electronic devices can be plugged into the local Type F sockets. Type F sockets have two round pins and are compatible with plugs of Type C. The standard voltage is 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz.
Plug adapters can be found in many electronics or travel accessory stores and online. It's important to check that the adapter is suitable for Type F outlets and can handle the local voltage (230V) to avoid damaging your devices. Some devices may also support a range of voltages, but it's essential to verify this information before plugging them into a foreign electrical system.
It’s smart to keep U.S. Embassy and Consulate information at the ready as you travel throughout Spain.
U.S. Embassy in Madrid
U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona
U.S. Consulate General in Seville
U.S. Consular Agency in Fuengirola
Please note that contact information and services may be subject to change, and it's advisable to check the official website or contact the respective embassy or consulate directly for the most up-to-date information before you travel.
We know travel insurance isn’t the most exciting part of your trip planning, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Tell us a little about yourself and your trip, and we’ll recommend the best travel insurance for Spain. Our quick quote tool online and licensed Seven Corners agents can help you customize your coverage. It’s time to say adiós to boring and buenos días to your next adventure!
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