Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Spain Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 19:34:11 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Spain ============================================================ Spain - Consular Information Sheet December 15, 1992 Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Madrid is located at Serrano 75; telephone (34-1) 577-4000. There are also Consulates in Barcelona, at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25, telephone (34-3) 280-2227, and in Bilbao, at Lehendakari Agirre 11-3, telephone (34-4) 475-8300. Country Description: Spain is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist stays of up to three months; visitors may subsequently apply for an extension of stay of additional months at a Spanish immigration office. For further information concerning entry requirements for Spain, travelers can contact the Embassy of Spain at 2700 15th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20009 tel: (202) 265-0190, or the nearest Spanish Consulate General in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid out of the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Spain has a very low rate of violent crime. Nevertheless, minor crime (pickpocketing, robbery, theft from cars) is a problem, and is often directed against unwary tourists. Theft of small items like radios, luggage, cameras, briefcases, and even cigarettes from parked cars is a major problem. Tourists driving vehicles with out-of-town or rental plates frequently lose valuables to the unseen partners of apparent good Samaritans, who divert their attention by offering to assist with problems such as flat tires. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder in Spain is rare. Although a few small terrorist groups, including ETA (Basque separatists) and Grapo (a Marxist group), are occasionally active, their efforts are primarily directed against police, military, and other Spanish targets. Americans have not been targets of these attacks. Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 92-125 This Consular Information Sheet replaces the one issued October 7, 1992 to provide updated information on entry requirements. Distribution: >INTERNET:travel-advisories@stolaf.edu.