Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Spain Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 29 Apr 1994 15:47:12 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Spain ============================================================ Spain - Consular Information Sheet April 28, 1994 Country Description: Spain is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport is necessary but a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to three months; visitors may subsequently apply for an extension of stay at a Spanish immigration office. For further information concerning entry requirements for Spain, travelers may contact the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennslyvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, tel. (202) 728-2330, or the nearest Spanish consulate in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 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 crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and theft >from cars are a problem, and are often directed against unwary tourists. Thieves often attempt to distract their victims by squirting mustard on their clothing, asking directions on the street, or otherwise diverting their attention from an accomplice. Thefts of small items like radios, luggage, cameras, briefcases, and even cigarettes from parked cars are a common problem. The American Embassy in Madrid has issued a notice to U.S. citizens stating that it frequently receives reports of roadside thieves posing as "good Samaritans" to persons experiencing car and tire problems. The thieves typically attempt to divert the driver's attention by pointing out a mechanical problem and then steal items from the vehicle while the driver is looking elsewhere. The problem is particularly acute with vehicles rented at Madrid's Barajas Airport. The Embassy notice advises drivers to be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Travelers who accept unofficial assistance are advised to protect their valuables by keeping them in sight or locking them in the vehicle. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Spain, penalties for possession, use, or 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 government targets. Americans have not been targets of these attacks. Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may obtain updated information on travel and security within Spain. Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Madrid is located at Serrano 75; telephone (34-1) 577-4000. There are U.S. Consulates in: Barcelona, at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25, telephone (34-3) 280-2227; and in Bilbao, at Lehendakari Aguirre 11-3, telephone (34-4) 475-8300. There are also Consular Agencies in the following locations: Malaga, at Centro Comercial "Las Rampas", Fase 2, Planta 1, Locales 12-G-7 and 12-G-8, Fuengirola, telephone (34-952) 474-891, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; La Coruna, at Canton Grande 16-17, telephone (34-981) 213-233, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Las Palmas, at Frachy y Roca 5-5', No. 13, telephone (34-928) 222-552, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Palma de Mallorca, at Av. Jamime 111, 26 Entresuelo, 2-H-1 (97), telephone (34-971) 725-051, hours 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Seville, at Paseo de Las Delicias 7, telephone (34-954) 231-885, hours 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m.; Valencia, at Cl. de La Paz 6-5, Local 5, telephone (34-96) 351-6973, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No. 94-063 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 11, 1993, to add information on crime.