Spain

Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned Spain into a beach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to escape their own damp climates. With sun-bleached beaches and a favourable rate of exchange for most travellers, it's easy to see why.

Some may feel that the Canary and Balearic Islands have been overrun by tourists, and this is true to some extent - Tenerife, Lanzarote and Mallorca have become synonymous with cheap package holidays and warm beer, and Ibiza's reputation has, for some, been tarnished by the revellers frequenting its famous dance clubs and beach parties; however even here you will find many magical, unspoilt corners awaiting discovery.

Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colourful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller. There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries.

Spain's Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering streets that vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the annual running of the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates each February with the Carnaval, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelona is Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi's bizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencian town of Buñol goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's surplus tomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and pelted about in a friendly riot.

Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared Unesco World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Climate

Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavy rains in October and November. August is the busiest month, while May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer crowds. Madrid and the high central area can get very cold during winter.

Money

Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket, all necessary documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens require a passport valid for at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months within a 6 month period. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.
• British citizens must hold a passport, but no visa is required for a maximum stay of three months for those holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject. Other passport holders require a visa.
• Canadians require a passport valid for at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months within a 6 month period. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.
• Australian citizens require a passport valid for at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months within a 6 month period. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.
• South Africans should apply in advance for a Schengen visa to enter Spain. Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond expiry date of visa. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.
• Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Bird flu was detected in Spain in 2006, and although there is little risk to travellers, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry products well cooked as a precaution (no human deaths or infections have been reported). Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing emergency health care on the same terms as Spanish nationals. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

Embassy Consulates

• Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100.
• Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)207 589 8989.
• Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252.
• Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3555.
• Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 344 3875/6/7.
• Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 9900.
• Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (04) 802 5665.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2200.
• British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 714 6300.
• Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250.
• Australian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 353 6600.
• South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780.
• Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093.
• New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226.