The Department of Foreign Affairs has recently updated its warnings for Spain as thousands of holidaymakers plan to make a trip this summer.
Anyone heading to the sunny country is asked to exercise a "high degree of caution" by the government here, as is the case with most European countries.
And while Covid is over, there are still many reasons why a trip to Spain could be risky if you're not aware of local laws and customs as well as crime hotspots.
Read more: Met Eireann forecast two weeks of heat to engulf country and it's not far away
Here's the official advice from the Irish Government;
Official warnings for Spain
Safety & Security
There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high.
Demonstrations
Public gatherings and demonstrations may take place with little or no warning.
We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations, and should follow the advice of the local authorities.
Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain.
Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Since 2015 the Spanish Government’s national anti-terror alert level is has remained at four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.
As terrorists could attempt further attacks, and such attacks could include places visited by foreigners, Irish citizens are advised to increase their security awareness and exercise heightened caution. In the event of any security incident, you should follow the instructions of the local police and your tour operator.
Social unrest
Public gatherings and demonstrations can take place with little or no warning. We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations, as even gatherings that are intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn confrontational. You should follow the advice of the local authorities. Protests could also affect local transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain.
Safety on balconies
There have been a number of serious accidents in recent years involving falls from balconies. Several of these have resulted in the death or serious injury of an Irish citizen. It is important to exercise caution when using hotel and apartment balconies, particularly if you have consumed alcohol or drugs, and to avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you suffer a balcony fall while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurance company may refuse to cover any resultant costs. You should also be aware that the Spanish authorities may impose fines on those engaged in risky behaviour on balconies, including climbing over them or jumping from them.
Crime
Most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime. However, given the very high number of holidaymakers that visit Spain, additional security measures are rolled out in public areas at peak times, such as during the summer and at Christmas. you should be aware that in areas such as airports, bus stations, railway stations, tourist areas and major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there is a much higher risk of pickpocketing and muggings. We advise you to take basic precautions:
• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible
Petty crime
Be vigilant about petty crime: many of the cases we encounter involve stolen passports and credit cards.
In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you so that an accomplice can rob you more easily.
Date rape drugs
The Spanish authorities have warned of date rape drugs, including GBH and liquid ecstasy, being used. Don’t inadvertently lower your alertness to these risks simply because you are on holiday.
READ MORE:American woman living in Ireland goes viral saying she would 'not recommend' country
READ MORE: Tourists in Spain warned that drinking alcohol in public areas carries big fine
