We recommend that you visit the Spain travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. While it is not required to have travel insurance to visit Spain, travel insurance is highly recommended as your provincial health care plan may not include coverage when travelling internationally. Having a travel insurance plan with medical coverage (in addition to other helpful coverage) is always beneficial.

The needs of every traveller are different, which is why our All Inclusive Package is a great option as it provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This package also includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All Inclusive Packages. Most of our insurance plan options are available online; however, additional options may be available through our World Service Centre by calling 866-648-8422 or by contacting one of our industry partners.

On average, a Travel Guard travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors come into play when pricing your plan, such as the packages you select and the cost of your trip. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

Overall, Spain is a relatively safe country to visit. One of the biggest concerns for travellers is petty crime, which is common in crowded areas, at tourist sites and on public transportation. It’s a good idea to carry only the cash and credit cards you need for the day and leave the rest – along with a copy of your passport – in your hotel safe. You may want to consider wearing a hidden money belt for added safety.

Demonstrations, protests and strikes also occur with some frequency in Spain. Stay away from large crowds to be on the safe side, and make sure you check for any planned transport strikes when you’re making transportation arrangements.

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to Spain.

All Canadian travellers should enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro. You will be able to exchange currency at the airport before or after your departure, at banks in major cities or ATMs. Credit and debit cards are largely accepted as well, but remember to contact your bank before your travels to avoid unwanted interruptions. If you plan on visiting local or small vendors, carry cash with you in case credit or debit cards are not accepted.

The official language of Spain is Castilian Spanish, but there are other languages spoken across the country, including Galician, Catalan and some English. While you are likely to find English speakers at popular tourist destinations and resorts, you will benefit from learning common sayings and phrases to help you get by on your travels. One way to ensure you won’t get lost in translation is to download an app to help you translate.  Make sure you choose an app that doesn’t require Wi-Fi so that you can use it no matter where you are.

Spain is a Schengen-area country, which means it has standardized entry and exit requirements with 26 other European countries to remove the need for internal borders. Canadians may travel visa-free in the Schengen area, including Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays that are longer than 90 days require a visa. All Canadians travelling internationally require a Canadian passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

The Canadian Embassy in Spain is in Madrid. Visit the official Government of Canada website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Spain is known for its year-round sunny weather and mild temperatures. Still, the country experiences some variety between seasons. From March to June, you’ll find sunshine almost every day, which is why Spring is the season that most visitors prefer. The summertime in Spain brings high heat and an even drier climate so most tourists prefer to spend their time at the beach when visiting at this time of year to stay cool.

You still won’t find a lot of rain from September to November, but temperatures begin to drop a bit. Depending on the climate you’re used to, you may want to dress in light layers to stay comfortable. Spain’s winter is from December to February, and it is the rainiest season for the country. While rainfall is not drastic, you’ll want to pack an umbrella on your travels. 

Spring is a popular time of year to visit Spain. Not only is the weather sunny and warm, but there are many popular events to celebrate on your vacation. Appreciate the arts with the four-day Las Fallas festival in Valencia, celebrate the religious festivities of Semana Santa in Málaga or take in the gorgeous florals during the Battle of the Flowers in Córdoba.

In the summer you can celebrate La Tomatina, a town-wide food fight in Buñol with tomatoes. And during the early fall, be on the lookout for The Human Towers of Tarragona or join in on the festivities of Carnival in February.

Spain’s dial code is +34. When making international calls, remember to use the Canadian exit code 011, followed by the dial code and then the area code. Calling a landline is typically less expensive than connecting with a cell phone. To ensure you don’t run into any unexpected fees, be sure to check with your cell phone provider before your trip about international calling.

Spain uses a type F plug, which means Canadian tourists will need an adapter for their electronics. To ensure you can use your devices as normal, we recommend a universal adaptor that can be used in a myriad of locations around the world. Most modern adapters will automatically adjust the voltage for North American electronics.

Yes. Spain is a popular destination for people of all ages, including families with kids. Whether you’re exploring Spain’s famous architecture, learning about the country’s vast history or enjoying time on the beach, you’ll find there is plenty of family-friendly activities on your vacation to Spain.

Yes. Spain has a nationalized railway network of inner-city, city-to-city and regional high-speed train services.

Content provided by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. is not intended to be exhaustive. For more information, please call 866-648-8422 or speak with one of our Travel or Insurance Agency partners. For the most up to date safety and travel advice for any destination, please consult the Canadian Government Travel and tourism website at https://travel.gc.ca/ .