The travel advice on this page is for Barcelona. For the latest general travel advice for Spain, please see FCO travel advice.

General

In recent years, legislation has come into effect across Spain bringing in controls covering smoking in bars, restaurants and other workplaces. Additional legislation has since come into effect bringing in more stringent controls on drinking & sexual activity in public places. This includes Spanish beaches, where regulations have increased significantly. Fines imposed for breach of regulations range from €30 to a maximum of €1500

Crime

In Barcelona, you should be especially vigilant in the Plaza Catalunya, Ramblas and surrounding streets of the old city and be aware of the possibility of violent muggings in the Montjuic area. In the Ramblas, Old Port (Port Vell) and Olympic Port Areas, thieves posing as Police Officers may ask to see wallets for identification purposes. Holders should proceed with precaution, first establishing that the officers are genuine. If the police request ID, either show them your passport, driver’s licence or other photographic identification. Genuine Police Officers do not request to see wallets or purses

In Catalonia, on the A7 motorway between La Junquera and Tarragona toll stations, there is an increase in ‘flag down’ robberies. Vehicles are flagged down by passengers in other vehicles, under the pretence of a problem somewhere on the car. Once stationary, the thieves will often use distraction techniques to remove tourists from the vehicle and steal valuable items. Within the Barcelona urban area thieves are also employing this ‘punctured tyre’ tactic at traffic lights in order to distract and stop tourists.

Local laws and customs

Barcelona City has banned the consumption of alcohol in the street. Failure to respect this law may result in the imposition of fines.

Andorra

If you're travelling to Andorra, please see FCO travel advice for Andorra.