Consulates and Visa requirements

U.S. passport holders with ordinary passports, valid for a minimum of 6 months, who wish to stay in Spain for tourist or business purposes for up to 90 days, do not require a visa. For stays exceeding 90 days, and for passport holders of any other country, please contact the Consulate of Spain nearest you regarding visa requirements. The telephone numbers of the Consulates of Spain in the U.S. are as follows:

• Boston: (617) 536-2506

• Chicago: (312) 782-4588

• Houston: (713) 783-6200

• Los Angeles: (323) 938-0158

• Miami: (305) 446-5511 • New Orleans: (504) 525-4951

• New York: (212) 355-4080

• Puerto Rico: (787) 758-6090.

• San Francisco: (415) 922-2995

• Washington, D.C.: (202) 728-2330

The web site of the Embasy of Spain in Washington, D.C., includes the complete contact information and jurisdiction for all the Consulates of Spain in the U.S. You may browse Spain's Official Tourism Portal for further information on Spanish Embassies and Consulates abroad as well as Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Spain. U.S. EMBASSY: The address of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid is Calle Serrano, 75; Tel: (011 34) 915 872 200.

CUSTOMS

According to the European Commission, travelers may not bring any animal food products into Spain, neither for their own consumption, nor as part of their luggage (including meat, meat products, milk, and dairy products). The only exception is baby formula, sealed in its original package. Any other foods may be brought into Spain, up to a maximum weight of one kilogram. For more information about taking food to Spain, please visit the web site of the Office of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the Embassy of Spain at www.mapausa.org The traveler is allowed to carry in his or her luggage items for personal or family use, as well as gifts, as long as they are not considered commercial merchandise for their nature or quality. This will be determined by customs officials at the border checkpoint. At present anyone older than 18 years of age may carry a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 100 small cigars, 50 cigars, or 250 g of cut tobacco. As for alcohol, you are allowed to bring up to one liter of spirits (alcohol content 22º), and two liters if alcohol content is less than 22º. Fragrances are limited to 50 ml of perfume, and 250 ml of eau de toilette.

Money

Tourists may bring up to 6,010.12 Euros (approximately $6,610.00) without declaring the amount at customs. Any amount exceeding 6,010.12 Euros must be declared on arrival. Upon leaving Spain, tourists carrying more than 6,010.12 Euros (or equivalent in any other form of currency) must declare it. The current rate of exchange is approximately $1.00 = €0.80, but it may vary from week to week. For an updated exchange rate, check with newspapers or banks.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

The National Health Care System in Spain has a vast network of medical centers and hospitals spread across the country. They offer primary care services, as well as specialized attention. Although you will be treated in case of emergency, you will need to pay for medical attention, so you are advised to purchase health insurance. In any case, we recommend that you find out from your health insurance provider, or social care institution, about their requirements and policies about getting medical attention in Spain.

Medications

In Spain, medications are obtained at pharmacies. They are marked with a green cross. If you are taking any medication it is recommended that you carry a letter from your doctor stating your prescription and dosage.

Inoculations

No inoculations are requiered when travelling between the United States and Spain.

Emergency

The emergency phone number is 112, valid and free in the entire Spanish territory.

PETS

If you travel with pets, you will need an international certificate of origin and health. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies. You must show proof of this with the vaccination record and veterinarian certificates. Make sure your certificates are valid for the dates of your visit. You can obtain the form for this veterinarian certificate through the Embassy of Spain web site at www.spainemb.org (or www.mapausa.org) under the section of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food selecting Pet animals. Besides meeting the entry requirements for pets, please note that the animal should be identified with a microchip or a tattoo and that muzzles are mandatory in some Autonomous Communities in Spain.

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