Do You Need Travel Insurance for Spain?

No. Spain travel insurance isn't mandatory for visitors who are traveling to the country for a short stay (less than 90 days). However, Spain travel health insurance is highly recommended. American travelers often opt for trip insurance. For both American travelers and international travelers, travel medical insurance is a smart move to ensure peace of mind. If you're planning on staying in Spain longer, you'll likely need a Schengen visa, and travel insurance is a requirement in order to receive the visa.

For the most up-to-date information on Covid entry requirements visit Spain Travel Health. If you're traveling to Spain, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. For the most up-to-date information on Covid safety please follow CDC guidelines.

Do you know the Covid situation for your destination? Keep up with country-specific advisories and notifications.

If you are taking public transportation, be sure to keep your purse, backpack or bag closed and in your hands at all times. If you are wearing a backpack, take it off and hold it in front of you to avoid bumping other passengers and not being aware if someone attempts to open your bag. Phones, wallets and cameras are particularly at risk of being stolen.

Stick to areas with lots of people and avoid deserted alleys and streets, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid. Also, never leave valuables unattended in public or on a beach.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip. Here are some common vaccination recommendations for Spain.

For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

If you are planning on visiting Spain (or any country in the Schengen area) for 90 days or less for holiday or leisure, you can either enter with just your passport or with a Schengen Visa, depending on your home country. Most countries in North and South America, including Canada, Mexico and the United States, can enter the Schengen area without a visa. Citizens of most African and Asian countries, however, will need this visa and are required to carry travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. For more information and to see if you need a visa for your trip to Europe, check the Schengen Visa's official site.

To receive a Schengen Visa, you must prove that you have travel insurance designed to satisfy specific requirements. You may need additional documentation if you plan to work or study while in the Schengen region.