Emergency Help Abroad – Spain

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Spain — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in fines or imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons, including certain knives, without a licence or valid reason is illegal.

• Drinking alcohol in public spaces is restricted in many cities.

• Drink-driving laws are strict and heavily enforced.

• Attempting to bring illegal substances into Spain results in immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Modest clothing is expected in religious sites such as churches and cathedrals.

• Littering, especially in beaches and nature areas, carries fines.

• Disrespecting religious objects, ceremonies or local traditions is not tolerated.

• Noise regulations apply in many residential areas during siesta hours.

• Graffiti and vandalism are criminal offences.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in busy areas — remain vigilant.

• Public drunkenness or disorder can lead to fines or arrest.

• Unlicensed street sellers and scams are common in major tourist zones.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets — inspectors issue on-the-spot fines.

• Speeding, seatbelt rules and mobile-phone restrictions while driving are enforced.

• Parking violations can result in towing or fines.

• Driving without correct documents or insurance is illegal.

• Overstaying Schengen limits can lead to fines or entry bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is regulated and banned near crowds, airports and sensitive sites.

• Photography rules vary in museums, monuments and cultural sites.

• Avoid photographing airports, military buildings or security sites.

• Respect privacy when photographing individuals.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Many beaches use a flag system — red flags mean no swimming.

• Wildfire prevention rules are strict; fires are banned in many areas during summer.

• Collecting shells, sand or rocks from certain beaches may be prohibited.

• Feeding wildlife, including birds in some parks, can be fined.

• Entering closed hiking trails or cliff zones is forbidden.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging historic monuments, castles or archaeological sites is illegal.

• Entering restricted heritage areas or excavations is forbidden.

• Removing artefacts or natural materials from protected areas is prohibited.

• Selling or buying items made from endangered species can be illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in Spain.

• Don’t dress in revealing clothing inside churches, monasteries or cathedrals.

• Don’t drink alcohol in the street where prohibited, especially in cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

• Don’t leave valuables on café tables or beaches, as opportunistic theft can occur.

• Don’t assume siesta hours don’t matter, as many shops close in the afternoon in smaller towns.

• Don’t touch religious statues or altars, particularly during festivals and processions.

• Don’t swim when red flags are displayed, as coastal waters can have strong currents.

• Don’t eat loudly or disturb others in quiet restaurants, where mealtime etiquette is respected.

• Don’t haggle in fixed-price shops, as bargaining is limited to markets.

• Don’t assume all areas stay lively late at night, as residential districts often enforce noise rules.

• Don’t rely solely on cards, especially in small tapas bars that may accept cash only.

• Don’t ignore pickpocket warnings, particularly on public transport and in busy tourist zones.

• Don’t disrespect local fiestas, by blocking routes or using flash photography too close to participants.

• Don’t litter on beaches, where fines apply in many regions.

• Don’t expect meals to be served early, as dinner often begins much later than in the UK.

• Don’t climb or sit on fragile historic walls, especially in medieval towns.

• Don’t smoke in outdoor dining areas, where regional bans may apply.

• Don’t bring glass bottles to beaches, as these are banned in some areas.

• Don’t underestimate summer heat, particularly inland where temperatures soar.

• Don’t drive after drinking, as roadside checks are frequent.

• Don’t wander into quiet alleys alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar cities.