Travel Vaccines and Advice for Spain
With a mix of Mediterranean beaches and soaring mountains, Spain is a popular and thriving European destination. The varying geography offers many different outdoor adventures. Cities boast beautiful old-world architecture and a growing gastronomical reputation.
Whether you come to Spain for skiing, beaches or vibrant food and culture, you are sure to find something to delight you.
Do I Need Vaccines for Spain?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Spain. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Spain: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Spain |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Spain |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
As a developed country, Spain has fewer health risks than other destinations. But, there is still some risk. Consider brining a traveler’s diarrhea kit in case of stomach problems.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Spain
“The nurse did an excellent job of explaining all of my options as it relates to the various medications needed for my travels. She also explained in detail the handbook given to me specifically designed for my trip to Spain.”
“We had a great experience. My 16 yr. old daughter is preparing for a trip to Spain. The risks and recommended preparations were explained to us in a friendly and professional manner. We did not have to wait to be seen. The office was beautiful.”
“Who knew hearing about contagious diseases and getting shots could be so fun?!? This was such a wonderful experience, the staff member gave us so much helpful information and did not try to see us things that we would not need. He was up front and honest about the diseases in Thailand and what we could potentially be exposed to. He was very informative!! He even gave us travel suggestions since he had been to Spain before! It was fast and easy to make an appointment and being able to complete the health questionnaire online made the process much faster. I will recommend this company to all of my friends and will come again the next time that I travel outside of the US.”
“My experience was amazing. We learned everything we needed to know about my upcoming trip to Spain. I felt so comfortable and confident in what I was learning about the vaccines I did and did not need, and other precautions and important things to consider”
“I was going to get my vaccinations for my trip to Spain (which I had barely planned) in NYC where I live, but was home in the Finger Lakes visiting and knew I needed to get this straightened out asap. Boy, am I glad I went here! Kathy talked me through what I would and wouldn’t need for vaccinations (tailored to my itinerary and comfort level), went through travel do’s and don’t’s, even had numbers to the hospitals where I would be staying. If you are going anywhere overseas and think you may need something in the way of international health – go here!”
Do I Need a Visa for Spain?
You must have a passport to visit Spain. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days. While the Spanish government requires passports have at least 3 months validity beyond departure from Spain, 6 months is recommended.
Spain Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Spain? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Spain and U.S. State Department
Spain is part of the European Union. Entry and exit requirements may change based on EU policy.
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Spain?
Spain’s weather can vary according to your location within the country.
The southern and eastern coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and usually very dry, and winters that tend to be mild but damp and rainy. The most likely time for rain in these locations is during the fall, from September to December.
In the central inland region of the country, the climate tends to be hot in the summer as well. But, the winters are much colder and snowfall is more likely, especially in the mountains. Rain falls most often in the spring and the autumn months.
The northern part of the country, often called Basque country, has a temperate climate. Summer temperatures in this area are much cooler than those in the south, and the winters are mild. Rain and clouds are very common, especially during the winter months.
Coastal regions are popular in the summer, especially June to August. Mountain regions experience a boom in January and February for skiing and other sports.
How Safe is Spain?
Spain is a relatively safe country. But, travelers should always exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar countries.
Pickpocketing and other types of petty theft are common, especially in tourist regions like Madrid and Barcelona. Keep track of all your belongings and be wary of pickpockets working in groups.
While violent crimes are uncommon, they do sometimes occur. Muggings may sometimes turn violent. Stay in well-lit and populated areas if possible.
Wandering Through Gaudí Buildings in Barcelona
Barcelona is a popular destination for many reasons. One of the most visited are its many buildings designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.
Gaudí’s structures are some of the most important tourist destinations in Barcelona. Some have even been made UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are known for their eccentric, fantastical designs featuring unusual curves, angles and colors. This sets them apart from the surrounding buildings.
One of the most famous Gaudí structures is a church called the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. The church has been under construction for 125 years. Construction is not expected to finish until 2030. But, it is still a major tourist attraction and a breathtaking piece of architecture.
What Should I Pack for Spain?
Don’t forget to bring the following essentials on your trip to Spain:
- Theft-Proof Bag – While no bag can be entirely theft-proof, choosing bags that have strong straps and that cross over your body.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing – Be sure to check the weather for your vacation to make sure you have the right clothes for the climate. Keep warm in the winter, stay cool in the summer, and in the spring and autumn, be ready for any type of weather.
- Comfortable Shoes – The best way to enjoy Spanish cities, like many European cities, is by walking. Be sure to have shoes with good support so you don’t tire out your feet.
- Sunscreen – A bottle of sunscreen is essential to prevent painful sunburns, especially in summer.
U.S. Embassy in Spain
Before traveling abroad, all U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will ensure that local embassies know where you are. You will also receive updates about any potential travel interruptions.
The U.S. embassy in Spain is located in the capital city of Madrid.
U.S. Embassy Madrid
Calle Serrano, 75
28006 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: (34) 91 587 2240
Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91 587 2200
Facsimile: (34) 91 587 2303
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines For Spain?
Do I Need a Visa for Spain?
What is the Climate Like in Spain?
How Safe is Spain?
Wandering Through Gaudí Buildings in Barcelona
What Should I Pack for Spain?
U.S. Embassy in Spain
