Spain

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

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Travel health and safety for Spain 🇪🇸

Spain is a beautiful country in southwestern Europe known for its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse geographical landscapes, and striking coastline. Popular destinations in the country include the country’s capital, Madrid, and other cities such as Barcelona, Seville, Granada, etc. The country is popular for its festivals, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, etc. that draw tourists from around the world.

Throughout the country, a high level of medical care – comparable to that in other industrialized countries, is available. Access to both private and public hospitals is readily available. Despite this, it is important to take routine health precautions and be prepared with adequate travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and treatment.

Travel Immunizations for Spain

What vaccines do I need for Spain? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.
  • In Spain, low risk exists and is presumed to have widespread distribution. Vaccination for certain high-risk populations is recommended, and specifically for travel to Madrid due to rises in recently reported cases.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections.

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.
  • In Spain, low risk exists and is presumed to have widespread distribution. Vaccination for certain high-risk populations is recommended. All travelers should observe safe-sex practices and blood/bodily fluid precautions.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when traveling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash, fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat, red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.
  • Spain has experienced increased measles circulation resulting in outbreaks. Vaccination is recommended for travel.

Rabies is a devastating viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.
  • In Spain, risk primarily exists from bats. Pre-exposure preventative measures are recommended for all travelers likely to have contact with bats. All travellers should observe animal bite precautions.
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We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Meningococcal

Protects against serious bacterial infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

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Spain Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Traveler’s diarrhea

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Minimal risk exists throughout Spain. Risk for viral gastroenteritis (e.g. Norovirus) may be elevated based on seasons, traveler itinerary, and or/level of community transmission). 
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.
  • Azithromycin, the first-line antibiotic against bacterial travelers diarrhea, is available by prescription for self-treatment if symptoms develop. This can be obtained in your Travel Medicine consultation.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while traveling. Take precautions by following these tips:

  • Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
  • Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding – the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
  • Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. To protect yourself from bites:

  • Use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
  • Wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
  • Wear socks and closed-toe shoes
  • Sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
  • Do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Dengue

In Spain, the risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.

  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids. Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

  • Traveling in rural or forested areas
  • Camping, hiking, or visiting caves
  • Visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets
 
To reduce your risk of getting sick:

 

  • Avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
  • Stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
  • Avoid eating undercooked meat

Avian Influenza

Human cases of Avian Influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian Influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

  • Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travelers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

  • Visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
  • Working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
  • Hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
  • Working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
  • Working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with Avian Influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and Avian Influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

When traveling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

  • Staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
  • Wearing a well-fitting mask, especially if you’re sick and need to be around others, and when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
  • Cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Sexually transmissible infections

These infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, mpox, etc. To lower your risk:

  • Get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
  • Practice safer sex methods including using a  barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Spain

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine (e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Spain
  • Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country but may be limited in certain rural areas.
  • Private healthcare is also widely available. Upfront payment may be required.
  • Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consular Assistance Spain

Street Address: Torre Emperador Castellana, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid, Spain

Telephone: (34) 91 382 8400

Email: espana.consulaire-consular@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/spain-espagne/madrid.aspx?lang=eng

Street Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 9, 1º, 2ª – 08002, Barcelona, Spain

Telephone: (34) 93 270 3614

Email: espana.consulaire-consular@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/spain-espagne/barcelona-barcelone.aspx?lang=eng

Street Address: Horizonte Building, Plaza de la Malagueta 2, 1st Floor, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Telephone: (34) 95 222-3346

Email: espana.consulaire-consular@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/spain-espagne/malaga.aspx?lang=eng

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We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • 112 for all emergency services
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What Our Customers Are Saying

"Rockdoc was a lifesaver when I was going to Africa. We had in-depth discussions of my trip’s itinerary and the appropriate medications based on what I would be doing. The travel nurse was very thorough and friendly. Highly recommend as everything was quick and perfect!"
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N. Parniak
"I used Rockdoc’s Virtual Travel Clinic before traveling to Thailand. They reviewed my medical history and vaccines, even indicating that my typhoid shots were out of date. We discussed whether I needed boosters and the necessity of other potential shots. They also prescribed an antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea just in case (which I did use!!).I found them to be very thorough, quick, and reasonably priced. Would definitely use this service again!"
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