Spain is situated in south western Europe. It occupies the Iberian Peninsula and is
bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. It also
includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic
and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Its total surface area is 506,030 sq. kms.
Population: 44,708,964 Inhabitants.
Languages: Castilian Spanish throughout the country: Catalan, Valencian, Basque
(Euskera) and Galician in those respective Autonomous Communities.
Time Zone Peninsula and Balearic Islands: GMT + 1 hour (in summer GMT + 2summer
GMT +1)
Religion: The Spanish Constitution guarantees religious freedom.
Electricity: 220 volts AC
Measurement System: Decimal Metric System
Passports/Visas: To enter Spain it is necessary to show a valid passport or another
document adhering to international conventions and reciprocity
criteria that verifies the identity of the traveller. For citizens of
Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Switzerland and of those
countries, belonging to the European Economic Community, the
presentation of a national identification document is sufficient. For
nationals of certain countries, and in function of the duration of the
visit, a visa is required. Inc case of doubt, consultation at any
Spanish Consulate is advisable. Travellers arriving by car must have
the so - called "Green Letter" that covers insurance costs in case of
accident, except for citizens of Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Austria
or any EEC nation.
Customs: Travellers entering Spain may transport a series of personal items (such as
personal jewellery, cameras, viewfinders, musical instruments, portable video
and sound equipment, athletic gear, camping articles, etc) without having to
pay customs charges. Upon request, Spanish customs officials will issue
receipts to justify the entry into the country of any item. For certain articles,
such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines and liquor, maximum limits have
been established, with customs fees required on surpassing quantities. There
is no limit to the amount of Euros (€) tourists may bring into Spain. Also
permitted is the entry of cheques or vouchers issued against foreign
accounts in convertible Euros, as are travellers' cheques, with no limits.
Foreign currency can also be brought into Spain with no limits, both
banknotes and coins, providing they are of legal issue.
Currency: The Spanish currency is the Euro (€).
Coins and Banknotes: Banknote fractions are € 5,-: € 10,-: € 20,-: € 50,-: € 100,-: € 200,-
and € 500,-Coins' fractions are € 0,01: € 0,02: € 0,05: € 0,10: € 0,20:
€ 0,50: € 1,- and € 2,-.
Currency Exchange: All bank branch offices offer foreign currency exchange services,
as do a considerable number of hotels and many travel agencies.
Most hotels and restaurants and many commercial establishments
also accept the most popular international credit cards and
travelers cheques.
Pets: To bring pets into Spain, visitors must present at customs certificates of origin
and good health in keeping with international norms on such matters, and signed
by officially recognized veterinaries in the respective country of origin. The date
and nature of the vaccines administered to the animal, especially anti-rabies
vaccine, must appear on the certificate. Many Spanish hotels permit dogs and
cats under specific conditions. The entrance of dogs and cats in restaurants is
usually prohibited, as is the case with many business establishments.
