Security Overview for Spain

Spain is a relatively safe country. Petty crime poses the greatest threat to foreigners. Most incidents of crime occur in urban areas, in and around tourist attractions and on beaches. Take measures to secure personal property and remain aware of your surroundings.

Most of the public transportation systems are safe, however, take precautions particularly in the evening. Driving is fairly secure, but some motorists have been targeted by criminals, especially at night. Use caution when traveling on trains; purchase higher class tickets, lock doors and secure personal belongings.

Large-scale demonstrations and strikes occur and are usually associated with labor and political policies and activities. Most demonstrations are peaceful but random acts of violence can occur. Transportation and other public services may be limited or unavailable during strikes and demonstrations.

Statistically, the threat of domestic terrorism is far greater than the threat of international terrorism. However, the March 2004 train bombings in Madrid, orchestrated by Al-Qaeda, yielded far more casualties than any domestic attack in recent years.

The Basque separatist group ETA broke a nine-month-long ceasefire with the Dec. 30, 2006 bombing of a parking garage at Madrid's Barajas Airport (MAD), destroying the facility and killing two Ecuadorian immigrants. ETA officially ended its truce five months later. An increase in raids by French and Spanish authorities that started in 2003-2004 have weakened ETA, but the group still maintains the capacity to stage bomb attacks. Specific targets previously identified by ETA include resort areas frequented by international tourists, hotels, restaurants, beaches and clubs. ETA also attacks local businesses that refuse to pay extortion money to the group, focusing on construction companies, nightclubs and other firms in the Basque Country and Navarra regions. Political targets include leaders, public events and headquarters of the political parties PP (Partido Popular), PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol), UPN (Union del Pueblo Navarro) and UA (Unidad Alavesa). Other targets include multinational interests and police installations.

In its enduring effort to carve out a Basque homeland separate from both Spain and France, ETA has claimed responsibility for bombings at resort areas in Alicante, the Malaga Airport (AGP) and in Madrid, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Valencia and Santander. ETA has used car bombs planted in densely populated areas, as well as pro-separatist banners rigged to explode when police attempt to take them down. The majority of bombings are intended to undermine confidence in the Spanish government's ability to provide a secure environment and are not designed to inflict mass casualties.

While the threat of a terrorist attack occurring in Spain exists, the likelihood of being killed or injured in such an attack is relatively low due to Spain's size, the attacks' typically limited scope and the low casualty rate of ETA attacks (attributed primarily to warning calls).

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.