Spain expat destinations
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Spain

Mediterranean lifestyle at its finest — vibrant cities, world-class food, excellent healthcare, and a thriving expat scene.

Europe

Traveler Snapshot: Spain

A quick reference for planning your trip: visas, weather, health, and the essentials.

Visa & Entry

For US passport holders

Schengen*: 90 days visa-free within 180 days for US, UK, Canada, Australia. ETIAS expected.

* Schengen Area: a group of 29 European countries that share one border-free travel zone. US passport holders can visit the whole area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and that limit is shared across all Schengen countries (not counted separately per country).

Weather & Climate

Varied: hot dry summers inland 95°F+ (35°C+), mild Mediterranean coast, cooler green north. Winters mild in the south.

Best Time to Visit

April–June and September–October; coastal beaches shine in summer.

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccines required. Keep routine vaccinations current.

Safety

Very safe. Watch for pickpockets in Barcelona and Madrid tourist zones.

Fast Facts

  • Capital: Madrid
  • Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
  • Languages: Spanish (plus Catalan, Basque, Galician regionally)
  • Time zone: CET (UTC+1), summer UTC+2
  • Power: Type C/F plugs, 230V
  • Emergency: 112

Visa and entry notes here are written for US passport holders on typical short-stay tourism. Requirements vary by nationality, so if you hold a different passport your rules may differ. Guidance can change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or a licensed travel-health provider before you travel.