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Threat assessment · Spain
Madrid
Our rating, plus the advisories, health notices, emergency numbers and crime data behind it, from official sources checked Oct 20, 2026.
Nepsis threat assessment
Madrid
Reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Scored with our published method; never below the State Department level.
Crime and scams sets the level.
Top actions
- Keep passports, money and phones secured in crowds, where thieves use distraction techniques and work in teams.
- Watch your drink in bars and clubs, and never leave it unattended, since drink spiking is noted.
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page and spread valuables across more than one place.
Know before you go
Dial 112 in Spain for ambulance, fire and police; Madrid sits at about 2,200 feet.
Official advisories
What governments say right now.
Checked Oct 20, 2026. We link every source so you can read it yourself.
| U.S. State Department | Level 2: Exercise increased caution (updated Jul 31, 2026) Read it → |
|---|---|
| UK Foreign Office (FCDO) | Last updated Aug 12, 2026. Latest change: Addition of information about fines for the sale or consumption of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) in some areas of Spain and updated information about travelling between Spain and Gibraltar ('Safety and security' and 'Entry requirements' pages). Read it → |
| CDC health notices | No active CDC travel health notice for this country. CDC travel notices → |
| Emergency numbers | Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police) |
| Main airport | MAD |
Crime and scams
What the UK Foreign Office advises.
Excerpt from UK FCDO travel advice, lightly trimmed for travelers outside the UK. This advice covers all of Spain, not only Madrid. Full FCDO safety advice →
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Protecting your belongings
Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe.
Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.
The Spanish Police and Civil Guard have a mobile app which offers a number of services, including simple and discreet communication with police forces if you experience or witness a crime – more information can be found on the ALERT COPS webpage.
Vehicle crime
‘Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.
When driving, be wary of approaches from people posing as plainclothes police in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform.
Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window saying ‘Policía’ or ‘Guardia Civil’. Genuine police will only ask you to show vehicle documents – not to hand over your bag or wallet.
Attacks and sexual assault
Attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. In an emergency call 112.
Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easy to find. See TravelAware ‘Stick with your mates’ for tips and advice.
See advice on getting help if you are a victim of crime abroad.
Drink spiking and alcohol
Be alert to the possible
What this page is
Built on official data.
Our rating above is built on the official government and police data on this page, checked Oct 20, 2026. It does not replace your government's advisory. Planning a trip here? A Nepsis kit turns it into an arrival plan you can carry. See the kits.