Is Barcelona safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for Spain

What the advice says

• The US Department of State advisory for Spain is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated August 1, 2026; this advisory is country-level, not specific to Barcelona.
• The UK FCDO advice, last updated October 28, 2026, is also issued at the country level rather than for Barcelona specifically.
• There is a high threat of terrorist attack affecting UK interests and British nationals globally, and terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain, possibly indiscriminately in places visited by foreign nationals; travelers should stay aware of surroundings and follow local authorities' guidance.
• Street crime involving distraction techniques, often by thieves working in teams, is a risk; travelers should watch their passports, money, and belongings closely, especially at airports and when arranging car rentals, and avoid carrying all valuables in one place.
• Demonstrations and political gatherings can occur with little or no warning in cities and carry some risk of unrest; if near one, stay alert and move away at signs of disorder.
• Solo travelers and those out after dark should avoid splitting up from friends, keep drinks in sight to guard against spiking, and know their limits, as alcoholic drinks in Spain can be stronger than in the UK; attacks, including sexual assault, are described as rare but do occur, and the emergency number is 112.
• Be cautious of scams involving people posing as plainclothes police asking to see a wallet or purse; genuine officers will ask only for identification, not money, and all carry official ID that can be requested at any time.