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

Travel advisories for Spain

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for Spain is Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, dated August 1, 2026. This advisory is country-level, not specific to Madrid.
• The UK FCDO notes a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting British nationals and UK interests, and states that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain, possibly in places visited by foreign nationals. In January 2023, one person was killed and others injured in a machete attack at two churches in Cadiz.
• Demonstrations and political gatherings can occur with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Most are peaceful, but there is a risk of unrest, so travelers should follow police instructions and move away if disorder appears.
• Street crime involving distraction techniques, often by thieves working in teams, is a risk, especially around luggage at airports and during car rental. Travelers should avoid carrying all valuables in one place and keep accommodations locked and secure.
• Foreign-registered and rental cars, especially those towing caravans, can be targeted by so-called highway pirates who flag drivers down with false claims of vehicle damage. Genuine police wear uniforms or drive marked vehicles and will only ask to see documents, not hand over bags or wallets.
• Sexual assaults are described as rare but do occur. Solo travelers and anyone out after dark should avoid splitting up from friends, keep drinks in sight to guard against spiking, and save their accommodation location on a maps app.
• Travelers must carry photo ID at all times since police can require it, and should wait for hotel or car rental staff to register passport details rather than leaving documents unattended. Public drinking is restricted in some areas and can result in on-the-spot fines.