TL;DR
Foreign Office advice for Spain includes guidance on West Nile virus, dengue and mosquito-borne illnesses during the summer travel season. UK travellers should check the latest advice before travelling and consider mosquito repellent and travel vaccinations.
Foreign Office advice for Spain includes guidance on West Nile virus, dengue and mosquito-borne illnesses during the summer travel season. The advice is published on gov.uk's foreign travel advice page and is updated whenever the UK Health Security Agency or Spanish public health authorities issue new alerts.
Where to find official advice
Gov.uk publishes Foreign Office travel advice for every country UK nationals visit. The Spain page covers safety, health, entry requirements and travel disruption.
The advice is updated regularly. Travellers can sign up to email alerts for specific countries so that updates land in their inbox automatically.
Mosquito-borne illnesses in Spain
West Nile virus, dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses can affect parts of Spain during the warmer months. The risk varies by region and year, with the south and Mediterranean coast typically more affected than the interior or north.
UK Health Security Agency monitors the risk for UK travellers and publishes guidance on avoiding mosquito bites. Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, covering arms and legs in the evening, and sleeping under nets in affected areas all reduce risk.
Vaccinations and travel health
UK NHS travel vaccination services are available through GPs and some pharmacies. Routine vaccinations including hepatitis A and tetanus boosters are recommended for travellers to Spain alongside any country-specific advice.
The Travel Health Pro website at travelhealthpro.org.uk provides country-by-country health information for UK travellers. The site is run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre.
Travel insurance for medical cover
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical cover is essential for any trip outside the UK. The European Health Insurance Card and UK Global Health Insurance Card allow access to state healthcare in Spain but do not cover all costs.
Premier travel insurance policies cover medical evacuation, treatment costs, lost belongings and cancellation. The Association of British Insurers publishes guidance on choosing travel insurance at abi.org.uk.
What to do if you fall ill
Pharmacies in Spain can provide over-the-counter medications and advice for minor illnesses. The 112 emergency number covers ambulance, fire and police. Hospital emergency departments handle serious cases.
UK travellers should contact their travel insurer as soon as practical. Keep receipts, medical reports and any prescriptions for any claim. The British Embassy in Madrid can provide consular assistance in serious cases.
Key facts
- Foreign Office advice on gov.uk for Spain.
- West Nile virus risk in southern Spain in summer.
- Travel Health Pro at travelhealthpro.org.uk.
- Emergency number in Spain is 112.
- EHIC and GHIC allow access to state healthcare but do not cover all costs.
FAQ
Where do I check Foreign Office advice for Spain?
On gov.uk's foreign travel advice page for Spain. The advice is updated regularly and travellers can sign up to free email alerts for specific countries.
Are mosquito-borne illnesses a risk in Spain?
West Nile virus and dengue can affect parts of Spain during the warmer months. The risk varies by region and year, with the south and Mediterranean coast typically more affected.
Do I need travel vaccinations for Spain?
Routine vaccinations including hepatitis A and tetanus boosters are recommended alongside any country-specific advice. The Travel Health Pro website at travelhealthpro.org.uk covers the latest guidance.
What if I fall ill in Spain?
Pharmacies can help with minor issues. The 112 emergency number covers ambulance, fire and police. Contact your travel insurer as soon as practical and keep all receipts and medical reports.
