# Updated Spain Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know (May 2026)
Planning a spring getaway to Barcelona or Madrid? Before you pack your bags, Ottawa travellers should be aware that the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for Spain on May 1, 2026. The country remains at **Level 2 — Exercise a High Degree of Caution**, primarily due to ongoing terrorism threats and significant petty crime targeting tourists.
While Spain continues to be a popular European destination for Canadians, understanding the current risk level and taking proper precautions can make the difference between a memorable vacation and a stressful ordeal.
## What This Advisory Means for You
A Level 2 advisory doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel to Spain—it means you need to be extra vigilant and well-prepared. The primary concerns highlighted in the latest update focus on the persistent threat of terrorism and widespread petty crime in major tourist areas. This isn’t a dramatic escalation, but rather a reminder that travellers need to stay alert, especially in crowded locations.
## Crime Hotspots Every Tourist Should Know
Pickpocketing and bag snatching have become increasingly sophisticated in Spanish cities. Thieves often work in coordinated groups, using distraction techniques like pointing out fake stains on clothing, asking for directions, or even posing as plainclothes police officers requesting to see identification.
Ottawa travellers should be particularly cautious in these high-risk areas:
– **Barcelona**: Las Ramblas, Sagrada Família, El-Prat Airport, and the Aerobus shuttle
– **Madrid**: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Barajas Airport, and Gran Vía
– **Everywhere**: Metro stations, train platforms, beaches, hotel lobbies, and outdoor cafés
Keep valuables secured in front pockets or cross-body bags, remain skeptical of unsolicited approaches, and always verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be police.
## Essential Travel Health Preparation
Smart travel safety extends beyond watching your wallet—it includes protecting your health. Before departing from Ottawa, schedule a travel health consultation at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Spain-specific health considerations include ensuring routine vaccinations are current, discussing preventive medications for traveller’s diarrhea, and preparing a medical kit tailored to your itinerary.
A pre-travel consultation also provides an opportunity to review your medications, discuss travel insurance options, and get personalized advice based on your specific health conditions and planned activities. Whether you’re hiking the Camino de Santiago or exploring urban centers, proper health preparation reduces risks and gives you peace of mind.
## Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Register with the Canadian government’s free Registration of Canadians Abroad service, keep digital and physical copies of important documents separate from originals, and stay updated on local conditions throughout your trip.
Travelling to Spain? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.