Spain has a long tradition of emigration and travel. Today, there are over 1,500,000 Spanish nationals living abroad. More than 10 million travel abroad each year for a variety of motives, including tourism, study, business, and activities related to non-governmental organisations.
To attend to Spanish nationals abroad, Spain has an extensive consular network depending on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation which currently comprises 159 consular offices and consular sections within embassies and almost 500 consulates and honorary vice-consulates.
Spain’s consular centres abroad provide a wide range of legal and administrative services which are effective and valid in Spain, thus facilitating the relationships and links between Spanish citizens and foreign nationals who have connections with Spain, and our country. These services are provided under the corresponding Spanish legislation and comply with its requirements.
Another function of the consulates is to protect and assist Spanish nationals who are the victims of crime or abuse, or who for any reason find themselves in a situation of serious misfortune or need, in such a way that they are not the object of discrimination for reasons of their foreign condition. In carrying out this function the consulates usually have recourse to the support and collaboration of the competent local authorities. The facilities available may vary depending on the country. It should also be borne in mind that we cannot deal with personal requests for any assistance which would not normally be provided by the public services in Spain.
For more detailed information about the different services the consulates can provide, please consult the various sections on this page as a general reference and by way of example:
Consulates CAN:
- issue passports or safe-conducts in the event of expiry, loss or theft of personal documents;
- provide information on the country’s medical, educational and legal services;
- provide assistance if you are arrested;
- in exceptional circumstances, advance you the necessary amount for your repatriation, which must be reimbursed to the Treasury within the time limits established by the law;
- provide the services of a registry office or notary, legalise documents, and forward communications and petitions to Spanish institutions.
Consulates CAN NOT:
- act as a travel agency;
- find you employment abroad;
- guarantee you better treatment in hospital or in prison than that accorded the nationals of that country;
- act as your guarantor, lend you money or pay your fines;
- serve as your personal interpreter, guide or social worker.
Spanish nationals who are abroad temporarily
If you are planning to travel abroad, you must remember that it is not enough simply to buy a plane ticket and pack your suitcase. There are other things connected with your trip which must be taken into account and are essential to ensure your peace of mind and that you have a problem-free trip.
CHECK THE INFORMATION ON YOUR DESTINATION/TRANSIT COUNTRY IN THE TRAVEL ADVICE SECTION to find our whether you need to get a vaccination, and what documents you need for your trip. Remember to make a note of the address and telephone number of the Spanish consulate and embassy.
DOCUMENTS. Find out if can travel with your Spanish identity card or whether you need a passport, and whether any of the countries you are travelling to require a visa.
MEDICAL COVERAGE. A health insurance policy will ensure that any expenses are covered in the event of illness or accident during your trip. Charges for hospital stays and medical treatment can be very high in a number of countries.
RESPECT THE LOCAL LEGISLATION in the countries you are visiting. Always remember that in many countries simply being in possession of drugs is a serious offence. Do not risk a long prison sentence and years of suffering.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR LUGGAGE; PREVENT THE THEFT OR LOSS OF YOUR PERSONAL DOCUMENTS AND TICKETS. It is advisable to keep photocopies of your documents in a separate place.
DO NOT ACCEPT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ANY PACKAGES from strangers.
REGISTER WITH THE CONSULATE if your stay, albeit temporary, is prolonged for some time so that you can be located in the event of an emergency and to make it easier for the consulate to assist you.
If you wish you may fill out the attached form and send it to the corresponding consulate. Download form (.pdf)
If you have taken all the recommended precautions and you still find yourself in a serious situation while abroad which you are unable to handle with your own resources or those available nearby, you can contact the Spanish consulate or embassy where every attempt will be made to assist you by putting you in touch with your family in Spain or advising you of the steps you may take. In the case of exceptional need you will be informed of the financial help you can request, which must later be reimbursed.
Spanish nationals living abroad
Spanish nationals living permanently abroad should register with the Spanish residents’ list at the consulate in their corresponding consular area. This will mean that all those of legal voting age are automatically registered in the CERA (census of Spanish nationals living abroad) which will enable them to take part in all Spanish elections.
Both the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs through its offices abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation through its consulates provide different assistance programmes for Spanish nationals living abroad. Information is available at the respective offices as to the requirements and types of programme.
Spanish nationals who, in addition to Spanish nationality; also hold the nationality of the country where they live, should bear in mind that the Spanish consulate may be limited in performing certain protective actions vis-à-vis the local authorities, as they may be considered citizens of the country rather than foreign nationals.