GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRAVELING TO SPAIN
Literal Excerpts from the website of the U.S. Department of State on traveling to Spain, as of February 3, 2015
Please read whole article on http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/spain.html
Please read whole article on http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/spain.html
Note: Spain Prep is not responsible for the accuracy of this information and the website and article should be read in its entirety.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Spain and Andorra share with the rest of the world an increased threat of international terrorist incidents. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Spain's open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity.
HEALTH
Good medical care is available in both Spain and Andorra. Regulations regarding medications may vary from those in the United States. Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication, so please do not ship medication from the United States to Spain. U.S. citizens who plan a lengthy trip to Spain should bring their medication or obtain a prescription for that medication from a Spanish physician.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Spain and Andorra share with the rest of the world an increased threat of international terrorist incidents. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Spain's open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity.
HEALTH
Good medical care is available in both Spain and Andorra. Regulations regarding medications may vary from those in the United States. Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication, so please do not ship medication from the United States to Spain. U.S. citizens who plan a lengthy trip to Spain should bring their medication or obtain a prescription for that medication from a Spanish physician.
Literal Excerpts from the website of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention on health information for travelers to Spain, as of February 3, 2015.
Please read full article on: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/children/spain
Note: Spain Prep is not responsible for the accuracy of this information and the website and article should be read in its entirety.
STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE
- Prevent bug bites
Although Spain is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
● Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
● Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
● Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin. What type of insect repellent should I use?
● FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
● FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. o DEET http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm o Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin) o Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD o IR3535
● Always use insect repellent as directed. -
- Stay Safe Outdoors
If your travel plans in Spain include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
● Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
● Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
● Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
● Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day. o If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
● Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
● Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
● Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
- Stay safe around water
● Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
● Do not dive into shallow water.
● Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
● Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Keep Away from Animals
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
● Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
● Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
● Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
● Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
● If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see. All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
● Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
● Go to a doctor right away.
● Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
- Traveling with Children
Children love animals, but they are more likely than adults to suffer serious injuries if they are bitten or scratched. If you are traveling with a child, remind the child of these animal safety tips:
● Do not touch any animals without permission.
● Always tell an adult if the child has any contact with an animal. (Children may be afraid to tell if they think they will get in trouble.)
● Always tell an adult if the child sees a bat in a room. If you or a child wakes in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.
STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE
- Prevent bug bites
Although Spain is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
● Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
● Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
● Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin. What type of insect repellent should I use?
● FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
● FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. o DEET http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm o Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin) o Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD o IR3535
● Always use insect repellent as directed. -
- Stay Safe Outdoors
If your travel plans in Spain include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
● Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
● Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
● Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
● Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day. o If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
● Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
● Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
● Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
- Stay safe around water
● Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
● Do not dive into shallow water.
● Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
● Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Keep Away from Animals
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
● Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
● Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
● Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
● Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
● If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see. All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
● Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
● Go to a doctor right away.
● Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
- Traveling with Children
Children love animals, but they are more likely than adults to suffer serious injuries if they are bitten or scratched. If you are traveling with a child, remind the child of these animal safety tips:
● Do not touch any animals without permission.
● Always tell an adult if the child has any contact with an animal. (Children may be afraid to tell if they think they will get in trouble.)
● Always tell an adult if the child sees a bat in a room. If you or a child wakes in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.
