Spain

US passport holders can stay in Spain (and the Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. From late 2026, an ETIAS travel authorisation is also required — €7 online, valid three years.

A first trip covering Madrid and Barcelona needs a minimum of 7 days. Add 4–5 for Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Córdoba) or 3–4 for the north (San Sebastián, Bilbao). Spain rewards slow travel — two weeks lets you see three distinct regions properly.

Mid-range daily budget runs $120–180 per person, including a 3-star hotel, tapas crawls, transit, and entries. Shoestring travellers manage $60–90 easily on pension rooms and menú del día lunches. Barcelona and San Sebastián cost 20–30% more than Madrid, Seville, or Granada.

AVE high-speed trains connect Madrid-Barcelona (2hr 30), Madrid-Seville (2hr 30), and Madrid-Málaga (2hr 40). Book 2–3 weeks ahead for the cheap fares via Renfe. For Andalusia's white villages or the northern coast, rent a car — rural Spain rewards road trips enormously.

Not before 9 p.m., typically 10 p.m.–midnight. Restaurants open around 8:30 p.m. but fill up from 9:30. Lunch is the big meal — 2–4 p.m. is the traditional window, and the menú del día at most restaurants (3 courses + wine for €12–16) is Spain's best travel-value meal.

Spain ranks among the safest countries in Europe for violent crime. Pickpocketing in Barcelona is the main concern — among the worst in Europe, particularly on metro Line 3 and Las Ramblas. Madrid and smaller cities are less affected. Standard precautions apply everywhere.