U.S. Embassy & Consulate
in Spain and Andorra

Security Alert – U.S. Mission Spain (February 3, 2020)

Location:  Spain

Event:  The Spanish Ministry of Interior reports a steady increase in the number of sexual assaults nationally over the past five years.  This includes a rise in sexual assault against young U.S. citizen visitors and students throughout Spain.  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain can find it very difficult to navigate the local criminal justice system, which differs significantly from the U.S. system.  The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General urge U.S. citizen students and visitors to take precautions against sexual assault during their stay in Spain.

 Actions to Take:

• Drink responsibly.  Do not consume beverages that have been out of your control.
• Use the buddy system, and travel with a friend or a family member.
• If you have been sexually assaulted, call 112 immediately.  Also, consider contacting a local attorney to help you navigate the criminal justice process and protect your rights.  The Embassy and Consulate General maintain a list of English-speaking attorneys.  For more information on what to expect, please visit our website.
• Review the Safety and Security information on the Department of State’s Spain country information page as well as your personal security plans.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Madrid, Spain
  +34-915-872-200
  AskACS@state.gov
  https://es.usembassy.gov

• U.S. Consulate General Barcelona, Spain
  +34-932-802-227
  BarcelonaACS@state.gov
  https://es.usembassy.gov

• State Department – Consular Affairs
  888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

• Spain Country Information
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.