Page 618 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

616  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Spain has a highly developed and accommodation, restaurants and leisure
diverse tourist industry that caters to a activities can be found at the oficinas
wide variety of travellers – from eco- de turismo in all major towns. In addition,
friendly backpacking and cultural visits Spanish people are naturally open and
to some of Europe’s most impressive welcoming to outsiders, so the best
heritage sites, to sunseeking at resorts information often comes from the
for all ages and budgets. Information on locals themselves.

Travel Safety Advice
Visitors can get up­to­date
travel safety information from
the Foreign and Common­
wealth Office in the UK, State
Department in the US and the
Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade in Australia.

Tax­Free Goods
Information
Non­EU residents can claim
back IVA (VAT) on single items
Relaxing on a sandy Spanish beach in summer worth over €90.15 bought in
shops displaying a “Tax Free
When to Go countries, including the USA, for Tourists” sign. Food, drink,
August is traditionally Spain’s Canada, Australia, New Zealand tobacco, cars, motorbikes and
main holiday month. Many and Japan, whose nationals do medicines are exempt from
businesses close for the entire not need to apply for a visa if this. You pay the full price
month, and traffic is very heavy they are visiting Spain for a and ask the sales assistant for
at the beginning and end of this period of up to 90 a formulario (tax­
period. At any time of year, try days. Those who are exemption form).
to find out in advance if your planning longer visits On leaving Spain,
visit coincides with local fiestas than this may apply before you check
– although these are exciting to the Gobierno Civil your bags, ask
attrac tions, they often entail wide­ (a form of local customs officials
spread closures and high prices. government office) to stamp your
for an extension. formulario; this
You will also need must be done with­
Visas and Passports to provide proof of in three months of
Spain is part of the Schengen employment or proof Tax-free goods sign the purchase. You
Agreement, which establishes of sufficient funds to should then receive
a common border for various support yourself during a longer the refund, either by mail or
countries in the European Union. stay. All visitors from countries alternatively from some banks
Visitors from other participating other than those listed above and bureaux de change at
countries will not be asked for are legally required to obtain a the airport (La Caixa bank in
identification upon arrival. visa before travelling to Spain. Barcelona; and Global Refund
However, it is recommended Student visas are available at Termin als 1 and 4 of Madrid
that you carry identification from the country of origin and Airport), either in cash or as a
in any case. In addition, it is give the holder permission to refund to your credit card.
a legal require ment to carry stay until the end of their course.
identification at all times. A valid If you are intending to stay for
passport must be shown upon a long time, it is recommended Tourist Information
arrival from a non­Schengen that you contact your nearest All major cities and towns have
country, including the UK. Spanish embassy several oficinas de turismo. They will
Visas are not required for months in advance. provide tourists with town.
citizens of EU countries, Iceland,
Norway and Switzerland. A list
of entry requirements, available
from Spanish embassies,
specifies more than 40 other Spanish tourist office sign, featuring the distinctive “i” logo

616-617_EW_Spain.indd 616 26/09/17 11:19 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.6)
Date 7th January 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm