Travel Advisory Travel Advisory

GENERAL CONSULAR ADVICE

 

PASSPORT

  • To enter into Spain, a valid Malaysian passport is required.
  • Malaysians can enter Spain without visa for up to three (3) months for social visits. Any proposed stay for periods longer than three (3) months for employment or study would require the relevant visa. More details on the subject can be obtained from the Spanish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  
  • Malaysian passport holder is only allowed to stay in Europe not more than 180 days in a year.

 

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

  • Prior to traveling to Spain, always have photocopies of passports, Malaysian identity cards and birth certificates. The original identity cards and birth certificates should be securely kept in Malaysia. Certified copies are required in the event of loss of passport/ travel document, accident or death.
  • In the event of a loss of personal belongings, Malaysians are advised to make a police report at the nearest police station. This will facilitate any insurance claim and replacement of relevant documents especially passports.
  • Loss of travel documents should be reported to the Malaysian Embassy. Documents required include a copy of the police report and photocopies of passports/Malaysian identity cards/ birth certificates as proof of nationality in order to obtain an Emergency Certificate for traveling back to Malaysia.  Passport-size photos are also required.
  • It is highly recommended to keep the original passport in the hotel safe box and to carry the photocopy while visiting the town/city.

 

CREDIT CARD

  • The usage of credit should be minimized while in Spain since in certain occasion, some of the credit card swipe machines are unable to accept Malaysian credit card due to time factor between two countries. It is always advisable to bring sufficient cash for purpose of payment.

 

BOOKING OF HOTEL

  • The Embassy can assist the incoming visitor to book their hotel. However, in order to facilitate the booking and guided by the hotel policies, the Embassy needs credit card details of the visitor such as Name of the credit card holder, credit card number, type of credit card, name of issuing bank and the validity of the card. Without those particular, the Embassy will not be able to book or reserve the hotel for the visitor. The hotels outside Madrid capital especially, do not accept payment guarantee from the Embassy. The actual payment to the hotel upon checkout, can take effect in cash or credit.
  • If visitor comes in a group, only one credit holder for such purpose is sufficient.

 

SECURITY

  • Spain is a safe place to visitors and Spanish people are nice and friendly, however thefts and pick pocketing can be found in all public and tourist places.
  • Do take extra care while visiting tourist sites, main shopping areas, airports, bus stations, Trains Stations (RENFE), Underground Stations (METRO).  Most items stolen are passports, wallets, hand phones, credit cards, cameras, cash and jewelry.
  • Extra care should be taken while visiting Andalucía (Cities of Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla), Madrid (Puerta del Sol and Downtown Area), and Barcelona (The old part of the city, Las Ramblas and its surrounding areas)  
  • Always be prudent and do not leave your bags or personal belongings unattended at bus terminals, underground rail stations, railway stations, and airports and even while dining in restaurants and during checking-in at hotels. Always keep your bags as close as possible to you. Do not leave them on the floor or on chairs. Do not carry your documents, credit cards or money in your bag, carry them in an “inside pocket”.
  • Incident of pick pocket is rampant in Spain.  Therefore, be aware of teenagers in groups, gypsies offering flowers or any article, women from Eastern Europe with little children asking you for information, etc.
  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas such as back streets, small alleys and car parks. Try, if possible, to move around in groups when in the city or places of interest, especially in the evening.