Traveling to Spain as an American 3/5/26

Spain remains at a level 2:

https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/spain.html

It’s a good idea to register your trip with the State Dept. You can do so here:

https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step

I leave for Spain next week.

With all due respect, it would be helpful if Americans understood that in many other parts of the world, and particularly in most of Europe, ordinary people tend to distinguish between politicians and citizens.

While in the United States we have all, unfortunately, seen too many episodes where hostility toward foreign visitors has been stirred up by irresponsible politicians, that is generally not the norm here. People are used to welcoming individuals from all over the world, and most simply go about their lives without making much of it. Where you come from -or what you stand for- matters very little as long as you are respectful.

That said, as in any human group, you may occasionally run into the occasional idiot. But in general, what you’ll encounter is polite indifference, especially in urban centres.

You may find some of the points in Cameron Hewitt’s (Rick Steves' employee) blog helpful:

https://blog.ricksteves.com/cameron/2026/03/europe-need-to-know-2026

Thank you, I wish a lot of fellow Americans had this mentality as well and were able to distinguish between the two as well. I will always treat whoever and wherever I am with respect

Thank you Enric for pointing out once again that visitors will be judged by their actions and not those of any government. We too will be headed there soon.

In all my trips to Spain Spaniards have always been friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Have a nice trip.

I would expect a friendly (or, in the worst case, indifferent) attitude. Persons are not governments.

I look at it this way. I only have so many years left, and even less years as an active person able to participate in the activities that I love. A side note is that in terms of travel this puts us in all kinds of situations that we’d never be in otherwise with local people, and experience nature, local food and beautiful rural landscapes. So, I am not gonna let that [insert word here] take it away from me. As for complicity in our debased relationships with countries that we visit — it’s not my fault. As a matter of fact, I tried, and I am trying to stop it.

It's also worth remembering that those working in the hospitality industry are used to interacting with individuals from many different countries daily. They are doing their jobs and most will not have the time or inclination to react about each individual's country or government.

My wife and I have been here in Madrid for 3 days and have experienced no issues and we are greatly enjoying our time here. Everyone we've met has been heloful and quite patient with my terrible Spanish. Others here have described the situation well. Most people in large cities like this aren't focused on us and our politicians' nonsense. That said, we are making sure to watch the news and be informed on what is going on. Checking in with the State Dept seems like a good idea wherever you go.

Don't bring your F-35 when you're coming. I hear the parking in Spain is an absolute nightmare.

I've been travelling to Spain, especially Malaga and Mallorca, every year for over two decades and never encountered any hostility as a Brit. I've also met a number of Americans, including recently, and they have never expressed any concern or stated that they have experienced any issues as a result of their nationality.

I'd recommend not wearing a MAGA cap if there was a risk that you were so inclined.