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Cars 4 Rental Information on Spain

General

Area: 504,782 sq km (194,897 sq miles).

Population: 41,116,842 (official estimate 2001).

Population Density: 81.5 per sq km.

Capital: Madrid. Population: 2,957,058 (2001).

GEOGRAPHY: Spain shares the Iberian peninsula with Portugal and is bordered to the north by the Pyrenees, which separate Spain from France. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera), 193km (120 miles) southeast of Barcelona, and the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa are part of Spain, as are the tiny enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the north African mainland. With the exception of Switzerland, mainland Spain is the highest and most mountainous country in Europe, with an average height of 610m (2000ft). The Pyrenees stretch roughly 400km (249 miles) from the Basque Country in the west to the Mediterranean Sea; at times the peaks rise to over 1524m (5000ft), the highest point being 3404m (11,169ft). The main physical feature of Spain is the vast central plateau, or Meseta, divided by several chains of sierras. The higher northern area includes Castille and Len, the southern section comprises Castile/La Mancha and Extremadura. In the south the plateau drops abruptly at the Sierra Morena, beyond which lies the valley of Guadalquivir. Southeast of Granada is the Sierra Nevada, part of the Betic Cordillera, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean, rising to 3481m (11,420ft) and the highest point on the Spanish peninsula (the Pico del Teide on Tenerife in the Canaries is the highest peak in Spain). The Mediterranean coastal area reaches from the French frontier in the northeast down to the Straits of Gibraltar, the narrow strip of water linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and separating Spain from North Africa.

Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1978. Head of State: King Juan Carlos I since 1975. Head of Government: Jos Luis Rodrguez Zapatero since 2004.

Language: Spanish (Castillian), Catalan, Galician and Basque.

Religion: There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Time: Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.

Communications:

Telephone

IDD is available. Country code: 34. Outgoing international code: 00. Emergency calls: 112. Area codes are incorporated within a nine digit number. The following are a selection of codes for major centres: Madrid 91, Alicante 96, Balearic Islands 971, Barcelona 93, Benidorm 96, Bilbao 94, Granada 958, Las Palmas 928, Mlaga and Torremolinos 95, Santander 942, Seville 95, Tenerife 922 and Valencia 96

Mobile telephone

GSM 900/1800 networks available. Roaming agreements exist with all major networks. Coverage is good throughout most of the country. Main network providers include Amena (website: www.amena.com), Auna (website: www.auna.es), Movistar (website: www.movistar.tsm.es) and Vodafone (website: www.vodafone.es).

Fax

Most post offices have services. Facilities are also generally available at 4- and 5-star hotels, especially those catering for the business and conference traveller.

Internet

There is a variety of Internet cafes in most urban areas. Main ISPs include Futurnet (website: www.futurnet.es), Ibernet Telematica (website: www.ibernet.com), Oz (website: www.ozu.es), Terra (website: www.terra.es), Wanadoo (website: www.wanadoo.es) and Ya (website: www.ya.com).

Telegram

Facilities are available at main post offices. A 24-hour service is available in Madrid at Plaza de Cibeles; in Barcelona at Plaza Antonio Lopez; in Bilbao at 15 Calle Alameda Urquijo.

Post

There are efficient internal and international postal services to all countries. Airmail within Europe usually takes around 5 days. Poste Restante facilities are available at main post offices.

Press

Local newspapers published in English include the Costa Blanca News, Majorca Daily Bulletin and the English-language edition of Sur (weekly). Spanish dailies with large circulations include ABC, El Marca (sports only), El Mundo and El Pas.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

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Money

Single European currency (Euro): Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Spain). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Spanish Peseta was still in circulation until 28 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange: Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports. National Girobank Postcheques may be used to withdraw cash from UK accounts at main Spanish post offices.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques: International travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is unlimited, but the export of amounts exceeding €6010.12 per person per journey must be declared. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but the import of amounts exceeding €6012.12 per person per journey must be declared.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Aug ’03 Nov ’03 Feb ’04 May ’04
£1.00= 1.43 1.46 1.46 1.49
$1.00= 0.90 0.87 0.80 0.83

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1400, Sat 0900-1300 (times may vary).

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Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required
Yellow Fever No No
Cholera No No
Typhoid and Polio No N/A
Malaria No N/A

Other risks: Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Medical treatment provided by state scheme doctors at state scheme hospitals and health centres (ambulatorios) is free to UK citizens if in possession of form E111. Health insurance is required for private medical care. Prescribed medicines and dental treatment must be paid for by all visitors.

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Climate

Spain’s climate varies from temperate in the north to dry and hot in the south. The best months are from April to October, although mid-summer (July to August) can be excessively hot throughout the country except the coastal regions. Madrid is best in late spring or autumn. The central plateau can be bitterly cold in winter.

Required clothing: Light- to mediumweights and rainwear, according to the season.

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Passport

Passport Required Visa Required Return Ticket Required
British Yes No Yes
Australian Yes No/2 Yes
Canadian Yes No/2 Yes
USA Yes No/2 Yes
OtherEU Yes/1 No Yes
Japanese Yes No/2 Yes

Note: Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area, see the introductory section How to Use this Guide.

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least three months including 90 days beyond the planned stay required by all except the following:
1. nationals of the EU holding valid national ID cards for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: The requested validity and precise requirements of the passport may vary according to nationality and these are subject to change at short notice; please consult nearest Embassy/Consulate for further details.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland regardless of purpose and/or length of stay;
(b) 2. other nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days;
(c) nationals of Andorra, Anguilla, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, St Helena, San Marino, Singapore, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela for stays of up to 90 days; (d) holders of travel documents issued by the Geneva convention of July 1951, by Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK for stays of up to 90 days. Please note that British passports that do not have “European community” on the front page require a visa;
(e) crew members of airlines and merchant navy for stays of up to 90 days;
(f) nationals of any of the Schengen member states who hold permanent residency are entitled to re-enter the Schengen area without a visa, provided proof of residence and a valid passport are submitted;
(g) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (except nationals of Afghanistan*, Angola, Bangladesh*, Congo (Dem Rep)*, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Eritrea*, Ethiopia*, Ghana*, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Iran*, Iraq*, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria*, Pakistan*, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia*, Sri Lanka*, Syrian Arab Republic and Togo who always require an airport transit visa if not a permanent resident of Canada, EU countries or the USA; nationals marked * must be permanent residents of Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland or the USA). As the preceding list is liable to change at short notice, visitors are advised to check transit regulations with the relevant Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Note: (a) Children of any age holding a valid passport will require a visa. (b) Visas issued to nationals of Turkey are not valid for all Schengen member states.

Types of visa and cost: A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. Short-stay: £17.25 for up to 30 days, £20.70 for up to 90 days (single-entry); £24.15 for up to 90 days (multiple entries), £34.50 for up to one year (multiple-entry). Transit: £6.90. Prices are subject to change and travellers are advised to check with the Consulate before departure. All visas are also subject to an administrative fee.

Note: (a) Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage or birth certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details). (b) Visa exemptions apply for school children visiting Spain as part of an organised school trip, accompanied by a teacher.

Validity: Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry): valid for six months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 90 days per entry. Transit (single- and multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended and a new application must be made each time.

Application to: In person (strictly only by appointment solicited in writing) to the appropriate Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for where applicant lives. Applications may also be conducted through a travel agency or visa agency that may come in person on behalf of the applicant. Postal applications are not accepted. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Note: Applicants will be seen by appointment only. Please state number of applicants (immediate family only: wife/husband and descendants) when applying for an appointment. If applying for a family, please send photocopies of passports, plus a self-addressed envelope.

Application requirements: (a) Passport or travel document, valid for at least three months longer than requested visa with one full blank page to affix the visa. (b) Two completed application forms; in the case of minors, the parent or legal guardian may sign. (c) Two passport-size photos (plus three photocopies), preferably stapled to each page of application form; children also require two passport-size photos, to be included in the parent’s passport. (d) Fee, payable by cash or postal order only. (e) Proof of purpose of visit (official letter of invitation; return tickets and hotel confirmation). (f) Confirmed accommodation. (g) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (recent bank statement and photocopies). (h) Formal itinerary, supplied by travel agent or airline. Business: (a)-(h) and, (i) Letter from employer; or accountant, solicitor, bank manager or Chamber of Commerce if self-employed. Students should submit proof of attendance. (j) Written invitation from company or organisation in Spain. Student: (a)-(i) and, (j) Legalised police certificate from country where applicant has lived for five years or more, confirming the absence of a police record, if studying in Spain for longer than six months.

Note: (a) Evidence of medical insurance will be required. (b) Requirements for visas vary according to nationality, passport, travel document used and the purpose and duration of the trip. All documents must be submitted in their original form, plus two photocopies (three for Business visas). For more information, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. (c) Minors included in parent's passport must be accompanied by the parent. The child's right to travel on passport will lapse depending on the age stipulated by the Embassy/Consulate in the issuing country.

Working days required: An appointment to apply for a visa will be received by post within seven days of date of request. Processing time varies, depending on nationality and personal information. Applications from nationals of the following countries will take two to three weeks, and they should not buy tickets prior to applying for and obtaining a visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Burundi, China (PR), Colombia, Congo (Dem Rep), Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian National Authority, The Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, the Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Once granted, visas may take only one working day to be issued. All applications for all nationalities should be lodged with the Embassy or Consulate several weeks before the intended date of travel.

Temporary residence: Refer enquiries to Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).

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