US Embassy Communiqués

[RebeccaG]

Hello Everyone,

For those of you who move to Spain for an extended period of time, I encourage you to register with the nearest consulate or Embassy of your country.

I am registered with the US Embassy and receive periodic updates and warnings which are often helpful. In the interest of keeping you all informed, I will try to post the updates as I receive them.

For others who are registered with different countries' embassies, if you recieve similar updates from your country, please post them as well so that your countrymen/women may be informed.

Thanks!
-Rebecca

[RebeccaG]

Embassy of the United States of America

Madrid, Spain

Notice to U.S. Citizens
April 9, 2008

The following Notice Message is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens.

SUBJECT: 
The U.S. Embassy in Madrid encourages all Americans to exercise caution when using credit or debit cards in ATM machines.  There have been reports of instances in which U.S. citizens in Spain have had their card numbers “skimmed” and the money in their debit accounts stolen or their credit cards fraudulently charged.  “Skimming” is the theft of credit card information by an employee of a legitimate merchant or bank following a valid transaction.   There have been recent reports of problems at Barclay's Bank ATMs in particular, but all ATM users should use caution. 

In addition to skimming, there is also the risk of physical theft of credit or debit cards.  To prevent such incidents, the Embassy recommends that travelers keep close track of their personal belongings when out and about, only carry that which is needed, and maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings when using your cards.  Travelers should also regularly check the status of their accounts to insure their security has not been compromised.  Should you identify fraudulent charges to any of your accounts subsequent to the use of credit or debit cards, contact your bank immediately to report the problem. 

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).


Following are the contact numbers of our Embassy in Spain, as well as the Consulate General in Barcelona and the different consular agencies. All these contact numbers and their addresses are available on the Internet at http://madrid.usembassy.gov.

Consular Section Madrid – American Citizen Services: 91-587-2240


Embassy and emergencies after hours: 91-587-2200

American Consulate General Barcelona: 93-280-2227.


Consular Agency La Coruña: 981-213-233

Consular Agency Las Palmas: 928-271-259

Consular Agency Málaga: 952-474-891

Consular Agency  Palma de Mallorca: 971-403-707

Consular Agency Seville: 954-218751

Consular Agency Valencia: 963-516-973


April 2008

[RebeccaG]

Embassy of the United States of America
Madrid, Spain

U.S. Embassy Informational Message
July 1, 2008

The following Message is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens.

SUBJECT:  AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES ADOPTS APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

Effective today, July 1, 2008, the American Citizen Services Unit is adopting an on-line appointment system for non-emergency services, including passport applications and renewals, registrations of births, and notary services.  With this system we will be able to provide better service and reduce waiting times in the Embassy significantly.  Appointments may now be booked on-line at our web site:  http://madrid.usembassy.gov/cons/services.html 

We will continue providing walk-in emergency replacement of lost/stolen passports where the applicant needs to travel within the next week.  Applicants for emergency replacement passports will need to provide proof of the need to travel in the form of a ticket or other documentation.

American Citizen Services emergency telephone numbers:

- During business hours: 91-587-2240

- After hours: 91-587-2200

- Friday – Closed.

[RebeccaG]

Embassy of the United States of America
Madrid, Spain

U.S. Embassy Warden Message
July 21, 2008

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________________________________________
The following Message is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens.

ETA Bombings – Exercise Caution

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The Basque terrorist group, ETA, has claimed responsibility for detonating five bombs in northern Spain this weekend, four of which occurred near popular seaside resorts in Cantabria.  Although no one was killed, there were several injuries.   These bombings may mark the beginning of ETA's traditional summer bombing campaign, which targets holiday resorts to hurt the Spanish tourist industry. 

In light of these recent bombings, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events in all parts of Spain, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.