United States in Spain

Recent changes

• 8 May 2026: New head of mission at the Embassy of the United States in Madrid, Spain: H.E. Mr. Benjamín León Jr. (Ambassador), succeeding Rian Harker Harris.

Frequently asked questions

How attractive is United States as a destination for visitors from Spain?

The United States is a prominent tourist destination, appealing to millions with its diverse cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and iconic cities. Its ranking among the top countries for international tourist spending underscores its importance in the tourism sector. A portion of the 7 million Spaniards who travel abroad annually may find the U.S. an appealing choice.

Please answer the following question: How safe is United States for tourists coming from Spain?

The safety of the United States for tourists from Spain can be assessed through various crime statistics. Spain ranks 22nd among 40 European countries for safety while walking alone at night, whereas there is no comparable data for the U.S. In terms of overall safety, the Global Peace Index places the U.S. at 130th out of 160 countries, significantly lower than Spain's ranking of 23rd. When examining murder rates, Spain has a rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to the U.S. rate of 6.8. This disparity is also reflected in female murder rates, with Spain at 0.4 and the U.S. at 2.9. According to the Global Organized Crime Index, Spain generally fares better in various crime categories, with lower indices indicating better performance (1 being the best and 10 the worst). For example, Spain's index for mafia groups is 6.0, while the U.S. is at 5.0. In terms of drug trafficking, both countries have similar scores for heroin and cocaine trade, but the U.S. scores higher in arms trafficking (6.5) compared to Spain (4.0). In summary, while the U.S. has many attractions for tourists, crime statistics suggest that it may not be as safe as Spain. Tourists should remain vigilant and informed about their surroundings while traveling in the U.S.