Driving in Spain

What documentation is required to sail in Spain?

In Spain you need the pleasure craft operator card to sail a recreational craft in the case of sailing vessels of more than 5 metres in length, with an engine over 4 metres in length and with a capacity greater than 11,3 kilowatts. In addition, it is necessary to have an operator card for the handling of any watercraft (except for rented vessels in certain circuits). For citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union, a certification of the operator card may be required, which must be requested at the consulate.

If you navigate your own boat, when entering port you must present documentation that, in accordance with the country of registration and flag, shows proof of ownership, and in addition compulsory insurance, whose policy must cover at least 150,000 Euros in damages to third parties. In the event that authorities find the existence of elements in the ship which affect maritime safety or the environment they may prevent anchoring, leaving or entering the port.

To rent a boat, if the operator card was not obtained in Spain, you must file an authorisation of the Harbour Master of the jurisdiction, which states that the powers granted are the same as the foreign certification. This authorisation may be applied for in person or at the rental agency. Normally, it is very quick, because the captains have a list of equivalencies of the certificates. The boat documentation will be provided by the rental company.

High speed or dynamically supported craft are subject to special control: they must communicate their navigation plans, place their EAV badge in a place visible from the sky, and dock in specific locations.

Since conditions may vary, we suggest that you contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to verify these requirements before you start your trip.

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How is recreational fishing regulated?

Sea Fishing

If you wish to go recreational sea fishing in Spain (which can be from land, boat or submarine) it is necessary to get the corresponding license, issued by each Autonomous Community or region where you desire to pursue the activity If you are interested in fishing protected species, or in participating in contests in which catches exceed allowable limits, you will also require authorisation from the General Secretariat of the Sea.

There are a number of standards that regulate the classes, supplies and equipment; closed periods and areas; authorised species and capture limits; and there are certain prohibitions regarding the sale of fish.

In the following link to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment official website, you can find information on licensing (via ordinary means or information technology), species, prohibitions and associations, as well as contact information for the General Secretariat of the Sea.

(http://www.marm.es/es/pesca/temas/gestion-y-control-pesquero/pesca-maritima-de-recreo/)
 

River fishing

For fishing in rivers, streams, reservoirs, etc., it is necessary to have a license issued from each Autonomous Community or region. Each of them have their own regulated quotas, permits, boundaries, fishing seasons, and minimum sizes for species in their territory.

To request a fishing license and a fishing permit (the document required to fish in a certain area on a certain date), you may visit the official website of each Autonomous Community, visiting the page for its Ministry of Environment or its Tourism page. In many cases you will find the necessary forms to complete online.

In addition, there are companies dedicated to organising specific fishing packages and they will manage these transactions. You can hire them through your travel agent.

Other links of interest:

Spanish Confederation of Responsible Recreational Fishing(http://www.pescarecreativaresponsable.es)

Spanish Federation of Fishing and Casting (http://www.fepyc.es)
 

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How is hunting regulated in Spain?

To hunt in Spain, you must have a hunting license (issued by each Autonomous Community or region), a firearms license (issued by the Ministry of the Interior via the Civil Guard Firearms Control) and mandatory insurance (you can get it from any insurer in the world whose policy covers the hunter responsibility in Spain).

 

Autonomous Communities usually have an official website which specifies the requirements and documentation to be submitted to obtain a hunting license. In many cases, you can find the application and required forms online.

If you are bringing your own firearms for hunting, the procedure varies according to the country of origin:
 

Citizens of a country outside the European Union:

You may obtain a special temporary authorisation to use firearms for hunting. This will be issued through the embassy or consulate or by Firearms and Explosives Control at the point of entry into Spain and will be valid for three months.

To obtain this authorisation, you must present your passport and licenses or permits relating to the possession and use of firearms in the country of origin (accompanied by a translation into Spanish, countersigned by the Spanish consular representative), plus a list of the places and times where you wish to use firearms in Spain. When the special permit is issued, the Firearms and Explosives Control of the Civil Guard will stamp your passport with a seal stating that you may enter with firearms for hunting.
 

European Union citizens:

You must have a European Firearms Card (to be granted in your country of origin) which must be authorised by the Firearms and Explosives Control of the Civil Guard at the point of entry to Spain (port or airport) or by the Firearms and Explosives Control where you are going to hunt.

In addition, depending on the firearm to be used, other permits may be required which must be obtained both in the country of origin and in Spain (which may be granted for one or more trips for a maximum period of one year, renewable) or an invitation or other proof of sport hunting or shooting in Spain.

At the following link to the official website of the Civil Guard you will find all the information necessary on firearms. (http://www.guardiacivil.org/quesomos/organizacion/operaciones/icae/)

In Spain there are four types of areas defined for hunting:

Controlled hunting areas. Regulated by the Autonomous Communities, as each has its own legislation. The permit is obtained by request, as indicated by the Autonomous Community where you wish to hunt. We encourage you to report to the Ministry of Environment of each community through its website.

Regional hunting reserves. Each Autonomous Community has its own reserves. They are distributed by drawing: 50% of the game for local hunters, 40% for hunters of the Autonomous Community and 10% for national and supranational hunters. Drawings are typically held once a year and some communities report the results on the website of the Ministry of the Community.

Sports hunting reserves. These are managed by sports hunting organisations.

Private hunting reserves. These are managed by the owners of the reserves. Persons authorised by the owner can hunt on them, paid or free.

For more information, we recommend consulting the official web site of the Royal Spanish Federation of Hunting. (http://www.fecaza.com/)

In any case, there are many companies involved in organising specific hunting packages and they manage all of these procedures. You can hire them through your travel agent.
 

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What should you know if you are planning to bike in Spain?

Many cities in Spain have special lanes for biking. Also, hourly bicycles rental services are becoming increasingly common along with the possibility of leaving them in highly regulated parking spaces.

If you plan on getting around by bike, you should know the following:

It is prohibited to ride on highways.
Circulation on roadways is only allowed for people over 14 years of age and you must always ride on the shoulder.
Helmet use is mandatory on intercity highways.
The circulation of cyclists is permitted in parallel form, in columns of two, but cyclists should always ride as far right as possible along the road.
The use of approved lighting on the bike when riding at night, in tunnels or in sections affected by the tunnel signal, is mandatory. Also, on intercity highways, cyclists must wear some reflective clothing that permits distinguishing them from a distance of 150 metres.

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