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Madrid OPSEC & Personal Safety Update

As of May 16, 2026, 7:11 AM

This opsec & personal safety update for Madrid covers the last 48 hours of cited sources compiled in the Genesis Signals report. Country risk level is medium, with Crime as the top risk driver. The report logs 5 incidents across crime, terrorism, traffic, and health in the last 48 hours. Cited sources include Telemadrid — Incautados 80 kilos de cocaína procedentes de Ecuador en el aeropuerto de Barajas (2026-05-15), EMT Madrid — Manifestación en distrito Centro. Afectadas 25 líneas de EMT. (2026-05-14), Madrid24Horas — Un incendio arrasa una vivienda en Ciudad Lineal y deja tres personas afectadas por humo en la calle Lago Constanza (2026-05-14), and El Mundo — Tres personas afectadas por un aparatoso incendio de una vivienda en Ciudad Lineal causado por una bateria (2026-05-14). Recommended actions include Avoid the central Madrid demonstration routes on 16 May expect transit reroutes and road closures between ~11:30–14:00. and Allow extra time for airport processing at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas increased law-enforcement activity has been reported..

Topic resources

Madrid travel advisory
travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/spain.html
Emergency contacts
General: 112 | Police: 091 | Ambulance: 061 | Fire: 080

Operational guidance

Situational Awareness

Avoid demonstrations and crowded gatherings; note planned protest routes and follow instructions from local authorities.

Documents & Valuables

Carry photocopies of your ID separately from the original; keep valuables secured and avoid leaving luggage unattended in transit hubs.

Local Info

Monitor local news and official EMT/Policía Municipal updates for transit changes and emergency notices; have flexibility in your schedule.

Health & Safety

If exposed to smoke or involved in a fire incident, seek fresh air immediately and follow local emergency responders’ guidance.

Situation-specific guidance

Transit

FAQ

What is the country risk level for Madrid?

Country risk level is medium, with Crime as the top risk driver.

How many incidents were recorded in the last 48 hours?

5 incidents were recorded across categories in the last 48 hours.

Where can travelers find official guidance for Madrid?

Review the official travel advisory source referenced in the report: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/spain.html.

More topics for Madrid

Crime Terrorism Traffic & Transit Health & Medical Supplies & Services

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Snapshot

Country risk levelmedium

Advisory-derived, not city-specific.

Open official advisory

Top driverCrime

Total incidents5

CoverageFULL

Travel Essentials

Get an eSIMActivate mobile data in minutes. Avoid roaming fees.

Travel advisory

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

U.S. State Department

Last updated May 16, 2026 3:11 AM ET

Who is affected

Travelers, residents, and on-the-ground teams in Madrid.

What to do now

Check official updates daily, confirm routes, and keep emergency contacts handy.

Key takeaways

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest .
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and target:
Tourist locations
Transportation centers (airports/train stations)
Markets and shopping malls

Read full advisory

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest . Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and target: • Tourist locations • Transportation centers (airports/train stations) • Markets and shopping malls • Local government facilities • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants • Places of worship and educational institutions • Parks • Major sporting and cultural events Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. If you decide to travel to Spain: • Avoid demonstrations and crowds. • Be aware of your surroundings. • Follow the instructions of local authorities. • Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans. U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe: • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. • Review the Country Security Report for Spain. • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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Cited sources

Telemadrid — Incautados 80 kilos de cocaína procedentes de Ecuador en el aeropuerto de Barajas (2026-05-15)
EMT Madrid — Manifestación en distrito Centro. Afectadas 25 líneas de EMT. (2026-05-14)
Madrid24Horas — Un incendio arrasa una vivienda en Ciudad Lineal y deja tres personas afectadas por humo en la calle Lago Constanza (2026-05-14)
El Mundo — Tres personas afectadas por un aparatoso incendio de una vivienda en Ciudad Lineal causado por una bateria (2026-05-14)
El Mundo — Se cumplen 140 años del tornado que arrasó Madrid, con poca probabilidad de que se repita: "Hubo decenas de muertos" (2026-05-15)
U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisory: Spain (2026-05-15)