Stay Safe During the Trip

Stay Safe during the trip and once in Spain

There are signs you can look for to keep yourself and your family safe. For example, be alert of someone who:

  • is asking for your passport or other identification documents (apart from public authorities, for example at border check points);
  • is asking for your phone, laptop or other means of communication;
  • wants to remove you from your family or others you are travelling with;
  • is offering you a job that sounds too good to be true;  
  • is pressuring you to perform work, services or sex (including to repay ‘debts’);
  • is promising to help you get registered, relocated or resettled to another country against payment (except for regular transportation fees);
  • is hiring you, but not paying you, or not giving you decent working conditions or limiting your movement, for example by taking your documents or locking the door.

There are steps you can take to stay safe:

  • Be alert and follow your own intuition about people you don’t know.
  • Always hold onto your documents. Take copies of them on your phone and send them to someone you trust. 
  • Keep in touch with your family and other people you trust. 
  • Know your rights and where you can access help.
  • Seek reliable information from trusted sources. 

If you are looking for a place to stay:

  • Use organised accommodation by known organisations, if possible. 
  • There are many reception centres, hotels, hostels and non-government organisations offering accommodation. 
  • If you stay with private individuals, try to ask around about the person first. Don’t accept to be removed from your family or those you arrived with, and don’t give away your documents. Ask if anything is expected of you in return and always agree on a price on beforehand. 

If you are looking for transportation: 

  • Use organised transportation by known providers, as far as this is possible.
  • Many companies in Europe are now offering free travel for Ukrainians. See this webpage for options: https://ec.europa.eu/free-travel-options
  • Don’t accept to be removed from your family or those you arrived with, and don’t give away your documents. Always agree on a price on beforehand.

Where to seek Information and Support in Spain:

  • Gender-based violence: Phone: 016 (24/7). Email: [email protected]; WhatsApp: 600 000 016

Other Emergency Helplines:

  • General emergencies: Phone: 112 (24/7)
  • Policía Nacional (National Police): Phone: 091 (24/7)
  • Guardia Civil (Civil Guard): Phone: 092 (24/7)