CEUTA, SPAIN — The U.S. Department of State on August 1 updated its Travel Advisory for Spain, raising Ceuta to Level 3 - Reconsider Travel due to unrest.
The overall advisory for Spain remains Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism and unrest. No subsequent U.S. Embassy Madrid or State Department revision to that Level 3 rating has been issued.
The U.S. Embassy in Madrid on July 31 issued a Security Alert stating that the arrival of thousands of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta and hundreds to Melilla in the prior 24 hours may lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations. Spain deployed the Spanish military, Spanish National Police, and Guardia Civil to contain the situation.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on August 1 that Ceuta had suffered an attack that constitutes a serious violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.
He confirmed the deployment of a reinforced device including the National Police, Guardia Civil, and the Spanish Army.
Advisory and Alert Status
United States (August 1, 2026): Spain overall Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution (terrorism and unrest); Ceuta Level 3 - Reconsider Travel (unrest). No further change has been recorded.
United States Embassy Madrid (July 31, 2026): Security Alert for Ceuta and Melilla; do not travel to the affected areas at this time.
Spain (August 1, 2026): Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska described the events as a serious violation of territorial integrity and confirmed ongoing reinforcement of security forces and installation of containment barriers.
United Kingdom FCDO (latest update July 24, 2026): No change specific to Ceuta or Melilla; general Spain advice focuses on wildfires in Madrid and Ávila areas.
Canada (last updated July 29, 2026): Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism; no specific Ceuta or Melilla update.
Australia DFAT/Smartraveller (as of late July 2026): Exercise normal safety precautions; no specific Ceuta or Melilla update.
