Health, Safety, Security, and Environment​

‎Hotel

Hotel contact information can be found on the hotel page.
During the event, a simple city map will also be available on the Smiling Stars app.  

Health 

Doctor/Dentist   

If you have a medical or dental emergency, please contact the 24‐Hour Smiling Stars Emergency Line. Should you wish to make a non‐emergency appointment with a doctor or local dentist, please ask at the Smiling Stars Hospitality Desk or the hotel concierge desk for assistance. Non‐emergency treatment will be at your own expense. 

It is your responsibility to have adequate travel and medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Barcelona. We suggest you consult your own doctor for any precautions or medications for pre‐existing medical conditions and ensure that your immunisations are up to date. 

Medication  

Please check with your treating health practitioner, travel clinic or the Spanish Embassy for guidelines for carrying personal medicines and procedures to be followed for entering Spain in advance of you entering the country. Some drugs may be  strictly prohibited  especially narcotics and psychotropics, (even  when  prescribed by a physician) and may result in severe penalties. 

For those with  medical conditions, ensure you carry a valid prescription and check your medications, as they may be controlled substances - you may need a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you require this  medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your entire stay and return journey. 

You are also advised to bring non-prescription medicines for use whilst travelling on your own (e.g. medicines for headaches, minor tummy upsets, cough and colds, etc.). Remember to check whether these specific medications are permitted  in Spain. 

Please note liquid medicines are allowed in excess of the 100ml limit on board any flights, provided there is a supporting note from your doctor or health practitioner. We therefore recommend you either pack these in your checked luggage or ensure you have the relevant documentation. 


Immunisation 

The risks to health whilst visiting a foreign country will  vary between individuals. We recommend checking if any vaccinations are  required  for your trip to the Spain. Please check with your local health provider or local travel clinic.   

   

Some flights to Barcelona are indirect and you may also  require  vaccinations for your transiting countries; so, once your flights are confirmed please check with your local health provider or local travel clinic on what is required. 

   

For example: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate   

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is  required  for entry for anyone arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission  and countries  requiring  yellow fever vaccination,  as listed  here.  This  includes  people who were in transit for more than 12 hours in an  airport  located  in a risk country. 
 

Illness during Smiling Stars  

If you become unwell whilst in Barcelona, we ask that you exercise personal and social responsibility, remain in your hotel room and contact the Smiling Stars phone number. The team will advise you of next steps and arrange a Doctor to visit if necessary.  If you are out of the hotel at an organised event, please speak to one of the event hosts who will assist you. If you are exploring the city during your free time, please call the Smiling Stars Helpline contact number provided. 

 

Long haul flight advice   

To make your journey as comfortable as possible, we will provide information in your pre-event information email (sent approximately 2 weeks prior to travel) on preventing illness during your flights. You can also ask your airline for this information.  

Weather   

Barcelona in November is generally quite warm with temperatures likely to be between 17°C/63°F and 20°C/68°F. On average, there is moderate rainfall so we recommend wearing loose, comfortable layers and making sure you carry waterproofs. We also recommend carrying an umbrella.  

Travel

It is recommended that business and private travel are kept as separate as possible to avoid compromising situations. However, should you be combining business and personal travel, Shell employees should ensure to follow the Shell Travel Policy.

Transfers and Transport   

We will arrange all your transfers within the Smiling Stars programme in Barcelona.  

When travelling by vehicle, everyone must ensure that seatbelts are worn for the entire journey duration as detailed in Shell’s life-saving rules.   
 

Booking Taxis  

We recommend that if you need a taxi you should use Uber via the Uber app, there are many Uber taxis that are available in Barcelona.   

Please speak to hotel concierge if you require any assistance organising transport outside the Smiling Stars programme. During the event you can visit the Smiling Stars hospitality desk if you need further assistance.   

Visas - Schengen visas

Nationals of some countries will require a  visa  to enter Spain.  It is important to check the Spain Visa  eligibility website  here  to confirm the type of  visa  that will be required. Further information  regarding  visas  can also be found on the Spanish government website. 

For those who  are required to pre-apply for a tourist  visa, these need to be arranged and paid for in advance, as they will  require  a sponsor in country. 

We have arranged for a local travel company to handle the  visa  application process for guests who  are required to  pre-apply for a tourist  visa.  All of  the details  required  for the  visa application will be captured during  registration and we will process this on your behalf. 

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa (including any visas required for transit during travelling) in order to attend the event. Any application fees or other related expenses are at the cost of the attendee or the Market Focal. If you’re unsure, please check with your Market Focal.  

Further information regarding visas please review the visa section on the Smiling Stars site   

  

Passport 

Visitors to the Spain are required to hold a passport or travel document that is valid for your entire stay for the duration of their stay. We recommend that you always keep your documents safe. Be mindful that rules relating to passport validity can change, which may affect your entry to the country, so please be sure to check your relevant country website, as well as information on entry to the Spain 

If you lose your passport/travel document or it is stolen, you will need to contact your local embassy to obtain a replacement. The Smiling Stars Event Team located at the Smiling Stars Hospitality Desk will be able to assist you in the process of obtaining an emergency travel document. The process can be time-consuming and costly, so we advise that you do everything you can to keep your passport safe. It is wise to travel with a photocopy (or digital copy on your phone) of your passport/ID card and other identification.  

Security 

Valuables 

We recommend that any valuables you may have with you – e.g. keys, camera and laptops/tablets – are kept secure during your stay in the safe located in your hotel bedroom.  Petty crime is prevalent in Barcelona, so we recommend you being extra vigilant of your belongings when out in tourist areas.  

Each bedroom in the hotel has a safe which you can programme with a code of your choice. Larger items that do not fit in your bedroom safe can be stored in the hotel safety deposit box during your stay. Please speak to the hotel’s reception desk staff, who will be happy to assist you.  

Do not forget to retrieve your items before your departure!  

  

Data Security   

Data security requires caution in Barcelona, and we recommend that you take the following precautions:  

Before you travel…  

  • Set up a PIN code for your mobile phone and tablet  

  • Build a strong password on laptops  

  • Clear any confidential documents and email from all your devices  

  • Wipe call and surf (browser) history  

  • Ensure your anti-virus is up to date on all devices  

  • Pack your devices in your hand baggage / keep them on your person  

  • Do not bring any confidential documents or valuables that are not necessary for the trip  

Public Conduct  

Personal behaviour considered unacceptable and offensive according to Shell’s core values and code of conduct is considered to be the same in Spain.  Additionally, rude or aggressive behaviours and gestures, as well as swearing in public places should be avoided.   

 Greeting:  

In Barcelona, a friendly and polite greeting depends on the situation: 

  • "Hola" (Hello) is universally acceptable and widely used. 

  • "Bon dia" (Good morning, in Catalan) is appreciated and commonly used until around lunchtime. 

  • "Bona tarda" (Good afternoon/evening, in Catalan) is used later in the day. 

  • "Buenos días" / "Buenas tardes" (Spanish equivalents) are also perfectly acceptable. 

A handshake is common in formal settings. 


 Photography  

Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but in general, Inside government buildings, museums, courts, or administrative offices, photography may be restricted by the institution's own rules. 

Alcohol  

Drinking alcohol in bars, restaurants, beach bars (chiringuitos), terraces, and clubs is perfectly legal. Drinking alcohol in public spaces such as streets, squares, parks, beaches, and metro stations is generally prohibited. This is known as the ban on botellón (street drinking), and fines can be issued. 

Clothing  

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city. However, respect for local customs is appreciated. It is advised for visitors not to wear very short, tight or revealing clothing, especially in malls or public areas. Swimming costumes are only welcome in the pool areas of hotels and beaches and not inside hotel or restaurants. Most of the hotel restaurants require smart casual dress for dinners.

 

Emergency Contacts 

Police / Fire / Ambulance: 112

National Police: 091

Health Emergencies: 061

Firefighters: 080

Local Police: 092

Should you require medical or immediate emergency assistance, please contact a member of the Smiling Stars Event Team on the following number:

24 Hour Smiling Stars Emergency Line: +44 207 100 6942

Smiling Stars Team: team@smilingstars.events