Spain’s Directorate-General of Traffic (DGT) launched the second phase of its annual ‘Operación Navidad’ road-safety campaign at 15:00 on 26 December, forecasting 1,922,800 vehicle movements across Andalucía by 1 January 2026. The initiative combines extra Guardia Civil patrols, helicopter and drone monitoring, and dynamic speed limits on major arteries such as the A-7 and AP-4.
Peak congestion is expected between 18:00–21:00 on 26 & 28 December and 10:00–13:00 on Saturday 27 December, coinciding with returns from Christmas family gatherings and departures to mountain resorts in Sierra Nevada.
While predominantly a domestic mobility issue, the operation carries implications for international assignees based in Málaga’s technology park and Cádiz’s shipyards, many of whom will be using rental cars with unfamiliar electronic toll tags. HR departments are reminded that Spanish fines can be re-directed to the employer if the driver is not identified within 20 days.
![‘Operation Christmas’ Phase 2 Begins: DGT Expects 1.9 Million Car Journeys in Andalucía]()
For international employees who still need to secure or update their residency cards—or for visiting relatives requiring short-stay Schengen visas—VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork. The company’s online platform walks applicants through every step, from gathering supporting documents to booking consulate appointments, helping travellers keep their plans on track despite seasonal traffic disruptions. More details can be found at https://www.visahq.com/spain/.
DGT’s real-time app (available in English) now integrates accident alerts with Google Maps, allowing foreign drivers to avoid sudden road closures. Companies running shuttle services have been advised to reroute via the A-92M or schedule early-morning departures to minimise delays.
Phase 3, covering the Three Kings holiday (2-6 January), will be announced next week. The DGT says it may deploy additional drones if wet weather predicted for 3 January materialises.
Peak congestion is expected between 18:00–21:00 on 26 & 28 December and 10:00–13:00 on Saturday 27 December, coinciding with returns from Christmas family gatherings and departures to mountain resorts in Sierra Nevada.
While predominantly a domestic mobility issue, the operation carries implications for international assignees based in Málaga’s technology park and Cádiz’s shipyards, many of whom will be using rental cars with unfamiliar electronic toll tags. HR departments are reminded that Spanish fines can be re-directed to the employer if the driver is not identified within 20 days.
For international employees who still need to secure or update their residency cards—or for visiting relatives requiring short-stay Schengen visas—VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork. The company’s online platform walks applicants through every step, from gathering supporting documents to booking consulate appointments, helping travellers keep their plans on track despite seasonal traffic disruptions. More details can be found at https://www.visahq.com/spain/.
DGT’s real-time app (available in English) now integrates accident alerts with Google Maps, allowing foreign drivers to avoid sudden road closures. Companies running shuttle services have been advised to reroute via the A-92M or schedule early-morning departures to minimise delays.
Phase 3, covering the Three Kings holiday (2-6 January), will be announced next week. The DGT says it may deploy additional drones if wet weather predicted for 3 January materialises.
