The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh warning to Brits planning to travel to Spain or those who are already there. The FCDO, which is responsible for providing updated travel information for over 200 countries worldwide, issued a new alert on Friday morning (October 10).
The update warned of “severe” weather conditions in parts of Spain.
It said: “Severe weather warnings are in place today in Murcia and Valencia, including the province of Alicante. Disruptions to travel are likely. If you are in the affected areas, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates. If you are planning to travel, check for messaging from your travel provider or airline.”
This update arrives before major alterations to travel regulations for Spain and other European destinations, scheduled to take effect on Sunday (October 12). The highly anticipated new Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch on October 12, demanding UK holidaymakers provide extra information.
The EES represents an automated IT system that will register UK travellers, including short-stay visa holders and those exempt from visas, each time they cross an EU external border.
This system will capture the traveller’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), as well as the date and place of entry and exit. Upon the launch of the EES, holidaymakers will be required to establish a digital record during their initial visit to any Schengen area, either at the port or airport. This process will include fingerprint submission and photo-taking at designated booths.
There’s no requirement for travellers to submit any information prior to their departure to a Schengen area country. However, if they’re jetting off to a country within the Schengen area, they should prepare themselves for extended queues upon arrival.