As the British public eagerly prepares for Easter and summer holidays, many are setting their sights on Spain, a favourite destination known for its breathtaking shorelines, bustling cities, and alluring holiday resorts.
However, amid the excitement of upcoming travels, it’s important to be well-informed. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offers essential information and advice regarding travel risks to any of the 226 nations and territories, helping travellers make informed decisions and remain secure during their trips.
The government agency’s advice includes critical updates on security concerns, passport and visa requirements, and health advisories. For those planning a Spanish getaway, several important regulations concerning passports, alcohol consumption, beaches, and other factors should be noted.
Passport and Border Control
Spain adheres to Schengen Area regulations, and due to post-Brexit changes, British travellers’ passports must meet specific criteria. The “date of issue” must be within 10 years before your arrival date, and the “expiry date” needs to be at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Spain, as reported by the Liverpool ECHO.
Failure to present valid documents will result in denial of entry. UK passport holders can visit Schengen Area countries, such as Spain, for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, and you should make sure to get your passport stamped both when entering and leaving the country.
You may be required to present a return or onward ticket, proof of travel insurance, evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, and/or confirmation of your accommodation at Spanish border control. If you’re entering Spain from Gibraltar, be prepared for potential delays due to border checks, says the FCDO.
There are stringent regulations regarding what items can be brought into and taken out of Spain. For instance, meat, milk, or products containing them are prohibited in EU countries, with exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food, and special foods needed for medical reasons.
Travellers are also cautioned that they must declare if they’re carrying cash or travellers cheques amounting to 10,000 euros or more into Spain. Failure to declare could result in seizure of your money upon departure.
Terrorism and Safety
According to Gov.uk guidance, “terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain”. Guidance further warns that these attacks “could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals” and urges people to “stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities”.
UK travellers must produce photo ID upon request by a police officer, and the police have the authority to detain you at a station until your identity is verified. However, travellers are warned to be vigilant as some thieves may impersonate police officers and request to see your wallet for identification purposes.
Never surrender your wallet or purse, as legitimate police officers will only request to see identification. All police officers carry official ID, which you can ask to view.
Alcohol
While many holidaymakers enjoy a tipple or two, it’s worth noting that consuming alcohol in public spaces is illegal in certain parts of Spain. If caught drinking in a restricted area, an on-the-spot fine may be issued.
In some resorts, specific alcohol laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol at certain times. This may include restrictions on happy hours, alcohol vending machines, pub crawls, and party boat trips.
Beaches
Spain’s beaches are a major draw for visitors, but caution is advised. Every year, there are drowning incidents in Spanish seas, so children should always be supervised, regardless of their swimming ability or the presence of a lifeguard.
Holidaymakers are being urged to exercise caution while swimming at the beach, as some locations may be affected by strong undercurrents. Hidden rocks and shallow waters pose significant risks of injury or even death, so it’s crucial not to dive into unfamiliar waters or swim near river estuaries.
Beachgoers should familiarise themselves with the local flag system; a red flag indicates that entering the water is unsafe. It’s important to heed any warnings, understand the flag system, and be particularly vigilant on beaches without lifeguard services or clear signage.
How you dress
In some regions of Spain, it’s against the law to walk around in public wearing only swimwear or being shirtless. For instance, fines may be imposed if you’re spotted wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or nearby streets.
For security purposes, certain public authorities in Spain prohibit the wearing of burkas or niqabs within their buildings. If you enter town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside, as per Gov.uk guidelines.
Medical treatment
If you require medical help during your stay, the FCDO provides a list of healthcare providers in Spain, including English-speaking staff. To access state-provided healthcare when necessary, you’ll need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
More information on how to obtain these cards can be found here.
Travellers should note that the EHIC or GHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance, which ought to be arranged prior to departure from the UK. These cards might not cover various expenses such as alterations to travel plans, additional medical costs, or non-urgent treatments.
According to Gov.uk, most hospitals in Spain deliver “appropriate care”, but public healthcare facilities may be scarce in certain regions. For more detailed information, contact your insurance provider or medical assistance company.
Driving in Spain
Spain enforces stringent drink-driving laws, with law enforcement frequently conducting roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Offenders can expect penalties ranging from fines to licence suspension and even imprisonment.
Drivers should also be aware that on-the-spot fines can be issued for speeding and a variety of other driving offences. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, both in the front and rear seats.
Children under 1.35m must be secured in an approved child safety seat in the back seat.
Children may only sit in the front seat if the rear seats are already occupied by other children or if the vehicle does not have rear seats. Car hire companies can provide car seats, so it’s advisable to request one when booking your vehicle.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, even if you’ve pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely off the road to use your phone, and using an earpiece is also illegal.
Only fully hands-free units are permitted. For those driving UK-registered vehicles in Spain, a UK sticker must be displayed on the left-hand side of the number plate.