The Foreign Office has issued two new updates for British holidaymakers planning to go to Spain this summer.
Millions fly from the UK every year to enjoy the Spanish sunshine - though you should take care in the extreme heat of 42C forecast for the Balearic Islands this July.
In the latest change to travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Friday (July 7) issued new guidance on reporting a crime in Spain.
It urged tourists to watch out for street crime by distraction thieves as well as 'highway pirates' who force foreign-registered and hire cars to stop, along with bogus police officers who ask you to hand over your wallet rather than travel documents, reports Birmingham Live.
The other change came in on Wednesday, July 5, when Spain ended all remaining requirements to wear Covid face masks. Until then, it had still been mandatory to wear a mask in healthcare centres and pharmacies but this had already been lifted in public places and on public transport.
New guidance for reporting crimes in Spain
The Foreign Office says the English-speaking police helpline that was available on +34 90 210 2112 has now stopped running. UK tourists wanting to report a crime while in Spain - including stolen property and lost or stolen passports - should visit their nearest police station to file a report.
This could be the National Police (Policia Nacional), regional police (Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, Mossos d’Esquadra in Catalonia, and Policia Foral in Navarre) or Civil Guard (Guardia Civil).
Some Spanish cities also offer a Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (Servicio de Atencion al Turista Extranjero or SATE) run by the Town Hall and National Police, where you can report a crime in English. Violent crime or sexual assault must be reported in person at the nearest police station, while more minor offences such as bag or vehicle theft can be reported online.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you need to apply for an emergency travel document from the nearest British Consulate and then get a replacement passport once back home in the UK.
New Covid and health guidance for Spain
Wearing Covid masks has now been completely scrapped and if you have symptoms or test positive for Covid-19 during your stay in Spain, you are no longer required to self-isolate, the Foreign Office guidance says. It adds that hotels and other accommodation providers may have their own coronavirus rules in place that you should follow while staying there.
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers any medical costs arising during your holiday, along with a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The GHIC or EHIC enables you to get state-provided medical treatment that's the same as that offered to locals. If you don't have your EHIC with you or have lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team.
The Foreign Office says having a GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you need both before you travel. This is because an EHIC or GHIC does not cover the costs of medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover on the GOV.UK website.
