The Foreign Office has issued two new travel warnings for British holidaymakers heading to Spain during the summer holidays. Millions head to Spain from the UK each year to enjoy some sun, sea and relaxation, reports the Mirror.
However, care should be taken during extreme weather, including the 42C temperatures forecast for the Balearic Islands this month. In a new update to travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a new warning on reporting a crime in Spain.
The FCDO urged tourists to look out for street crime with distraction thieves on the rise, as well as 'highway pirates' who force hired cars and foreign-registered vehicles to stop. Bogus police officers have also been reported to ask tourists to hand over their wallet rather than travel documents.
Spain also ended all of their Covid restrictions on Wednesday, July 5, as they stopped requiring people to wear face masks in healthcare facilities and pharmacies.
This restriction had already been lifted in public and on public transport, but not in healthcare facilities yet. Read on below to find out more.
Reporting a crime in Spain
The FCDO confirmed the English-speaking police helpline that was available on +34 90 210 2112 has now stopped running.
British tourists who want to report a crime while in the country - including lost or stolen passports or lost property - should visit the nearest police station instead.
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 cities in Spain also offer a Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (Servicio de Atencion al Turista Extranjero or SATE) run by the Town Hall and National Police.
This is where you can report a crime in English, with violent crime or sexual assault required to be reported in person. 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.
Covid and health rules in Spain
Wearing a face mask has completely been scrapped from the rules, and if you develop symptoms or test positive for Covid while in Spain, you no longer need to self-isolate.
The Foreign Office guidance also states hotels and other accommodation providers may have their own coronavirus rules in place that you should follow while staying there.
You should make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical costs that may arise during your stay, along with a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
These cards allow 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 also added 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 ongoing medical treatment, medical repatriation or non-urgent treatment.
Read more about what your travel insurance should cover on the GOV.UK website.
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