Foreign Office travel advice for France, Spain, Italy and Portugal

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for popular holiday destinations, including France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

British tourists are urged to stay informed through the Foreign Office website, which provides the latest “safety and security” guidance as the peak of the summer getaway season arrives.

The FCDO said there is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals.

Here’s the latest advice…

In Spain, the Foreign Office advises to be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams.

Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.

The Foreign Office highlighted that highway pirates target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may flag visitors down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs.

Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification. Genuine police officers will ask to see ID but will not ask for wallets or purses. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID.

For those heading to Italy, the Foreign Office said that crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions. 

Visitors are also asked to take care on public transport, in crowded areas and in city centres, including main stations – particularly in and around Termini station in Rome.

The Foreign Office warned people to not take drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. 

“Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control,” the Office continued. “If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Italy are often stronger than those in the UK.”

The Foreign Office warns that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France” and could be indiscriminate including in places visited by tourists through knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks.

There can also be frequent industrial action and demonstrations across the country which can lead to disruption and delays on roads and public transport.

Visitors are also urged to take precautions against street and car crime, with pickpockets and gangs active on the Paris Metro, RER train lines, and major train stations and airports.

Covering your face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could get a fine of up to 150 euros if you do not comply.

Wildfires can start during the summer months and the weather service has launched a fire alert map. Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads.

For those travelling to Portugal, the Foreign Office warns of pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft from holiday properties in major tourist areas. Foreign-registered and hire cars are often targeted by thieves. 

Attacks and assaults, including sexual assaults, are “rare but do occur”. The risk is highest late at night around popular nightlife locations. 

Gambling is only legal in places licensed by the government, such as official casinos. Games of chance, including bingo, are illegal if they’re held on unlicensed premises.

Hiking in Madeira and the Azores can be challenging. Visitors are urged to choose paths that suit their fitness and experience and take note of the weather where they go.

Dangerous and unpredictable wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Risk of fires is higher when the weather is hot and dry. Fires have become more common due to drought and high temperatures during the summer months.