Spain travel rules in full with beach and passport warnings

It is important to familiarise yourself with Spanish rules and laws before setting off

Millions of people across the UK are now gearing up to go on their eagerly-anticipated summer holidays, with many expected to head to Spain. The European nation is hugely popular with tourists thanks to its stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and resorts.

While going on holiday is an exciting time, it is important to make sure you are prepared and well-informed before you set off. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), provides information and guidance about risks of travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people make informed decisions and stay safe.

The Government department’s updates can include things like security risks, passport and visa requirements, and health warnings, and it is important to be aware of the latest guidance. And there are a number of rules people should know if they’re heading to Spain, relating to passports, alcohol, beaches and more.

Passports and border control

Spain follows Schengen area rules, and post-Brexit this means your passport must have a “date of issue” less than 10 years before the date you arrive, and must have an “expiry date” at least three months after the date you plan to leave. If you do not have a valid travel document, you will not be able to enter Spain.

Anyone travelling on a UK passport can visit the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be stamped on entry and exit.

You may also need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of travel insurance, proof you have enough money for your stay, and/or a hotel booking or confirmation address of where you’ll be staying while in Spain at Spanish border control. If you are entering Spain from Gibraltar, border checks here can cause delays, according to the FCDO.

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There are also strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. For example, you cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into EU countries, though exceptions include powdered baby milk, baby food, and special foods required for medical reasons.

People are also warned that they must declare if they’re taking cash or travellers cheques worth 10,000 euros or more into Spain. If you do so without declaring it, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism and safety

Gov.uk guidance states that terrorists “are likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain”. It adds that attacks “could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals” and advises 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 provide photo ID if asked by a police officer, and the police have the right to hold you at a station until your identity has been confirmed. However, people are being warned that some thieves pose as police officers and may ask to see your wallet for identification.

You should never hand over a wallet or a purse, genuine police officers will only ask to see ID. All police officers carry official ID, which you can ask to see.

Alcohol

Many of us like to have a drink or two on holiday, but it is illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. If you’re caught doing so in a prohibited area, you can get an on-the-spot fine.

There are also some alcohol laws in the Balearic Islands which limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts. These include Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio, with the bans limiting happy hours, the sale of alcohol from vending machines, pub crawls, and party boat trips.

How you dress

In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts, as is being bare-chested. For example, you could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.

For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings. If you visit town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside, according to Gov.uk.

Beaches

Many people who visit Spain enjoy trips to the beach, but it is important to be vigilant. Each year, people drown in the sea in Spain, and children should always be supervised, even if they can swim or if there is a lifeguard.

People are advised to take care when swimming, as some beaches may have strong undercurrents. Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death, and you should not dive into unknown water, or swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.

Many beaches have a flag system, with a red flag meaning do not enter the water. You should get to know the system, follow any warnings, and take extra care if there are no lifeguards or sign systems in place.

Medical treatment

Should you need medical assistance while you are away, the FCDO has a list of medical providers in Spain where some staff will speak English. To be eligible for medically-necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and you can find out more about obtaining one here.

The EHIC or GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance, which you should purchase before leaving the UK. The cards may not cover costs such as changes to travel or accommodation bookings, additional treatment costs, and treatment that is ruled non-urgent.

Most Spanish hospitals, according to Gov.uk, provide “appropriate care”, but in some tourist areas there may not be any public healthcare facilities nearby. Your insurance or medical assistance company will be able to provide further details.

Driving in Spain

Spain has strict drink-driving laws, with police regularly undertaking roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and a prison sentence.

Drivers can also be hit with on-the-spot fines for speeding and a whole host of other driving offences. Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers in the front and back seats, and children under 1.35m in height must use an approved child safety seat secured on the back seat.

Children are only permitted to travel in the front seat of the car if the rear seats are already occupied by other children or if the vehicle does not have rear seats. Car rental providers can lend car seats, so let them know when you reserve the car.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even if you have pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road, and using an earpiece is also illegal, with only completely hands-free units are allowed.

If you’re driving a UK vehicle in Spain, it must have a UK sticker on the left-hand side of the number plate.