The summer may be over and the nights are drawing in but for many this is the perfect time to get away for a break.
With the schools returning popular destinations are both quieter and cheaper. Travel is a great way to relax, learn, and meet people. But it does have some risks.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises UK citizens on travel to all countries and has plenty of important information to people travelling to holiday hotspots Greece, Spain, and Turkey to help them keep themselves and their families safe. We have put together the information below. It is important to bear in mind that the vast majority of trips to these countries are issue-free but it is still worth familiarising yourself with current advice.
Spain
Spain has something for everyone. Beaches for the sun worshippers, history for the culture vultures, and some of the best food around for, well, people with mouths. But, as with anywhere, there are things that all savvy travellers should be aware of.
Terrorism in Spain
Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
In January 2023, one person was killed and others injured in a machete attack at two churches in Cadiz.
Political situation
Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities.
While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If youâre near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.
Lost or stolen passports
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must renew your passport or apply for an emergency travel document. You cannot use a police report to leave Spain.
Protecting your belongings
Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe.
Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If youâre concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.
Vehicle crime
âHighway piratesâ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.
When driving, be wary of approaches from people posing as plainclothes police in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform.
Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window saying âPolicĂaâ or âGuardia Civilâ. Genuine police will only ask you to show vehicle documents â not to hand over your bag or wallet.
Attacks and sexual assault
Attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. In an emergency call 112.
Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so itâs easy to find.
Drink spiking and alcohol
Be alert to the possible use of âdate rapeâ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.
Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Spain are often stronger than those in the UK.
Scams
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.
Personal ID
You must provide photo ID if asked by a police officer. This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity.
Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as âdisobedienceâ, which is a criminal offence.
Hotels, tourist accommodation and car rental companies have a legal duty to register passport details of tourists who check in or collect a vehicle.
When checking in to your accommodation, wait until hotel staff have registered your passport details, or taken a copy of your passport. Do not leave your passport at reception to collect later.
You may need to show ID when buying goods with credit or debit cards. Some shops will accept your driving licence or a copy of your passport, but some may ask for your passport.
Alcohol laws and bans
Itâs illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. You can get an on-the-spot fine. There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches.
Alcohol laws in the Balearic Islands
Local laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts on the Balearic Islands, including:
-
Magaluf (CalviĂ ), Mallorca
-
Playa de Palma, Mallorca
-
San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany), Ibiza
This bans:
-
happy hours
-
open bars (such as âall you can drink in one hourâ offers)
-
the sale of alcohol from vending machines
-
self-service alcohol dispensers
-
organising pub crawls and party boat trips
-
âoff-licenceâ sales between 9:30pm and 8am
Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can lead to arrest and detention. Possession of large quantities will usually result in prosecution and a prison sentence.
Illegal commercial parties in villas and private homes
There have been a number of serious accidents involving people attending illegal commercially promoted parties in villas and private homes on the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.
Licensed clubs and bars have to meet safety and security standards, including emergency exits and capacity limits, and have trained, licensed security staff. Illegal commercial parties may not meet these standards. Take care of your belongings, make sure you know where emergency exits are and do not take unnecessary risks.
You may get a fine for attending illegal commercially promoted parties.
Dress code
In some parts of Spain itâs illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if youâre 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.
Changing money
Always use official money exchange offices or banks because unofficial money changers may give you counterfeit money. Possession or use of counterfeit money is considered a serious crime in Spain and may lead to prosecution.
LGBT+
Spain is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. There are active LGBT+ communities and social venues, particularly in big cities. Same-sex marriage is legal. Transgender people can register under their preferred sex in public documents such as birth certificates, identity cards and passports without undergoing prior gender reassignment surgery.
Falls from height
There have been a number of serious accidents, some fatal, involving British nationals falling from height, including from balconies.
Do not take unnecessary risks around balconies or other high places, particularly if youâre under the influence of drink or drugs. If you are staying in a room with a balcony, follow the safety advice at the hotel or apartment, and watch out for friends who may be at risk.
In some regions you may be fined or evicted from your hotel if you are found to be behaving irresponsibly around balconies. Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when the incident happened.
Swimming and beaches
Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain. Always supervise children, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.
Take care when swimming in the sea. Some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents.
Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.
Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.
If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows.
Road travel
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence. Provisional licences are not valid for driving in Spain.
Low emission zones
Some inner-city areas in Spain have introduced permanent low emission zones (âZonas de bajas emisionesâ â ZBE) where Spanish vehicles must meet specific exhaust emission standards and display an air pollution sticker. The stickers are not issued to vehicles with foreign registration plates, but some cities require you to register your vehicle in advance â for example, Barcelona.
Taxis
Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies you recognise. Licensing regulations differ across Spain and in certain cities pre-booking is required.
Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines of up to 600 euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.
Extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Spain over the summer months. Follow the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.
Wildfires
Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months.
Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque.
Greece
The birthplace of democracy and boasting some of the most beautiful islands in Europe, Greece is one of the top destinations for Welsh visitors. These are all the issues you need to be aware of before you travel.
Terrorism in Greece
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.
Political protests
Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.
Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.
Strikes and demonstrations
There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders.
Demonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Political demonstrations may take place on certain dates:
-
1 May (Labour Day)
-
17 November (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently â âPolytechnioâ)
-
6 December (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos)
Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision.
Protecting your belongings
Thefts of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Carry your valuables in different bags and pockets and keep a copy of your passport photo page somewhere safe.
When driving on holiday, keep your valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park. Be alert to car crime.
Sexual assault
To reduce your personal risk, especially late at night and around clubs and bars:
-
save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so itâs easier to find at the end of the night
-
set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
-
keep an eye on each otherâs drinks to make sure they do not get spiked
-
do not let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
-
do not give a drunk person more alcohol
Use pre-arranged transport or taxi-hailing apps such as Uber or Free Now which supply licensed cabs.
Report anything that does not feel right to local authorities or hotel or club management.
Racially-motivated attacks
The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to their race, but there have been some racially-motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.
Personal ID
Always carry your passport, to show to the police if they request identification. Police may not accept a copy.
Public offences
The Greek police will arrest you for any behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws.
The courts are likely to impose a heavy fine or a prison sentence if they judge the behaviour to be illegal. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you miss flights because of an alcohol-related arrest.
Smoking bans
Itâs illegal to smoke in indoor public places, including shopping malls and transport hubs. You could get a fine of up to 500 euros.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence.
Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use. You could be arrested or fined.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Greece, and civil unions between same-sex couples have been legal since 2015. The age of consent in Greece is 15, this applies to partners of both the same sex and opposite sex. Transgender people are able to change their legal gender. Anti-discrimination and hate speech laws apply to gender identity.
Public attitudes towards same-sex couples vary throughout the country. Couples showing affection in public may be frowned on, especially in rural areas. Attitudes are generally more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands.
Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations
It is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings. The authorities will arrest and possibly prosecute anyone doing so. Border areas are also militarily sensitive. If you visit such areas, do not take photos or videos.
Quad biking and mopeds
Quad biking is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. You need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking. Always read the details of your insurance cover â especially the small print and exclusions on your policy.
Make sure you get full instructions and training before your activity.
Insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party insurance. Itâs likely the company will charge you for any damage to the rental vehicle, and you may face arrest if you do not pay.
If you hire a moped, you need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 â âlight motorcycleâ. Choose a category in accordance with your driving licence and age. Category P, which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc, is not valid in Greece.
Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets before operating quad bikes and mopeds. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police stop you, they will fine you and take your licence.
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Greece, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RACâs Greece guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Greece. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Driving conditions
Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Local drivers regularly ignore speed limits, including in built-up areas.
Pedestrian crossings
When walking roadside, take care when crossing the road and if possible use a pedestrian crossing. Drivers do not always stop at crossings, even though they are supposed to. The green pedestrian crossing signal sometimes allows cars to turn right on to a crossing, so cross with caution.
Wildfires
There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.
To avoid starting wildfires:
-
leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
-
make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
-
do not light barbecues
Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece â even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
Earthquakes
There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:
-
familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
-
follow advice given by the local authorities
-
call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
The Civil Protection website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake (in Greek), and reports on incidents.
Turkey
A must for history buffs and sun worshippers alike, Turkey is a popular destination. These are all the things you should be aware of before you travel.
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Border with Syria
FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.
Sirnak (city)
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak (city).
Hakkari province
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari province.
Terrorism in Turkey
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.
Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners, such as:
There have been a number of recent significant attacks in Istanbul:
-
In February 2024, one person was killed in an armed attack on the ĂaÄlayan courthouse by the terrorist group DHKP/C
-
In January 2024, one person was killed by two gunmen in the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Sariyer, in an attack claimed by Daesh
-
In 2022, six people were killed in an explosion in central Istanbul.
Extremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the capacity to carry out attacks in neighbouring countries, including Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border.
Political situation
Occasional demonstrations can occur in cities and may become violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests.
Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations are ongoing in locations across Turkey. Large demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.
Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.
Street robbery and pickpocketing
Street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.
Drink and food spiking
Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them. Be wary of strangers:
-
approaching you to change money
-
taking you to a restaurant or nightclub
-
offering you food and drink these could be spiked
Counterfeit alcohol
In a small number of cases, counterfeit branded bottles of alcohol have caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.
Sexual assault
In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Crimes were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel and spa workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.
Vehicle safety
Accepting lifts from strangers can be dangerous. Find a registered taxi and note the registration number before entering.
Personal ID
It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.
Dress visiting mosques
Dress modestly if youâre visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid causing offence.
Personal injury claims
There are reports of tourists being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness in Turkey. Find out what you can do if you have suffered a personal injury on the Citizens Advice website. Only make a claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Turkey.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. You may receive a fine or prison sentence of 4 to 24 years.
Stray dogs
Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Packs congregate in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Take care and do not approach stray dogs. If youâre bitten, get medical advice immediately. Rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.
Using cameras
Do not take photographs of or near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and showing affection in public could receive unwelcome attention.
Comments about the nation and flag
It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation, state or the national flag, or to deface Turkish currency. These laws can also apply to comments or images online wherever they were uploaded. Offences under these laws carry a penalty in Turkey of a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Turkey, see information on driving abroad. You must carry a green card in Turkey.
Take care when travelling by road, particularly at night. Approach checkpoints slowly and follow the instructions of security personnel. Roads between major cities are generally in excellent condition, but can be poor in remote, rural areas. Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving.
It is illegal not to wear a helmet on motorcycles and mopeds. You may get a large fine if you do not wear a helmet.
Do not drink and drive. The police fine drunk drivers and your licence could be confiscated for 6 months.
Extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months.
Earthquakes
Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. These can be a high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Gaziantep and neighbouring provinces in the south-east of Turkey in February 2023. Strong earthquakes may continue to affect the region and it remains heavily damaged.
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
