Holiday destinations and hotspots are set to see changes for UK holidaymakers as the spring and summer getaway continues.
Foreign Office forced to change Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy travel advice
The Foreign Office has been forced to change its travel advice for Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy. The European Union holiday destinations and hotspots are set to see changes for UK holidaymakers as the spring and summer getaway continues.
On its website, the FCDO carries advice and guidance for each country in the world. Spain, Greece and Portugal are just three of the most popular destinations for Brits.
Popular destinations in the go-to countries include everywhere from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Alicante to the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, as well as Athens in Greece and its holiday islands, like Kos, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Kos and more.
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In Portugal, holidaymakers will venture everywhere from Faro in Portugal to the Algarve, as well as Lisbon and Porto. Italy sees visitors to Rome every year, as well as the Vatican City.
Other popular hotspots include Milan, Naples, Turin, Florence, Pisa, and more.
Spain
The government updated its guidance on May 12. This week, it confirmed the “removal of information on warehouse fire near Barcelona (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).”
Among the warnings for Brits from the FCDO are “falls from heigh”, adding: “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 you’re 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.”
Greece
Greece travel rules changed from the Foreign Office this month, but have now reverted back. The FCDO confirmed “the removal of information about an explosion in Thessaloniki (‘Safety and security’ page)” on May 12.
On the Greece page, it adds Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The FCDO said: “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.”
It adds: “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.”
Italy
The FCDO introduced “the addition of information and advice following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)”.
It states: “Following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, large crowds are expected in Rome and the Vatican City over the coming days. Please follow the advice of local authorities.”
It adds: “The Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026.
“The city is expected to be very busy, particularly when the bigger events take place including the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica on 24 December 2024.
“If you are planning to travel to Rome during this time, see our Jubilee 2025 – Holy Year information in Safety and security.”
Portugal
After a mass blackout in Portugal, the FCDO was forced to change travel rules and guidance – but it has now u-turned. It confirmed the “removal of information about power outages across mainland Portugal (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)” this month.
It adds: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.”