According to the British Embassy in Madrid, Spain receives over 13 million British visitors every year. British visitors make up approximately 24% of the total number of tourists visiting Spain. The UK contribution to the Spanish tourism industry is of the order of €10bn annually, approximately 1% of Spain’s GDP.(UKinSpain website April 2012)
Despite the recent strength of the Euro versus the Pound, the British love affair with Spain continues. The Spanish people have always been very welcoming to the British, flights are available from most UK airports, the sun still shines (most of the year), and Spain offers the full range of holiday activities. It is a fascinating place with always somewhere new to discover.
Spain is also a relatively safe place to visit. ‘The vast majority of visits made to Spain by British nationals are trouble free’ - Foreign Commonwealth Office travel site April 2012. However, as with all travel abroad, it is important to be aware that some things may work differently from the UK and be prepared should anything go wrong. The INFOSHEETS and links below are designed to ensure you have the necessary information and contacts to do this.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Spain and we look forward to your return in the future.
DISCLAIMER: Information provided by or sponsored by other organisations is done so for the convenience of the enquirers. No member of the Federación of Age Concern España takes any responsibility for the competence or probity of any of the organisations below or for the consequence of any advice given to or action taken by the enquirer.
General Information
Spain Travel Advice
Provided by GOV.UK
General advice on entry requirements, safety, laws and customs, access to health, plus latest news.
Health Issues
Flying with Mobility Impairment
Provided by GOV.UK
Yours rights to fly with mobility issues including flying with a wheelchair or mobility scooter. When flying with an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter check the airlines’ information pages for restrictions on weight and battery types.
Medically Fit to Fly
Provided by British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair
We strongly advise that anyone visiting Spain takes out comprehensive travel insurance as well obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Should you have an accident or suffer a major health incident whilst in Spain you may find you visit is extended as you are medically unfit to fly. You EHIC will not pay for medical repatriation, nor will it pay for additional travel, housing and food costs associated with a lengthy stay in Spain.
If you have a medical condition you must check with the airline before flying or they may refuse you entry onto the flight. Below are links to three of the main airlines’ conditions for being medically fit to fly. These are for general information purposes only and you should always check direct with your own airline.
British Airways
Easyjet
Ryanair
The European Health Insurance Card
Provided by NHS Choices
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to certain state healthcare either at a reduced cost or free when visiting another EU country. This website tells you how to apply for the EHIC before you travel and answers general questions on use of the EHIC.
Please Note: The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. We strongly advise you to take out valid travel insurance and to declare any medical conditions to your insurers before travelling to Spain.
Access To Healthcare in Spain
Provided by NHS Choices
Information on what the EHIC entitles you to as an EU visitor to Spain and how to access the healthcare system should you need it as a visitor to Spain.
Access to Healthcare in Spain
Provided by The UK Department of Health
Information from The Department of Health in the UK on access to healthcare for British nationals visiting and living in Spain.
Driving in Spain
Driving Abroad
Provided by GOV.UK
General information on driving abroad including where you can and cannot use a UK driving license.
European Driving Advice
Provided by The Automobile Association (The AA)
Advice on driving safely in Europe including what documents to take, compulsory equipment, toll roads, blue badge entitlement and general advice.
Touring Tips for Spain
Provided by The Automobile Association (The AA)
Specific advice on driving in Spain including information on the laws governing driving in Spain.
Blue Badge Parking in Spain
Provided by The Federacion Internacional de Automovilismo
Guidance on using the Blue Badge parking scheme in Europe and Spain.
Taking Your Car Abroad
Provided by GOV.UK
Information on using you UK car in Spain when visiting.
What To Do If Things Go Wrong
The British Embassy in Spain
Provided by GOV.UK
The webpage of The British Embassy in Madrid which includes an emergency contact number and information on services provided by The British Consulates in Spain.
Reporting A Lost or Stolen Passport
Provided by GOV.UK
If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the Identity and Passport Service immediately. Click on the ‘start now’ button and follow the instructions. It will then allow you to downlaod the necessary form to report the lost or stolen passport. You will need to do this before you can obtain a replacement passport or emergency travel document, without which you will not be able to travel out of Spain.
Emergency Travel Document
Provided by GOV.UK
If your passport is lost or stolen whilst visiting Spain you will need to obtain an emergency travel document (ETD) in order to travel back to the UK or anywhere else. You can apply for a replacement passport but this can take 1-2 months to come through. An ETD can be done the same day if all the necessary paperwork is in place.
Get Help If You Are A Victim Of Crime Abroad
Provided by GOV.UK
Information on how the British Consulate can help if you are a victim of crime whilst abroad. Please also check the link above to the British Embassy in Madrid for contact details in Spain.
Help If You Are Arrested Abroad
Provided by GOV.UK
Information on how the British Consulate can help if you are arrested whilst abroad. Please also check the link above to the British Embassy in Madrid for contact details in Spain.
