With the summer holidays here many of us will be planning on jetting off for a well deserved break.
After years of limited travel because of Covid we are at last getting back to some kind of normality (at least in some places). However even before Covid travel was never risk free. Different laws, cultures and climates can be pitfalls for unwary travellers.
To help you keep yourself and your family safe WalesOnline have gone through all the latest advice from Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). We have summarised the key tips for travellers to Spain, Greece and Turkey. Bear in mind that this advice was correct at time of writing and can be subject o change. You can see the full advice there.
Read more: Everything we know about how you apply for the Welsh Government's £200 cost of living payment
Spain
Natural disasters
There is currently a heightened risk of forest fires due to exceptionally high temperatures in Spain. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Access to some areas such as natural parks and nature reserves may be limited or closed as a result.
Covid
There remains obligatory use of face masks on public transport, in pharmacies, medical centres and care homes.
Entry
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons,
Law and security
You must provide photo ID if requested 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 your identity is confirmed.
Ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence.
In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks. Being bare-chested has also been banned in some areas of Spain. Some local councils will impose fines if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or the adjacent streets.
For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain don’t allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings
Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but you should be alert to the existence of street crime, especially thieves using distraction techniques. Thieves often work in teams of two or more people and tend to target money and passports. Don’t carry all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.
Take extra care to guard passports, money and personal belongings when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
In some city centres and resorts, thieves posing as police officers may approach tourists and ask to see their wallets for identification purposes. If this happens to you, establish that the officers are genuine and if necessary show some other form of ID. Genuine police officers don’t ask to see wallets or purses.
Travel and taxis
Only use officially 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€. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.
Greece
Weather and natural disasters
Forest fires often occur during the summer months across Greece due to the dry/hot weather. Current weather conditions (extreme heat and high winds) mean fires are more likely. The Civil Protection Authority publishes a daily map detailing fire risk by area (1= low risk to 5= Emergency).
Covid
If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Greece you must self-isolate for 5 days from the date of the positive test result. You may leave self-isolation after 5 days if you have not had a fever in the past 24 hours, otherwise you should continue to self-isolate.
There is an exception for tourists leaving Greece to return home. You may leave self-isolation before the end of the 5 day isolation period in order to travel back to your country of origin, provided you wear a high protection mask and do not have a fever.
Police and security
The Greek police won’t accept rowdy or indecent behaviour, especially where excessive drinking is involved. Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently. Your travel insurance may not cover you after drinking.
Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but theft of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. L
Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are generally rare in Greece. There have been incidents involving British nationals in holiday resorts on the Greek islands, and in Athens. In some cases the alleged attackers were also British nationals.
The Greek authorities are clamping down on the sale of nitrous oxide as it is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use in Greece. You will be liable for arrest as well as a possible fine. You should also be aware of the health risks associated with its use.
You shouldn’t approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings at any time. The Greek authorities will arrest and possibly prosecute anyone doing so. Certain border areas are also militarily sensitive. Although you can visit these areas, you should avoid taking photos or video footage.
ID requirements
Carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which confirms British nationality at all times.
Health
There is a risk of West Nile virus in Greece. You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes.
Cash
You can withdraw cash using a UK card up to the daily limit imposed by the Greek banking system (usually €600) or the daily limit imposed by your UK card issuer - whichever is the lower amount.
Turkey
Covid
Face masks are no longer required outdoors or indoors if air circulation and social distancing are adequate.
Terrorism
Most terrorist attacks have taken place in the south-east of the country and in Ankara and Istanbul. While there is a potential that citizens from western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in the major cities, attacks are most likely to target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations.
The FCDO advise against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria, except the city of Kilis. The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of Sirnak, Kilis (including Kilis city) and Hatay provinces.
Crime
Generally crime levels are low, but street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK
Passports have been stolen from rented villas, even when they have been kept in the villa safe. This is a particular problem in Didim, Kas, Kalkan and the Fethiye/Hisaronu/Ovacik areas.
Stray dogs
Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Local authorities take action to control and manage numbers but packs congregate in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Take care, remain calm, and avoid approaching stray dogs. If you’re bitten, seek medical advice as rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.
ID and security
It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. You should carry your passport or residence permit at all times. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the Turkish authorities may stop members of the public to conduct ID checks
Dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid offence.
It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up currency. If you’re convicted of any of these offences you could face a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years. You should be aware that controls carried out by the Turkish authorities, including those that take place at airports, may include the examination of electronic
Do not take photographs near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.
LGBT people
Homosexuality is legal in Turkey. However, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and public displays of affection may lead to unwelcome attention. See the information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Medical tourism
The FCO say that British nationals considering undertaking medical treatment in Turkey should carry out their own research; it is unwise to rely upon private companies that have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad. We are aware of 20 British nationals who have died in Turkey since January 2019 following medical tourism visits.
If you are travelling to Turkey to undertake a medical procedure, you should ensure that your chosen medical facility is accredited with the Turkish authorities. You can find a list of those facilities that have accreditation on the Health Services General Directorate website.
Forest fires
Forest fires occur frequently in Turkey during the summer months, when temperatures can reach over 40ºC. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.
Imprisonment and judicial fines are imposed for lighting a fire of any kind in forbidden areas including barbecues, leaving a fire without extinguishing it, or throwing burning cigarette butts into the forest.
Money
As of 13 October 2021, Turkish banks will no longer accept the old style £20 and £50 sterling banknotes. Some exchange booths may still accept these banknotes, but there is no guarantee and you may be charged an extra commission.
Read more:
- The utterly terrifying temperatures just recorded where it is 40C above normal
- Global heating: The terrifying fate of the planet and everyone who lives on it that is now 'irreversible'
- The massive amount of money about to be spent in Wales to try and tackle flooding caused by climate change
- The scorching temperatures pictured across Europe as continent sees 40°C conditions
- Why people are talking about 40C in the next few days - the science behind it and the likelihood of it happening
