Spain warns Brits that not following new document rule could mean £5,900 fine
Brits jetting off to Spain this summer are being warned they risk a hefty fine of up to €6,900 (£5,900) if they fail to produce a specific document. The warning comes as part of a crackdown on travel regulations post-Brexit.
Spain's Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health introducing the new rule - and it has caught many tourists off guard. The rule requires British tourists to prove they have adequate health insurance.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which some visitors previously relied upon, will not be sufficient cover, and Brits must now have private travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, reports the Express. According to Travel and Tour World, UK tourists must present proof of health insurance before entering Spain, which should cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, repatriation, and not have excessive deductibles or exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions.
Spain's Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, stated: "The health of our visitors is a priority. We are committed to ensuring that all travelers, including British nationals, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local healthcare system."
Spanish authorities can deny entry at the border if tourists cannot provide proof of sufficient health insurance, and travellers already in Spain without proof may face fines of up to £5,900. The UK government has issued guidance on travel insurance for those visiting Spain, including a list of recommended insurance providers on its travel advice website.
It is also advised that Brits carry proof of insurance with them during their trip. A key warning is that tourists should not delay purchasing travel insurance until they are in Spain, as they will likely need to present proof of insurance before their flight.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office cautions: "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."
They further advise: "If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away."
The office also warns of the potential financial risks of travelling uninsured, stating: "If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
'Drunk' Brit, 22, 'falls off boat and gets caught by propeller' in Magaluf
A British man was hospitalised after drunkenly falling off a boat and getting struck by its propeller. The victim, 22, suffered deep cuts and bruises in the accident at the holiday hotspot of Magaluf, according to Spanish outlet Ultima Hora. Horrified holidaymakers on the packed beach could only watch on as he was pulled out from under the boat. Paramedics rushed to the well-heeled Nikki Beach resort to treat him for his serious injuries. According to the paper, the victim had rented the boat hours earlier planning on spending the day cruising along the coast with friends. But according to local reports, his intoxication caused him to fall into the propellers while the boat was moving, causing multiple wounds. He was stabilised and taken to Son Espases Hospital at around 5pm on Sunday. Resorts such as Torremolinos, Magaluf, and Mykonos are popular party destinations for Brits abroad. More Trending But following a rise in disorderly behaviour in 2024, Spain's Balearic government has clamped down on boozy Brits. On the party islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, guests now have a six-drink limit. Under the rules, you can have three drinks at lunch, and a further three at dinner. However, the cap only applies to regions that have been badly affected by disruptive guests. On Magaluf's infamous strip, pub crawls have also been banned. MORE: Pamplona has so much to offer tourists – beyond the controversial Running of the Bulls MORE: Netflix has me hooked on this 'naughty' hidden gem Spanish period drama MORE: British woman, 29, in coma after getting tattoo on Benidorm hen do
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds review
And how much you can expect to pay per night Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Angel is a gorgeous ivy-clad Georgian hotel in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. But what are the rooms like and what's the best thing on the menu? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The hotel sits at the heart of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk Credit: The angel hotel Where is the hotel? The hotel sits at the heart of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, so all the main sights are within easy walking distance. The train station is a five-minute taxi ride away or less than 20 minutes on foot. What is the hotel like? The Angel offers gorgeous interiors and a fantastic central location. Its imposing historic exterior belies its contemporary, chic boutique hotel interior. Expect pop art and vintage furniture alongside huge comfy leather sofas and velvet banquettes in the spacious lounge, plus a bustling restaurant and bar. What is there to do at The Angel hotel? You're in the perfect spot to explore with the abbey gardens and independent shops all nearby. Definitely worth a few hours is a tour of Greene King's Westgate Brewery, where ales have been created for more than 200 years. Tours cost £20 and include a five-ale taster. What is there to eat and drink there? The Eaterie restaurant's menu aims to shine a light on local producers, with classic British dishes. We loved the Pickwick Pie, stuffed full of steak in a rich ale sauce. The Sunday roasts at around £20 a head are also worth a try. What are the rooms like at the hotel? The rooms are classic but contemporary with some quirky touches. Splash out on one of the Ivy Copper rooms and you are rewarded with views of the Abbey Gardens, as well as a free-standing copper bath. Our room featured a vast marble bathroom. The eclectic style was a winner for me, with an antique desk alongside a feathered floor lamp. The bed was huge and comfy. Classic rooms from £117 including breakfast, Ivy Copper rooms from £440 in October. Is it family friendly? It may not be the best choice for those with young kids, although extra zed beds and sofa beds can be added for £10 per child, per night. Cots can also be added to rooms for £10 per night. A kids breakfast costs £5. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, there are some accessible rooms. There is also a flatter entrance at the side of the hotel or guests can request for the ramp to be laid down. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Simple packing technique that ensures extra space in your suitcase
Packing can be a nightmare when you're trying to stick to cabin bag limits, but there is one change you can make that will ensure extra space in your bag - and it's not the common rolling technique One of the biggest hurdles when jetting off abroad is trying to cram all your essentials into the airline's limited luggage allowance. If you're aiming to travel light, sticking to cabin bag restrictions can be a real headache - but there's one simple switch that could free up some much-needed space in your suitcase. A common trick for conserving space is rolling your clothes; not only does it make use of the suitcase space, but it also helps avoid deep creases from forming when packed down. While many travellers have adapted to this technique, there's an alternative method proven to be even more effective. The KonMari folding technique, popularised by Marie Kondo, involves folding your garments into rectangles, rather than rolling them into cylinders, as we often see. This allows the clothes to stand upright next to each other in your suitcase, optimising even more space, reports the Express. Here's what to do: Take your item of clothing and fold one side to the middle, then the other side over it, creating a rectangle Then, fold it in half lengthways From here, fold it into thirds until it's a small rectangle that can be slotted in alongside other items READ MORE: Ryanair passengers in tears over man's random act of kindness on flight In addition to this nifty technique, it's also smart to ditch hefty toiletries like shampoo and body wash, as most hotels supply these complimentary. If you're heading overseas for an extended period, think about purchasing these upon arrival to spare suitcase space. Alternatively, numerous hotels are happy to receive online deliveries prior to your stay, allowing you to order your bathroom necessities to arrive before you do. It's a straightforward strategy to lighten your load and prevent overpacking items you may not even use. Investing in jewellery and cable organisers is another savvy move. These will keep your belongings safe and untangled, saving you from rummaging through your suitcase in search of what you need. Now you've mastered the rectangular folding technique, there's another tip to be aware of when you're at the airport. Waiting for your suitcase to appear on the carousel at the airport can be a tense wait, but there's an easy trick to ensure your suitcase is one of the first to be taken off the plane - and it won't cost you an extra penny. Hadleigh Diamond, Commercial Director at SCS Chauffeurs, revealed that a lot of the company's clients use the same hack to get out of the airport as efficiently as possible. He explained: "Clients regularly tell us that the difference between a good travel day and a stressful one often starts with baggage reclaim. "If you're standing waiting for 30 minutes while the carousel clunks out someone else's bags, your trip can feel so much longer. But the fragile sticker trick is a game-changer, and it often works. "We've heard this tip from both airport ground staff and frequent flyers. You don't need to lie or explain - just politely ask the check-in agent to add a 'fragile' sticker to your suitcase. It's not guaranteed, but more often than not, your bag is among the first out. We've seen it work time and time again." The reason it works is that airport ground handlers will typically load 'fragile' items last into the aircraft's hold to avoid them getting crushed, and then these get removed first on the other side to avoid sitting under heavy loads. Of course, it won't save you hours of time, but those 20 minutes it might save you could just mean a bit of extra pool time (or getting to your hotel early enough to be one of the first at the buffet!).
