The Foreign Office has issued two new updates to British holidaymakers planning to visit Spain this summer.

Millions of people fly from the UK each year to enjoy the Spanish sunshine – although you should watch out for the extreme heat forecast of 42 degrees Celsius in the Balearic Islands this July.

In the latest change to travel advice, the Office of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development on Friday (July 7) issued new guidance on reporting a criminal in Spain.

It urges tourists to be wary of street crime by distracted thieves as well as ‘highway pirates’ forcing foreign-registered and rented cars to stop, along with fake police officers fakes asking you to hand over your wallet instead of your travel documents. Birmingham live reporting.

The other change comes on Wednesday, July 5, when Spain ends all remaining requirements to wear Covid masks. Until then, wearing a mask was still mandatory at health care centers and pharmacies but this has been lifted in public places and on public transport.

New guidelines for reporting crimes in Spain

The State Department said the English-speaking police helpline available on +34 90 210 2112 is now down. UK travelers looking to report crime while in Spain – including stolen property and lost or stolen passports – should go to the nearest police station to report it.

This can be the National Police (Policia Nacional), the regional police (Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, Mossos d’Esquadra in Catalonia and the Policia Foral in Navarre) or the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil).

Some Spanish cities also offer a Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (Servicio de Atencion al Turista Extranjero or SATE) operated by the Town Hall and the National Police, where you can report crimes in English. Violent crimes or sexual assaults must be reported in person at the nearest police station, while smaller crimes such as bag or vehicle theft can be reported online.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to obtain an emergency travel document from your nearest British Consulate and then get a replacement passport when you return home to the UK.

New Covid and health guidelines for Spain

Wearing a Covid mask has now been completely phased out, and if you have symptoms or test positive for Covid-19 during your stay in Spain, you no longer have to self-isolate, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance. delivery said. It adds that other hotels and accommodation providers may have their own Coronavirus rules in place that you should follow while there.

Make sure you have travel insurance covering any medical expenses incurred during your stay, along with a UK Universal Health Coverage Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). valid. The GHIC or EHIC allows you to get the same medical treatment provided by the state as the treatment provided to the locals. If you did not bring your EHIC or lost it, contact NHS Overseas healthcare team.

The State Department says having a GHIC or an EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and you need to have both before you travel. This is because EHIC or GHIC does not cover the costs of medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment, and non-emergency treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover on the GOV.UK website.