Latest Foreign Office travel advice for France, Spain, Turkey and Italy

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), provides information and guidance about risks of travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people make informed decisions and stay safe. The Government department’s updates can include things like security risks, passport and visa requirements, and health warnings, and it is important to be aware of the latest guidance. Ahead of what is likely to be a very busy year for international travel, we have taken a look at all the latest travel advice for France, Spain, and other destinations that are popular with UK travellers.

France

While there are no enforced covid[3] requirements in France at the moment, Gov.UK guidance states: “You’re strongly recommended to wear a face mask in health settings. In some areas, people aged 6 and above may need to wear a face mask.” As with all EU countries, your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country – so you should check the “date of issue” – and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (check the “expiry date”).

If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. On arrival in France you may need to show border control staff proof of where you intend to stay, for example a hotel booking, as well as proof of travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and proof you have enough money for your whole stay. You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

You cannot take food items such as meat and dairy to France from the UK, though there are some medical exceptions which include certain amounts of powdered infant milk and infant food. You can find out more about this here.[4] The FCDO says terrorists are “very likely” to carry out attacks in France and advises UK travellers to be vigilant at all times.

It adds that attacks could take place in areas such as shopping centres, entertainment establishments, on public transport, and at places of worship. Foreign Office advice also warns there can be “frequent industrial action across France”, which can lead to delays and disruption especially on public transport. It adds: “If you’re due to travel to or within France, monitor the media, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of the authorities.”

A further warning reads: “Thieves and pickpockets operate on the Paris underground, RER lines and at mainline stations” while people with a British driving licence who plan on driving while in France are reminded: “You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. “These have replaced GB stickers. Check the guidance on displaying number plates[5] if you are driving outside the UK.”

Spain

There are currently no covid rules for Spain, according to the FCDO, and as with France your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country, and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which Spain[6] is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Border control staff may ask for proof you have enough money for your stay and confirmation of your accommodation – which may be a hotel booking, or a carta de invitation completed by your hosts.

People planning to travel between Spain and Gibraltar are warned over delays due to border checks, with FCDO advice adding: “There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.” You cannot take food items such as meat and dairy to Spain from the UK, though there are some medical exceptions which include certain amounts of powdered infant milk and infant food.

You can find out more about this here.[7] The FCDO says terrorists are “likely” to carry out attacks in Spain and advises UK travellers to “stay aware of your surroundings” at all times. Of Spain’s “political situation”, the government department adds: “Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities.

Follow the advice of police and local authorities. “While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.”

Travellers are also advised to protect their belongings and “be alert to street crime” although “most visits to Spain are trouble-free”. Advice states: “Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings” and suggests people keep a photocopy or scanned copy of their passports in a safe place. When it comes to alcohol, UK travellers are reminded: “You cannot drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain.

You can be given an on-the-spot fine. “There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches.” Local laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts on the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, prohibiting drink promotions such as happy hours, open bars, and off licence sales between 9.30pm and 8am.

Hotels and other establishments are obliged to evict customers who behave dangerously on balconies. Both the customer and the establishment can be fined for such behaviour. People planning on driving while in Spain are reminded: “You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

These have replaced GB stickers. Check the guidance on displaying number plates[8] if you are driving outside the UK.”

Turkey

The FCDO advises against travel within 10km of Turkey’s border with Syria, and against all but essential travel to Sirnak and Hakkari province. If you are visiting Turkey, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps.

You only need a visa if you plan on staying longer than 90 days in any 180-day period. The FCDO says terrorists are “very likely” to carry out attacks in Turkey and advises UK travellers to be vigilant at all times. It adds that attacks could take place in areas such as shopping centres, entertainment establishments, on public transport, and at places of worship.

Of the nation’s “political situation”, it adds: “Occasional demonstrations can occur in cities and may become violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests. “Occasional demonstrations can occur in cities and may become violent.

Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests.” It also warns that “street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul”, and advises people always make sure their personal items are secure. The FCDO says that 42 cases of sexual assault were reported to British consular staff in Turkey in 2023, adding: “Most sexual assault cases reported to British consular staff in Turkey have happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas.

“Many were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.”

A stray dog warning is listed for Turkey, as packs “congregate and can be aggressive”. People are advised to take care and not to approach any dogs. Guidance adds: “If you’re bitten, get medical advice immediately.

Rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.” You must carry a green card if you plan to drive while in Turkey. More information can be found here.[9]

Italy

There are no covid requirements for Italy however if you are visiting a hospital intensive care ward or a car home, you must wear a FFP2 mask.

As with travel to all other EU nations, your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country, and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave. You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which Italy is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Italian government’s entry requirements.

Border control staff may ask for proof you have enough money for your stay and confirmation of your accommodation, as well as proof of travel insurance and a return or onward ticket. You cannot take food items such as meat and dairy to Italy from the UK, though there are some medical exceptions which include certain amounts of powdered infant milk and infant food. You can find out more about this here.[10]

The FCDO says terror attacks in Italy “cannot be ruled out” and advises UK travellers to “remain vigilant at all times.” Of Italy’s “political situation”, the government department adds: “Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches.” People are advised that crime levels are “generally low” but that petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing is more common in big cities such as Rome and Milan.

It adds: “Robberies from parked cars have been reported, in Rome, particularly the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa. Coastal areas and towns have been targeted as well as motorway service stations. Always lock your vehicle, never leave valuables in cars and avoid leaving luggage in cars for any length of time.”

The government department also warns travellers that some Italian towns and cities have specific local laws. These may see you fined for actions such as dropping litter, sitting on monument steps, and eating or drinking next to churches or other historic buildings. Gov.uk advice adds: “It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains in many towns and cities, including Florence and Rome.

A fine of up to 10,000 euros can be imposed for urinating in a public place.” You must also not take any disposable plastic items, such as bags, cups or places, onto the island of Capri. If you are caught doing so you can be fined up to 500 euros.

People should also only use licensed taxi drivers, the FCDO has said, and that these “should be called or taken from an official rank rather than hailed in the street”.

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References

1. ^ When Manchester Airport will scrap 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ UK tourists with holidays to Spain and Turkey warned of April deadline (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ covid (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ here. (food.ec.europa.eu)
5. ^ displaying number plates (www.gov.uk)
6. ^ Spain (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
7. ^ here. (food.ec.europa.eu)
8. ^ displaying number plates (www.gov.uk)
9. ^ here. (www.gov.uk)
10. ^ here. (food.ec.europa.eu)
11. ^ Liverpool ECHO by signing up here (data.reachplc.com)
12. ^ Claim a free pair of horse racing tickets in association with Racing TV (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)