British holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer are being warned to double-check local dress codes before packing their suitcases or risk facing hefty fines.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Spain, alerting tourists visiting popular hotspots that walking around in swimwear away from the beach is not only frowned upon – it’s illegal.
A statement under the ‘Dress Code’ section on the Gov.uk website reads: ‘In some parts of Spain, it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.
According to officials, being ‘bare-chested’ in public spaces – particularly on seafront promenades or on adjacent streets – can also result in fines.
In a bid to maintain public decency and reduce disruptive behaviour in tourist-heavy areas, the rules have been enforced by local authorities as the summer holiday season kicks off.
While these rules mostly apply to resort towns such as Barcelona, Palma and parts of the Canary Islands, travellers are urged to check specific local laws and regulations before they travel.
On the flip side, tourists are also being cautioned about wearing face-covering veils or garments, such as burqa and niqab, inside official buildings.
Though not banned in public spaces, local security protocols may require visitors to temporarily remove face coverings when entering town halls or other administrative areas.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Spain, alerting tourists visiting popular hotspots that walking around in swimwear away from the beach is not only frowned upon – it’s illegal
According to officials, being ‘bare-chested’ in public spaces – particularly on seafront promenades or on adjacent streets – can also result in fines (pictured: tourists in Palma de Mallorca)
The Foreign Office has also issued a reminder on carrying proper identification in any event their identity needs validating.
Police in Spain – including the Guardia Civil and local authorities – are legally entitled to detail individuals who fail to produce valid ID until their identity is confirmed.
As reported by the Express, officials warn: ‘Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as “disobedience,” which is a criminal offence.’
British nationals are advised to carry a passport or a clear photocopy while travelling around Spain.
However, travellers are warned not to leave their passport at hotel, accommodation or car rental receptions when having their details checked by staff.
Instead, they should wait for hotel staff to register information and photocopy the document, and take it with them immediately afterward.
Using credit or debit cards may also require ID, especially for purchases of a higher value. Some retailers will accept a driving licence or passport copy, but others may insist on seeing the original passport.
British nationals must also be aware of post-Brexit entry rules, which are still in effect.
On the flip side, tourists are also being cautioned about wearing face-covering veils or garments, such as burqa and niqab, inside official buildings
Travellers heading to Spain, which is part of the Schengen zone, must ensure their passport was issued within the last ten years and remains valid for at least three months beyond the date they plan to leave the Schengen area.
This act can easily spark wildfires, especially during the hot and dry summer months.
The Foreign Office is urging visitors to be extremely cautious while holidaying in Turkey to extinguish cigarettes properly, dispose of them responsibly, and be aware of fire risk areas.
It comes as scorching heatwaves blighting Europe is causing major disruption as wildfires continue to devastate popular holiday resorts and ground flights.
