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Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Daily Record
Brits could be hit with £5,900 fine when landing in Spain if they don't have this document
Holidaymakers should be prepared ahead of their holidays to avoid fines. Holidaymakers travelling to Spain could be fined thousands of pounds if they fail to provide a document that is often overlooked. New Spanish airport rules mean tourists are legally required to show proof of health cover as part of their travel insurance. 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. Spain's Health Minister recently announced the change in rules and said travellers may be asked to show proof of cover. The country's Health Minister Carolina Darias said: "The health of our visitors is a priority. We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British citizens, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local health system." The new rules put in place hope to ease the strain currently being put on the country's health system. According to Travel and Tour World, UK tourists' insurance should cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, repatriation, and not have excessive deductibles or exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. ABTA reported in May 2025 that a quarter of people who went on a holiday abroad in the past 12 months did so without travel insurance. "Those most likely to forgo insurance are travellers aged 25-34, with two in five (41 per cent) admitting that they went on at least one trip uninsured in the past year," it said. Martin Lewis shared his top advice for holidaymakers, insisting on the importance of snapping up travel insurance 'ASAB.' The 52-year-old stressed that securing your travel insurance early on guarantees you're covered for delays or cancellations, and stressed that getting onto it quickly can be really beneficial. Appearing on This Morning, he said: "My travel insurance rule is get it ASAB (as soon as you book). "People do get a little confused about this, so let's break it down." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. He further explained: "If you're getting a single trip policy, so that is a policy to cover just one holiday, then what you do is as soon as you book, you go on one of the travel insurer's website, you tell it your holiday dates and you buy the policy then." According to Mr Lewis, if your holiday is in August and you've booked in January, you should sort your insurance in January, too. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "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 Sun
15-07-2025
- The Sun
New Spain rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make
BRITS travelling to Spain face new rules that could leave them out of pocket at the border. Spain's Health Minister announced new rules meaning travellers heading to Spain are legally required to show proof of health cover as part of their travel insurance. 4 4 Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British holidaymakers, with over 17 million tourists going there every year. New rules mean that British citizens will have to get some more paperwork in order to prove they have appropriate travel insurance, which could be checked at the border. Official Foreign Travel Advice on the government website for Brits has added that at the Spanish border you may need to show proof of travel insurance. It's been reported that checks are being made at Spanish borders and by transport providers. Anyone without the correct cover could be fined up to €6,900 (£5,992). During a recent update, Spain's Health Minister Carolina Darias said that this measure is to avoid additional strain on the Spanish public health system. In a statement, Carolina Darias said: "The health of our visitors is a priority. "We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British citizens, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local health system." ABTA reported in May 2025 that a quarter of people who went on a holiday abroad in the past 12 months did so without travel insurance. It stated that "those most likely to forgo insurance are travellers aged 25-34, with two in five (41 per cent) admitting that they went on at least one trip uninsured in the past year". The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities 4 Visitors must have fully comprehensive coverage in place with reasonable excess to cover costs. This is especially important if for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. While it's not illegal to travel without insurance, it can be risky as travel insurance helps you to claim if you run into trouble while on holiday. Cover ranges from emergency medical treatment, assistance if belongings are stolen while you're away, or you have to cancel a trip due to death, illness or bereavement. Before you leave, you can look around for the best travel insurance policy, for example whether that's individual or for families. The cost will vary depending on what kind of holiday you go on too, whether that's high or low risk. That's not the only new rule in Spain, lots more have been put in place that could lead to fines - including drinking alcohol in a public place. Anyone seen drinking on the street, in parks, or on beaches could be fined up to €3,000 (£2,568). A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught smoking on the beach. If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to €2,000 (£1,700) - so check before you go. And you can only wear swimwear on the beach or sunbathing as certain places in Spain have cracked down on wearing bikinis and trunks into towns and cities. Two popular Spanish destinations have strict rules on where you can wear swimwear - with fines for any rule breakers. Here are even more . And the eight golden rules for travelling abroad this summer. What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more. 4
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
New Spain rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make
Plus some of the other new rules in Spain that could result in a fine THINK TWICE New Spain rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS travelling to Spain face new rules that could leave them out of pocket at the border. Spain's Health Minister announced new rules meaning travellers heading to Spain are legally required to show proof of health cover as part of their travel insurance. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Travel insurance is now required to enter Spain - and you may be asked to show proof Credit: Alamy 4 The new rules put in place are to ease strain on Spain's health system Credit: Alamy Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British holidaymakers, with over 17 million tourists going there every year. New rules mean that British citizens will have to get some more paperwork in order to prove they have appropriate travel insurance, which could be checked at the border. Official Foreign Travel Advice on the government website for Brits has added that at the Spanish border you may need to show proof of travel insurance. It's been reported that checks are being made at Spanish borders and by transport providers. Anyone without the correct cover could be fined up to €6,900 (£5,992). During a recent update, Spain's Health Minister Carolina Darias said that this measure is to avoid additional strain on the Spanish public health system. In a statement, Carolina Darias said: "The health of our visitors is a priority. "We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British citizens, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local health system." ABTA reported in May 2025 that a quarter of people who went on a holiday abroad in the past 12 months did so without travel insurance. It stated that "those most likely to forgo insurance are travellers aged 25-34, with two in five (41 per cent) admitting that they went on at least one trip uninsured in the past year". The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities 4 Visitors to Spain must have fully comprehensive coverage in place Credit: Alamy Visitors must have fully comprehensive coverage in place with reasonable excess to cover costs. This is especially important if for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. While it's not illegal to travel without insurance, it can be risky as travel insurance helps you to claim if you run into trouble while on holiday. Cover ranges from emergency medical treatment, assistance if belongings are stolen while you're away, or you have to cancel a trip due to death, illness or bereavement. Before you leave, you can look around for the best travel insurance policy, for example whether that's individual or for families. The cost will vary depending on what kind of holiday you go on too, whether that's high or low risk. That's not the only new rule in Spain, lots more have been put in place that could lead to fines - including drinking alcohol in a public place. Anyone seen drinking on the street, in parks, or on beaches could be fined up to €3,000 (£2,568). A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught smoking on the beach. If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to €2,000 (£1,700) - so check before you go. And you can only wear swimwear on the beach or sunbathing as certain places in Spain have cracked down on wearing bikinis and trunks into towns and cities. Two popular Spanish destinations have strict rules on where you can wear swimwear - with fines for any rule breakers. Here are even more Spain travel rules that will make holidays 'much more complicated'. And the eight golden rules for travelling abroad this summer. What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
New Spain rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make
BRITS travelling to Spain face new rules that could leave them out of pocket at the border. Spain's Health Minister announced new rules meaning travellers heading to Spain are legally required to show proof of health cover as part of their travel insurance. Advertisement 4 Travel insurance is now required to enter Spain - and you may be asked to show proof Credit: Alamy 4 The new rules put in place are to ease strain on Spain's health system Credit: Alamy New rules mean that British citizens will have to get some more paperwork in order to prove they have appropriate travel insurance, which could be checked at the border. Official Foreign Travel Advice on the It's been reported that checks are being made at Spanish borders and by transport providers. Advertisement Read More on European Breaks Anyone without the correct cover could be fined up to €6,900 (£5,992). During a recent update, Spain's Health Minister Carolina Darias said that this measure is to avoid additional strain on the Spanish public health system. In a statement, Carolina Darias said: "The health of our visitors is a priority. "We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British citizens, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local health system." Advertisement Most read in News Travel It stated that "those most likely to forgo insurance are travellers aged 25-34, with two in five (41 per cent) admitting that they went on at least one trip uninsured in the past year". The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities 4 Visitors to Spain must have fully comprehensive coverage in place Credit: Alamy Visitors must have fully comprehensive coverage in place with reasonable excess to cover costs. Advertisement This is especially important if for anyone with While it's not illegal to travel without insurance, it can be risky as travel insurance helps you to claim if you run into trouble while on holiday. Cover ranges from emergency medical treatment, assistance if belongings are stolen while you're away, or you have to cancel a trip due to death, illness or bereavement. Before you leave, you can look around for the best travel insurance policy, for example whether that's individual or for families. Advertisement The cost will vary depending on what kind of holiday you go on too, whether that's high or low risk. That's not the only new rule in Spain, Anyone seen drinking on the street, in parks, or on beaches could be fined up to €3,000 (£2,568). A new law was passed in Spain last year that gives local municipalities the power to fine anyone caught . Advertisement If a municipality does take up the law, anyone caught smoking on the beach can be charged up to €2,000 (£1,700) - so check before you go. And you can only wear swimwear on the beach or sunbathing as certain places in Spain have cracked down on wearing bikinis and trunks into towns and cities. Two popular Spanish destinations have strict rules on Here are even more Advertisement And the What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more. 4 Brits could be fined if they don't do one thing before heading to Spain Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned follow Spain document rules or face £5,900 fine
The UK government is urging Brits planning trips to Spain to ensure they have a copy of this document to hand, or they could face a large fine British holidaymakers plotting a Spanish holiday could face massive fines of up to €6,900 (£5,900) if caught without the proper paperwork in a post-Brexit travel clampdown. Spain's Ministry of the Interior alongside the Ministry of Health have laid down the law with a new regulation that Brit tourists heading for some sunshine need to know. UK travellers to Spain now need to provide evidence of comprehensive travel insurance upon arrival. And a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), will not be enough to cover your stay. Private health insurance, complete with full coverage, will now be required for all holidaymakers. According to Travel and Tour World, it's mandatory for British visitors to offer up proof of health insurance which covers emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation, and your policy should not have hefty excesses or exclude existing health conditions. Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias said: "The health of our visitors is a priority. We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British nationals, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local healthcare system." If tourists arrive without the right health insurance , they could even find themselves turned away at Spanish borders. Worse still, those on holiday without insurance may get hit with fines climbing up to £5,900, reports Bristol Live. The UK government has stepped in with key advice for holidaymakers, emphasising the importance of obtaining proper travel insurance before jetting off to Spain, and recommending that travellers carry evidence of their coverage. READ MORE: 'I started one habit to avoid drinking too much and it cost me my teeth' In a statement issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), they advised: "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 also pressed on the significance of getting travel insurance before departure, saying: "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." Official guidance concludes: "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." The change comes among a raft of amendments to rules for Brits visiting Spain, with UK tourists urged to check documents such as their passport before they jet off. Spain has also created a new national register for tourist accommodation in a bid to cut down on unlicensed short-term rentals.
