UK Foreign Office advice for travellers going to Spain, Greece and Turkey

For those heading on a trip away over the next few months, keep up to date with the latest travel advice for the country you are going to.

The UK Foreign Office lists advice including on entry requirements, safety and security, health, and more. We've listed the current travel advice for UK travellers planning a trip to Spain, Greece or Turkey below.

For full details and more advice if travelling to another country, you can check out the gov.uk website.

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Foreign Office advice for those going to Spain

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.

Entry requirements

For those travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport, Spain follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, for short-term studies or training.

The requirements for working in Spain are different. If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

Safety and security

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities.

Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.

Attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. In an emergency call 112. Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know.

Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked.

Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification. Genuine police officers will ask to see ID but will not ask for wallets or purses. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID.

It’s illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. You can get an on-the-spot fine

In some parts of Spain it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.

Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.

Health

Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need, you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

In an emergency, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details on this.

For full advice for travelling to Spain, click here.

Foreign Office advice for those going to Greece

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.

Entry requirements

Greece follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel: as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, for short-term studies or training.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

For a longer stay, you must apply to the Greek authorities for a national visa.

Safety and security

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.

There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders.

Thefts of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Carry your valuables in different bags and pockets and keep a copy of your passport photo page somewhere safe. When driving on holiday, keep your valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park. Be alert to car crime.

The Greek police will arrest you for any behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. The courts are likely to impose a heavy fine or a prison sentence if they judge the behaviour to be illegal. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you miss flights because of an alcohol-related arrest.

Adverse weather conditions, including floods, are affecting some regions. The situation can change quickly. Follow ‘112 Greece’ on X for official updates

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

Health

Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need, and that you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

In an emergency, dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Read best practice when travelling with medicines. Pharmacies across Greece stock a good supply of medicines, but there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines, including antibiotics. Bring prescription medicines with you and carry a letter from your doctor stating the quantity required during your stay. Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. The name on the prescription must match the name on your passport.

Healthcare treatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands.

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Greece, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details on this.

For full advice for travelling to Greece, click here.

Foreign Office advice for those going to Turkey

Warnings and Insurance

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.

There has been an increase in the number of deaths and serious illnesses in Turkey, including in Ankara and Istanbul, caused by drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.

Entry requirements

The authorities in Turkey set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Turkish Embassy in the UK.

To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.

If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism.

If you want to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, you must get a short-term residence permit before the end of your stay.

Safety and security

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey. Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

See Regional risks for details about the areas in south-east Turkey where FCDO advises against travel.

Extremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the capacity to carry out attacks in Turkey.

Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey. Large demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.

Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.

Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky. Find a registered taxi and note the registration number before entering. App-based taxis are also widely available.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. During this time, it may cause offence if you: eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car , play loud music or dance , or swear in public .

It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey.

Health

Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need, and that you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

In an emergency, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

British prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey. In some cases, you may be able to liaise with Turkish hospitals and your GP to arrange for a Turkish prescription for the equivalent medicine.

For full advice for travelling to Turkey, click here.

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