No prospect of 'normal' Costa holiday

BRITISH tourists were bluntly told this week the coronavirus crisis means there was no prospect of enjoying a normal Spanish holiday in 'extraordinary times'.

Ambassador Hugh Elliott underlined how the state of emergency rules to 'stay indoors' also applied to visitors as the authorities fought to control the spread of Covid-19.

He said it was 'understandable and logical' many tourists wanted to return to the UK - but this was already proving a challenge for airlines and tour companies. In a second Facebook broadcast this week, the ambassador said: “I want to be quite clear, the requirement to stay indoors in order to minimise the spread of the virus applies to everyone in Spain, including tourists.

“Tourists can of course go out and get essential supplies like food and medicine like everyone else, but please do limit the time you are outside and follow the advice of the police and local authorities. It is really important for everyone’s safety and health that we all abide by the rules.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has already advised against all non-essential travel to Spain and Mr Elliott said he wished to update information available to visitors already on holiday.

“You will have seen the new restrictions produced, necessarily, by the Spanish authorities which mean there’s no real prospect of having anything like a normal holiday in Spain in the light of this reality, many of you are looking to return to the UK earlier than planned; it is perfectly understandable and logical,” he said.

Challenge

“Of course, it poses a major logistical challenge for the airlines and tour operators and we remain in close contact with them about the services they will be able to provide to try and support the return of British nationals to the UK.”

Mr Elliott said the advice remained the same - visitors should contact their airline, tour companies or ferry companies about trips home and check their websites for the latest information.

“Travel restrictions don’t apply getting to airports or ports but you may be asked to show your travel ticket to show your journey is to leave Spain,” he added.

In the case of people travelling in mobile homes, the ambassador said they were allowed to continue to drive the vehicles. 'But you should keep moving and should only stop at petrol stations and supermarkets.'

He said some people were having problems getting through to change bookings but they should follow advice on websites.

“We are all working hard to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and to get you the information you need. Thank you for your patience in these extraordinary times.”

Up to date British government travel advice is available through the gov.uk website.