As many Brits set their sights on booking their Easter and summer holidays to balmy southern European countries to get some well-deserved Vitamin D, it is essential that everyone is up to date with the Foreign Office’s latest travel advice. From entry requirements to ever-changing safety and security, as well as what to do in an emergency if someone in your travel party becomes unwell, all this information is vital so that you can jet off with peace of mind.

Below, the Express looks at the travel advice for the top tourist countries of Spain, Turkey, Greece and Italy, to make sure soon-to-be travellers are fully prepared. It is important to remember that no travel can be guaranteed safe and it is important to read all guidance for your destination, available on the Foreign Office travel advice website. There is also general advice and guides for women travellers, solo and independent travel and adventure travel, as well as how to get appropriate travel insurance.

Spain

Warnings and insurance: Before you travel, if you are planning to reach Spain through either France or Gibraltar, it is important to check the travel advice for both these territories before you start your journey.

Entry requirements: For those travelling on a full “British citizen” passport from the UK, Spain follows Schengen area rules. As a result, your passport must: have a “date of issue” less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an “expiry date” at least three 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.

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if you are: a tourist, visiting family or friends, attending business, cultural or sports events, or 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. To stay longer, you must meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements.

Safety and security: Terrorists are likely to try to 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.

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, so check if this applies to where you are heading to. You can get an on-the-spot fine. In some parts of Spain it is also illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain.

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, ensure that Spain can provide the healthcare you may need and that you have the appropriate travel insurance for local tratment or unexpected medical evacuation.

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.

At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Spain and see what health risks you’ll face, including dengue and biting insects and ticks.

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

Turkey

Warnings and Insurance: The FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km (6.2mi) 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 one blank page.

If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing.

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 likley to try to carry out attacks in Turkey, especialy in the southeast, 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, or chew gum, play loud music and swear in public. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit.

You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey.

Health: In an emergency, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. 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.

The EHIC and GHIC cards are not valid in Turkey.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

Greece

Entry requirements: For those travelling on a full “British citizen” passport from the UK, Greece follows Schengen area rules. As a result, your passport must: have a “date of issue” less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an “expiry date” at least three 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.

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

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. Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.

Health: In an emergency, dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance. Calling 999 from a UK mobile in Greece will automatically transfer you to the Greek emergency services.

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. 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 GHIC or EHIC card.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

Italy

Warnings and insurance: The 2025 Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026. The city is expected to be very busy.

Entry requirements: For those travelling on a full “British citizen” passport from the UK, Italy follows Schengen area rules. As a result, your passport must: have a “date of issue” less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an “expiry date” at least three 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.

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Italy, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if you are: a tourist, visiting family or friends, attending business, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

To stay longer, you must meet the Italian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Safety and security: Terrorist attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out. Italian authorities have increased security around some Jewish community sites due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations can happen with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches.

The higher number of travellers during the Holy Year could increase levels of petty crime. Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.

Thefts from parked cars happen in Rome, particularly in the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa. Thieves also target coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle – even out of sight in the boot – for any length of time.

Many major cities in Italy impose a small tax on tourists. You must usually pay this tax at your hotel as it is unlikely to be included in your holiday booking. The rate of tax varies from city to city and can depend on the star rating of the hotel. If you are visiting Venice, you may need to pay an access fee.

It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains in many towns and cities, including Florence and Rome.

Due to volcanic activity, local authorities have increased the alert levels for both Etna and Stromboli in the south of Italy. In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the advice of local authorities.

Health: In an emergency, dial 118 and ask for an ambulance. To get medically necessary state healthcare in Italy, you need a GHIC or EHIC card.

You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most over-the-counter medicines. UK prescriptions are not accepted, though you may be able to buy an equivalent medication from the pharmacy.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy