Travel warning news: Foreign Office issues new warning for Spain over important rules that could see UK holidaymakers slapped with fines

The Foreign Office has issued a Spain travel warning to UK holidaymakers ahead of summer. The government updated its travel advice on its ‘Safety and security’ page warning holidaymakers of important car rules. 

It warns that when driving abroad in Spain “children under 1.35m in height must use an approved child safety seat secured on the back seat” and “children are only permitted to travel in the front seat of the car if the rear seats are already occupied by other children or if the vehicle does not have rear seats.” It adds: “Car hire agencies can provide child seats, so let them know you need one when you reserve the car. 

“Incorrect installation of a child seat or not wearing a seatbelt can be considered a serious offence and met with fines. It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving, even if you have pulled over to the side of the road. 

“You must be completely away from the road. Using an earpiece is also illegal. Only completely hands-free units are allowed.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. The new travel warning for Spain comes as anti-tourism sentiment grows in the popular holiday destination.

As many as  1,000 protestors marched against mass tourism in Ibiza on Friday 24 March and thousands took to the streets of Palma on Saturday 25 March. Campaigners held up banners saying 'We don't want an island of cement' and 'Tourism, yes but not like this'.