Urgent warning over common mistake that could cost British tourists £500 – as official slams ‘this type of tourist’
BRIT holidaymakers have been warned that a common mistake could see them slapped with a £500 fine.
An official has slammed tourists who make the error and said they “don’t want this type of tourism”.
Brits jetting off to Spain this summer have been warned about stringent dress codes in certain tourist hotspots.
In parts of Spain, there are strict rules that ban the wearing of bikinis and swim trunks in some public areas, as well as prohibiting going shirtless.
Those who flout the rules will land themselves in hot water and could face a fine of up to £500.
The Foreign Office is warning sun-seekers that failure to cover up away from the sand and surf could result in a run-in with local police.
Though beachgoers are still free to sport swimwear on the beach or by the pool, it’s against the law to wander the streets in just your beach attire in certain Spanish locales.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns: “In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts.”
Going topless has also been made illegal in select regions, with potential fines available for those showing too much.
“Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You may be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets,” the Foreign Office says.
In Barcelona strolling through the town centre in a bikini could see you £250 shorter.
Over on the Balearic Islands wardrobe mishaps including shirtless strolls beyond the beachfront, may incur fines reaching £500.
Certain resorts are taking the regulations even further, with places like Majorca seeing some eateries and pubs turning away patrons dressed in garb linked to “drunken tourism”.
This move is part of a larger effort to limit the excessive boozing culture prevalent in some resort areas, which has frequently led to conflicts with locals and law enforcement.
Measures being implemented include restrictions on happy hours and unlimited drinks promotions in certain districts.
Iago Negueruela, the Balearic Islands’ tourism chief said: “We want British tourists. We don’t want this type of tourism. British tourism is essential for our islands.”
He added: “We share with the British government the view that some images of British tourists are embarrassing.
“We want to put a stop to bad behaviour.”
The commitment includes beefing up police patrols and inspector numbers, with Negueruela assuring: “We will increase the police presence in these areas and the number of inspectors.
“We will have zero tolerance for tourism excesses.”
It comes as Spain is ordering police in a Lanzarote airport to stamp Brits’ passports on both entry and departure.
The move comes as officials discovered that stamping has hardly been carried out since the UK left the EU.
Since Brexit rules were enforced, Brits don’t enjoy the EU’s right to free movement.
From this date, all UK passports should have been stamped upon leaving countries like Spain, as this was when the transition period for leaving the EU expired.
Anonymous sources told El Diario de Lanzarote that border control staff in César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport were “subtly and verbally” told not to stamp UK passports.
This was so that Brits could roam more freely or “make the passage of British tourists easier”.