Spain, Greece and Portugal travel rules you must follow - from bikini fines to visa system

dailyrecord.co.uk:

As the chill of winter begins to thaw, thoughts turn to summer getaways in sun-soaked locales like Greece, Spain, and Portugal.Yet, travellers should be clued up on essential regulations before jetting off, including penalties for improper attire and hefty tourist levies.For those planning a trip to Spain, Greece or Portugal, it's important to note that all three countries are part of the Schengen Zone and will soon adopt the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES).This forthcoming system will modernise entry procedures, requiring Brits to use self-service kiosks for passport scanning, thus capturing their personal and biometric information without the need for manual stamping by border officials.

Originally slated for a November 2024 launch, the EES has been delayed due to technical issues. Until its implementation, UK visitors must continue to have their passports stamped when entering and leaving these countries, reports the Mirror.

In Spain specifically, tourists should be mindful of local laws regarding attire.The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns that wearing only swimwear like bikinis or swimming shorts on the streets is outlawed in certain areas. "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," the FCDO advises.Brits planning a holiday in Spain, including popular destinations like Majorca and Ibiza, need to be aware of the local laws on alcohol consumption.