Spain warns holiday makers visiting friends and family
Since the UK parted ways with the EU, British holidaymakers heading to Spain without an EU passport must show they have accommodation arranged or risk being sent back.
Pretty straightforward if you’ve booked yourself into a hotel, hostel or apartment, but what happens if friends or family are putting you up?
If you’re staying with friends or family for up to 90 days, you’ll need a letter of invitation or a ‘carta de invitacion’ to confirm your accommodation. This official document must be handled and funded by your host, who must be one of the following:
- Spanish National
- EU citizen living in Spain
- Non-EU citizen with legal residency in Spain
It’s wise to apply well in advance, as the process can take 20-60 days. Without the letter of invitation, you risk being denied entry.
To find more information on how to apply for a letter of invitation, visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website. Before your trip, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the entry requirements for Spain, the FCDO’s travel advice is a great place to start.
Europe’s big cities tackle overcrowding
Over tourism has become an issue in some European hot spots – and with it brings crowds, environmental concerns, and an impact on the local residents’ way of life.
Cities are now taking matters into their own hands in an attempt to tackle overcrowding. Here’s some of the latest plans from popular tourist destinations.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The city is actively working to preserve residents’ quality of life by increasing the tourist tax on hotel rooms from 7% to 12.5%, potentially reaching €21.80 per night for an average room rate of €175 per person.
Venice, Italy
In a similar move, Venice is testing a new access tax for day-trippers who visit without staying overnight. Starting 25 April 2024, the Venice Access Fee will be in effect for all visitors on specific dates that year, including overnight guests.
The fee is just one in a handful of initiatives to address over-tourism, with funds going toward city maintenance.
Athens, Greece
The Acropolis Museum used to welcome over 23,000 visitors daily until a temporary cap of 20,000 people was introduced in September 2023. This limitation will become permanent starting in April to protect the monument.
France
Working closely with TikTok social media influencers, France wants to promote more of the country’s hidden gems. It’s hoped that this will help to reduce the impact of crowds in typical tourist traps like Paris.
More travel delays expected across Europe this summer
Europe is preparing for a busy summer ahead, with an increase in air traffic control delays expected during the peak season. The upcoming Euros in Germany starting in June and the Paris Olympics in July are predicted to increase air traffic by 5%, according to Eurocontrol, Europe’s air-traffic coordinator.
Keen to avoid a repeat of summer 2023, where airlines blamed air-traffic control for cancelled flights, Eurocontrol is working closely with the aviation sector. It’s hoped that improved communications and realistic schedules will help to keep flights on track.
If you’re worried about a trip you’ve got coming up in June or July, find out how travel insurance can help with disruption and delays.
