The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation reminds citizens of its #ViajaSeguro [TravelSafe] campaign in mid-August, a month when many Spaniards decide to travel abroad to enjoy their holidays. This year, Minister Albares himself shared a video with five key tips for enjoying a peaceful holiday abroad.
Among the tools that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation makes available to citizens to keep them informed are the Travel Recommendations available on the Ministry's website. They provide useful information on each country, from safety conditions to health conditions. The information contained in the Recommendations is updated constantly with info provided by the Spanish representations abroad.
Furthermore, being informed about the laws and customs of the chosen destination is key to avoid legal problems or misunderstandings arising from cultural differences between countries.
Travelling safely also means registering with the relevant Traveller’s Register. Although not mandatory, this Register is provided as a free tool that, with full guarantees of confidentiality, allows the Spanish authorities to locate or contact registered citizens in the event of a serious emergency such as a natural disaster or armed conflict.
Taking out travel insurance
As the Minister recalled in July in a video that outlined the Ministry's different recommendations for safe travel, it is important for citizens travelling abroad to have travel insurance. These insurance policies cover potential expenses arising from a wide range of incidents and are particularly relevant for medical care needs arising from health problems or accidents, and in cases of hospitalisation and medicalised repatriation costs. In some countries, such care can be particularly expensive.
Consular offices, at the service of Spanish citizens
When necessary, citizens can turn to the Spanish consular offices present on the five continents. All Spanish citizens abroad have a 24-hour telephone number available to deal with emergencies. Saving the consular emergency telephone number may prove to be extremely useful.
Other key tasks that these offices perform include providing assistance to victims of gender-based violence or issuing emergency laissez-passers and temporary passports.
Citizens are also advised to stay informed through the official social media accounts of embassies, consulates and the Ministry itself. These platforms enable real-time alerts and urgent updates, informing citizens of various incidents such as changes in security conditions or any other type of situation that may affect their journey.
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