World news story

Heading to a Spanish festival this summer 2019? Be #festivalaware

Read our advice on how to make the most of the Spanish festivals this summer.

• From: British Embassy Madrid, British Consulate General Barcelona, British Consulate Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, British Consulate Malaga, British Consulate Ibiza
  Show 3 more
  British Consulate Palma de Mallorca, British Consulate Alicante, and British Consulate General Madrid
• Published: 28 June 2018
• Last updated: 25 June 2019 — See all updates

As well as this advice, check out our travel advice for Spain

Every summer, Spain hosts a number of different festivals, such as BBK Live, Madrid Pride, Mad Cool and FIB. The vast majority of British tourists don’t have any problems at these events, but it’s best to be aware of a few things for when you go.

Before you go

• remember your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but also take out travel insurance even if you’re only going for one night. It could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties. Make sure you carry the contact number and policy number with you and leave a copy of your policy with someone at home
• take 2 photocopies of your passport. Leave one at home and take the other with you
• tell family or friends where you’ll be staying
• fill in the last page of your passport with your emergency contacts
• follow @BritsvisitSpain on Twitter

At the festival

• keep your valuables locked in a safe place (such as a hotel safe or locker on the festival site) and carry as few valuables as possible
• carry a photocopy of your passport around with you
• keep some spare cash separate from the rest
• keep your cash and mobile in a zipped pocket
• avoid walking home on your own; taxis are readily available in Spanish cities. Take care on public transport and don’t be distracted

If you need help

• most festivals have information points you can go to for help and advice and to look for lost property
• in an emergency, call 112
• if your passport has gone missing, you can get an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to get you home. You’ll need to do get a police report, fill in an online application form, pay £100 online (or at the consulate in Euros at the current exchange rate) and go to a British Consulate to complete the process
• for any other queries contact the British Embassy or nearest consulate

Published 28 June 2018
Last updated 25 June 2019 + show all updates

1. 25 June 2019

   We have updated the advice for 2019

2. 28 June 2018

   First published.