Travel warning for Britons as they could face huge fines abroad - Spain, Italy and Greece

Beach in Spain

Britons need to be careful when visiting other countries this summer

PA
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 21/08/2023

- 11:04

Britons need to be careful when visiting other countries this summer

Many Britons will be preparing the jet off this week as they take advantage of the August bank holiday.

If visiting some popular European hotspots, travellers should be wary of some laws that could potentially catch them out.


GB News shares the laws for Spain, Cyprus, Italy and Greece.

Spain

While you might want to strip off in the hot weather, going topless in tourist areas such as Barcelona and Majorca could lead to big fines.

Gondolas in Venice in Italy

Venice and other parts of Italy have some laws to watch out for

PA

Stripping off while walking down the streets, in restaurants or anywhere away from the beach or a swimming pool could result in fines of up to 300 euros (around £256).

Foreign Office advice stated: “In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks. Being bare-chested has also been banned in some areas of Spain. Some local councils will impose fines if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or the adjacent streets."

Cyprus

Britons could also be hit by fines for using Nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, following rule changes imposed this year.

It is incredibly dangerous to use this and it is now considered an illegal drug in Cyprus.

Anyone found with the product could be fined or even receive a prison sentence.

A Foreign Office statement said: "Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, which now includes laughing gas. If you are caught with any type of narcotic you will receive either a prison sentence or a hefty fine.

"The rules against possession of illegal drugs are stricter than in the UK...

"The current judicial processing delays mean that court cases can take up to two years to be scheduled and adjournments happen regularly in Cyprus."

Italy

Like in Spain, Sorrento has strict rules on wearing bikinis or having a bare chest in public.

This is ok when visiting the beach or lounging by the pool, but anyone daring to bare in the town could get fines of up to 500 euros (around £427).

Beach in Greece

Those holidaying in Greece should be aware of the laws

PA

In 2022, the Mayor of the town Massimo Coppola claimed it caused “discomfort and unease” and was “contrary to decorum and to the decency that characterizes civilized cohabitation”.

Similar laws are in place in Lipari and Venice.

Greece

There are a number of laws in place in Greece to protect the heritage of the country.

This includes wearing high heels at more delicate historical monuments and taking stones from pebble beaches.

Anyone who does this, or anything to damage the rich history of Greece, could be hit with hundreds of pounds worth of fines.

You may like