Foreign Office Spain, Turkey and Portugal advice as Brits warned

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to issue warnings to travellers heading to Spain, Turkey and Portugal following a number of deaths in these countries.

The FCDO provides regular travel guidance for approximately 226 nations and territories across the globe.

Spain remains the most popular destination for Brits venturing abroad, with Turkey and Portugal also featuring in the top 10 favoured locations for UK holidaymakers.

Millions of tourists are expected to flock to all three countries this summer alone and, as with all travel, it is vital to have access to the most current guidance available.

FCDO bulletins cover information on safety and security issues, regional risks, health considerations, and additional concerns.

A comparable warning appears across advice for Spain, Portugal and Turkey, with the FCDO noting that people drown in the sea and in swimming pools every year in these destinations.

Visitors are urged to exercise caution when swimming in the sea owing to powerful undercurrents, and are warned "do not" dive into unknown water as "hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death".

Guidance for Spain and Turkey reads: "Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water).

"Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs."

In a similar vein, Portugal travel guidance warns: "Beware of rip tides, which can cause drowning. If you are caught in a rip tide, do not try to swim against it. Swim parallel to the coastline until you no longer feel the current, then try to swim towards the shore.

"Follow any lifeguard instructions and warning flags:

• red means danger: do not go into the water
• yellow means caution: you can walk in the water, but you cannot swim
• green means it is safe to swim in the water".