British holidaymakers are being warned about the potential for violent unrest in Spain as the country comes to terms with its own cost of living crisis.
The country has only recently completely reopened to tourism following restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, with UK arrivals in Spain no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative Covid test. However, a wave of unrest has coincided with the removal of all barriers to travel.
Industrial action has been combined with public protests as Spanish workers look for their wages to keep up with the country’s inflation rate, and while demonstrations have so far been relatively peaceful, the British Foreign Office is now highlighting the danger of “incidents of unrest or violence”.
Following events in the last week that have seen mass rallies in the country’s capital Madrid, rail services across the country disrupted, and separate pro-independence protests in Barcelona that saw the airport and major roads blocked, the UK Foreign Office issued the following warning:
“Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches may take place in Spain with little or no warning, particularly in cities. You should follow the advice of police and local authorities.
“While the vast majority of demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of isolated incidents of unrest or violence. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, remain vigilant and move away quickly if there are signs of disorder.”
