The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds the public to check the travel recommendations on its website before going abroad

• The Travellers' Register and Travel Recommendations, two essential tools available to citizens

• Lebanon joins the list of countries that the Government advises against travelling to due to the Middle East conflict

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation emphasises how important it is for citizens to research their desired destination, register in the Travellers' Register, and acquire insurance before travelling abroad. The #ViajaSeguro [TravelSafe] campaign, which the Ministry launches every summer, aims to raise awareness of the necessary guidelines before departure, each country's requirements, and the services available if a problem arises.

Informed and safe travel is key. Therefore, the Ministry reminds citizens that two essential tools are available: the Travel Recommendations and the Travellers' Register.

Informed travel

Through the Ministry's website, citizens can access the Travel Recommendations, containing useful information for each country concerning the necessary travel documents, vaccinations and safety conditions. This is constantly updated with information provided by the Spanish embassies. The website also features practical recommendations to help travellers who have chosen this country as that destination.

The latest update came just this weekend for Lebanon. Given the uncertainty about possible developments with the security situation in the south, and given the increasing volatility in the region, it is recommended to avoid travel to the country.

Spaniards who are there, especially if their stay is temporary, are advised to leave the country using existing commercial means, and to pay attention to social media and other communication channels from the Spanish Embassy in Beirut.

Consular offices

When necessary, the Spanish consular offices distributed throughout the five continents handle any emergencies that arise. Once abroad, all Spanish citizens have the right to make use of the services offered by their consulates within the framework of their remit: a 24-hour emergency telephone number, emergency assistance to issue laissez-passers and provisional passports, assistance to victims of gender violence, and consular protection in general.

The #ViajaSeguro [TravelSafe] campaign also calls for responsible travel, reminding travellers that, once abroad, they are subject to the rules of the country they are in and must respect them at all times.

Travel safely and with insurance

Before going abroad, the Ministry also recommends that you register your details in the Travellers' Register, an entirely free tool which, with all confidentiality guarantees, makes it easier for the Spanish authorities to locate or contact, where possible, registered Spanish travellers in the event of a serious emergency (natural disaster, armed conflict, etc.).

Lastly, the campaign's name stresses the importance of always travelling with travel insurance that covers potential expenses arising from multiple incidents: from flight cancellations or suspension of transport services in the destination country for varying reasons to medical care needs as a result of health problems or accidents, as well as hospitalisation and medicalised repatriation costs.

Having travel insurance facilitates the necessary care in such circumstances, which in some countries can be extremely expensive.

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