Swine flu – FAQs for Spain

Are there any British nationals in Spain affected by the virus?

We are not aware of any British nationals affected in Spain.

Do you recommend against travelling to Spain?

We are not advising against travel to Spain. However we do advise anyone planning to travel to Spain to keep checking updates to the travel advice available on the FCO website

I am a British resident/visitor to Spain. What advice would you give me?

• You should follow instructions from the Spanish Ministry of Health and local authorities. The Spanish Ministry of Health emergency number is 901 400 100
• There is regular information being updated on this website and on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website
• Guidance on Swine flu can also be obtained on the websites of the UK Department of Health and from the World Health Organisation.
• You should also monitor local media reports for any developments

If I am already in Spain, should I stay at home/in my hotel?

We recommend British nationals to follow instructions from Spanish health and local authorities, and to keep checking updates to the travel advice available on the FCO website

If I have suspected symptoms, what should I do?

You should stay at home and phone your local doctor/GP or contact the emergency services on 112 or 061. If you cannot speak Spanish, we have several lists of doctors and clinics who can usually speak English, but please be aware that these are private practices and you should expect to be charged for their services.

Does the Embassy/Consulate keep a stockpile of anti-viral medication for the British population in Spain?

No. The British Embassy and Consular offices cannot provide medical assistance for British Nationals in Spain. For that reason it is important that you know where your local health services are located and how you can access them. If you cannot speak Spanish, we have several lists of doctors and clinics who can usually speak English, but please be aware that these are private practices and you should expect to be charged for their services.

I am a British national and I don’t have Spanish health cover. Will I receive treatment?

British citizens, regardless of their health cover status, will receive emergency treatment at public hospitals and clinics in Spain. However, we always advise British citizens to register for an EHIC card when they are travelling abroad.

Where can British nationals receive treatment?

• Spanish public hospitals and clinics. We recommend British nationals follow instructions from their health and local authorities.
• The Spanish Ministry of Health emergency number is 901 400 100
• More information (in Spanish) is available on the Spanish Ministry of Health’s website

Do you have a contingency plan for British Nationals in Spain?

No. As EU citizens in an EU country, British citizens will be treated in the same way as all Spanish citizens in Spain. There is therefore no need for special contingency plans to be made for British citizens. However, we do encourage you to register with our LOCATE service so we know where you are in the event of an emergency.

Will the Consulates close their offices to the public?

The British Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have closed their offices to the public until further notice. If the situation in Spain were to develop to such an extent that it was in the interest of our staff and of members of the public to reduce personal contact then we would consider closing offices for a temporary period of time. However we will always maintain as many consular services as possible.

via Swine flu – FAQs for Spain.