Foreign Office issues warning to Brits travelling to Majorca

British tourists heading to one of Spain's most popular holiday islands this summer are being warned by the Foreign Office about an important safety issue. For those who fail to comply with the rules, holidaymakers could be fined up to £31,000 or even thrown out of their hotels.

The FCDO has issued a reminder to Brits to behave responsibly around hotel balconies, particularly when alcohol or drugs are involved, after a number of serious incidents involving British nationals falling from height abroad. Official guidance warns that irresponsible behaviour on balconies can carry financial penalties in some parts of Spain, including Majorca and may also affect travel insurance claims. On the largest Balearic Island, the Calvia council has introduced strict penalties targeting so-called "balconing", in which tourists jump between balconies or climb onto hotel ledges, reports the Majorcan Daily Bulletin.

Local police classify the act as a serious offence and those caught can face fines of up to €36,000 (£31,000). Under the Balearic Government's Decree on Tourism Excesses, visitors identified as taking part in balconing are also immediately evicted from their accommodation.

"In some regions you may be fined or evicted from your hotel if you are found to be behaving irresponsibly around balconies," the FCDO's online advice reads. "Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when the incident happened."

It adds: "If you are staying in a room with a balcony, follow the safety advice at the hotel or apartment, and watch out for friends who may be at risk."

The tougher legislation has been credited with reducing the number of balcony incidents in resorts, including Magaluf, where authorities have spent years trying to tackle alcohol related disorder. As part of the wider crackdown on binge drinking tourism, the Balearic Government has also enforced restrictions on alcohol sales and party activities in several major resorts.

According to the FCDO, laws limiting the sale and availability of alcohol apply in parts of Magaluf and Playa de Palma in Majorca, as well as in San Antonio on the neighbouring island of Ibiza. The rules ban happy hours, open bar promotions including unlimited drinking offers, self-service dispensers, organised pub crawls and party boat trips. Off-licence alcohol sales are also banned between 9.30pm and 8am in affected areas.

The FCDO also says Brits in Spain must carry photo ID, warning that “you must provide photo ID if asked by a police officer” and that refusal or ignoring officers can be treated as “disobedience,” a criminal offence, with police able to detain people until identity is confirmed. It also reports that hotels and car rental firms must register passport details and advises travellers not to leave passports at reception but to wait while copies are taken. It also notes that ID may be required for purchases. Some shops will accept a driving licence or passport copy, but others may insist on seeing a passport.