Spain travel advice as tourists will need new documentation at some airports
A huge change is coming to some airports in Spain which could mean that you need a new piece of documentation - but it will only affect certain groups of people
If you're planning a Spanish getaway to catch some sun before winter arrives, it's crucial to ensure all your travel documents are in order. A significant change at certain Spanish airports could necessitate an additional document for specific groups of travellers.
Northern Irish travel agency Clubworld Travel has revealed that individuals with hidden disabilities will no longer be able to use the UK sunflower lanyard at some Spanish airports and will need a new form of documentation to verify their disability. The sunflower lanyard is typically used by people with "non-visible" conditions to indicate that they may require extra assistance, understanding, or more time in high-pressure situations.
The lanyard is recognised in numerous countries worldwide and at over 300 airports - but Spain is no longer among them.
AENA, Spain's air navigation manager, has announced that sunflower lanyards will no longer be acknowledged at its airports. Instead, passengers will need an Invisible Disabilities Badge to access all necessary areas.
In a TikTok video, a travel agent from Clubworld Travel clarified: "Most airports in Spain will no longer recognise the sunflower lanyard, and therefore [people] will have to apply online for an invisible disabilities badge."
If you're travelling with a sunflower lanyard, it's essential to verify the regulations for your departure airport. Numerous popular holiday destinations, including Malaga and Tenerife, will continue to recognise them.
The specialist explained: "There are certain airports in Spain that will accept the sunflower lanyard, and these will be: Alicante, Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Palma, Reus, and Tenerife.
"So, a fair few [airports] that people do travel to. But be mindful that there are also a lot [of airports] that you will need to get this badge for."
Based on the AENA website, the fresh invisible disabilities badge targets individuals with hidden impairments who struggle in high-stress situations or environments that trigger sensory overload.
The badge provides entry to the airport's dedicated security screening area, which is specially designated for families and individuals with mobility restrictions.
However, the badge doesn't grant the bearer access to assistance services, priority security checkpoint access (fast-track), or exemptions from any mandatory departure or arrival procedures at the airport.
The AENA website also mentions sunflower lanyards, stating: "The sunflower lanyard shows you may need a little more help or time to go through airport processes, but you cannot access the security checks for families and PRMs with it. If you need it, we'd encourage you to request Aena's hidden disabilities badge to use its advantages."
The agency explains that when travelling as a family group, just one person needs to carry the badge, and there's no requirement to display it continuously throughout your airport visit if you'd prefer not to.
The badge can be shown either as a printed document or directly via your mobile phone.
Clubworld Travel recommends applying for your badge through the AENA website a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure.