The British Embassy to Spain is in Madrid, assisted by several consulates strategically located across Spain—all in place to build on international relations and support UK citizens in Spain.
The British government uses the embassy to deal with various issues, including trade, investment and security. Needless to say, it also deals with issues regarding Gibraltar. An ambassador heads the mission, and his duties include strengthening ties with the government of Spain.
However, the primary function of the British Embassy in Madrid and its consulates throughout Spain is to support and assist British nationals directly and indirectly.
Directly comes in many forms but it is worth mentioning that they cannot issue get-out-of-jail-free cards, as it were, but they do assist families no matter what crisis befalls them.
Indirectly, they are always in discussions with the Spanish government on any issue that impacts expats in Spain.
Major cities such as Barcelona, Alicante, and Malaga have British consulates, and they work with the embassy, offering support all along the east coast, the location of most of the holiday resorts.
In the old days, if you lived in Spain, you could renew your passport in Spain at the embassy. No more; you must apply online and return your passport to the UK. Your new one will then be couriered back to you.
More information here. https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
If you need an emergency passport because you must travel and yours has been lost or stolen, the embassy and consulates can issue one at a price.
To keep up with the latest posts and news from the embassy, you can follow the britsinspain Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain
The embassy used this page to explain the driving licence exchange situation before it was resolved following Brexit. Their Facebook page is beneficial if you are a Brit living in Spain.
A contribution from Costaman24: Spain related. (⌐■_■) More articles
UK Passport rules
UK Passport Entry Rules for Spain: Essential Guide for Travelers. Travelling from the UK to Spain is a popular choice […]
Free camping in Spain
Spain is a perfect place for camping, with its sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountains. If you’re considering a camping trip, […]
Spain’s Local Police
Spain has more than one Police force. The “Policía Local” or “Policía Municipal” are the local police serving a very […]
BAC level down to 0.2 g/l
Anyone over 60 having lived in Spain for many years might remember when you could have a few drinks over […]
Torre del Mar
Tucked in between Malaga and Nerja along the southern Mediterranean coast is this charming beachside town that rarely gets many […]
Language exchange
The Concept of Language Exchange or Intercambio de idiomas in Spanish is all about language exchange, and is one of […]
Guardia Civil in Spain
Spain’s Guardia Civil law enforcement agency maintains public order and safety. Established in 1844, the institution has evolved to meet […]
Toll road debate
Spain has a very well-connected road network that ensures inter-region travel is smooth and easy. Amongst them, toll roads, or […]
Leroy Merlin Spain’s B & Q
In almost every city in Spain, you will likely find a Leroy Merlin DIY superstore similar to B & Q […]
UK and Spain post Brexit
The economic relationship between Spain and the UK is historically very important, with the UK being one of Spain’s largest […]
Donkey sanctuaries in Spain
Donkeys have been a part of Spanish culture for centuries, serving as work animals for farmers. However, modern machinery has […]
Smile you are on camera
Spain is not slow when it comes to speed control. Over the last few years, more speed control measures have […]
Learn Spanish before visiting Spain
In today’s connected world, learning a new language is open to everyone. Spanish, in particular, stands out as one of […]
Airport hotels in Madrid
Madrid is the central hub for international and domestic flights in Spain. Because it is a transit hub, airport hotels […]
Are quad bike tours a good idea
Quad bikes have become popular for recreational and practical purposes, but are quad bikes a good idea? Spain’s mountainous regions […]
Cadiz, more than just a port
Cádiz is a city on Spain’s southwestern coast facing the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s port has been a hub of […]
What exactly is a tapa in Spain
Tapas are small, flavorful dishes that accompany the drink you order. They are known to be part of Spanish culture […]
Maintain your swimming pool
Maintaining a private swimming pool is not as easy as it sounds. Consistent care and attention are required to ensure […]
Change UK driving licence in Spain
Following Brexit, the regulations about driving licences for UK nationals in Spain have changed. While tourists can use their UK […]
Why use a Gestor in Spain
The term “gestor” refers to an administrative manager or agent who assists individuals or businesses with various legal and administrative […]
Getting a prescription in Spain
In Spain, getting a prescription is very user-friendly. Still, an understanding of how the local healthcare system operates is required. […]
Madrid metro
Exploring Madrid, the capital of Spain, is exciting, and the city’s metro system is perfect for this. With its extensive […]
The need for aircon
Spain is well known for its warm Mediterranean climate and rising temperatures, especially during the summer months, which means installing […]
Blue flag means a nice beach
Spain is a dream holiday destination for many. Among its many attractions are its beaches, many of which have the […]
Car hire Alicante Airport
Alicante Airport serves Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca region, attracting visitors eager to enjoy the region’s stunning beaches. Hiring a car […]
Touring Spain? Take a ferry
While flying might be the quickest route, taking a ferry is the only way to bring all your belongings and […]
Protests against tourists in 2024
Spain, a popular holiday destination, saw a surge in anti-tourist demonstrations in 2024. Local people protested in towns and cities, […]
Cheap electricity using solar panels
A few years ago, you were not allowed to install solar panels on your roof in Spain, but that has […]
Fancy a visit to Gibraltar?
Visit Gibraltar just to say you have been there. Gibraltar is a unique British Overseas Territory on the southern tip […]
All inclusive holidays in Spain
An all-inclusive holiday is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Spain. All-inclusive resorts can […]
Migrants heading for Spain in 2024
Migrants risking their lives to enter the country is not just a UK problem. It is a problem all over […]
Amazon in Spain in English
The global e-commerce giant Amazon has significantly expanded its presence in Spain. Overall, the Spanish population are now catching up […]
The British Embassy in Spain and Facebook page
The British Embassy to Spain is in Madrid, assisted by several consulates strategically located across Spain—all in place to build […]
Changing your money to Euros in Spain
If travelling to Spain from a non-Euro country, it is essential to consider how you will obtain enough Euros (cash […]
NHS is SNS in Spain-Pensioners use form S1
Spain is renowned for its public healthcare system. However, as with most countries in the EU, private health insurance providers […]
Common issues for UK passport holders.
UK passport holders enter Spain based on the visa-on-arrival system at the point of entry, valid for up to 90 […]
A good way to get around in Spain-Alsa Bus
Alsa is a leading Spanish bus company that provides public transportation. Many provinces contract the company to provide local bus […]
Is the water safe to drink in Spain
When relocating to a new country, you must know if the tap water is safe to drink. The good news […]
Breeds of dogs controlled in Spain
In Spain, potentially dangerous dogs are restricted by law under the Royal Decree 287/2002. This decree lists specific breeds that […]
Less hours same pay planned in Spain
Spain’s coalition government and two of Spain’s largest trade unions, the UGT and CCOO, agreed on Friday 20/12/2024 to introduce […]
EuroMillions lottery in Spain
Choosing numbers for the EuroMillions lottery in Spain can be fun because there are several strategies you can use to […]
Spanish government takes on Airbnb
On Wednesday, December 17th 2024, the Spanish government opened an investigation into the holiday rental platform Airbnb for failing to take down […]
The Malaga Fair
Every August, the city of Málaga on the Costa del Sol hosts the annual Málaga Summer Fair, or Feria de […]
MOT testing in Spain
The ITV is Spain’s mandatory vehicle inspection system, much like the MOT in the UK. The test ensures cars are […]
Car insurance in English
Finding the right car insurance in Spain can be done in several ways if you do not speak Spanish. Ask […]
Malaga to Madrid by train
How do you get from Malaga to Madrid for the same price as a flight but with less stress? The […]
Retire to Spain Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa offers individuals the chance to reside in Spain without working. This visa is ideal for retirees with […]
Car hire fuel policies in Spain
Car hire fuel policies. When hiring a car in Spain, ALWAYS read the small print. Fuel policy varies depending on […]
Winter hypertension in Spain
Have you ever noticed that the Spanish and long-term expats walk around in coats, hats, and scarves during the winter, […]
Oletrips around the La Axarquia region
Malaga Province. Have you ever heard about la Axarquía? La Axarquía is a small region located in the east of […]
Park La Posada retirement community
Located in the village of Alameda near Malaga. Over the years, I have seen it transform from a mobile home […]
Weather in Spain seen by satellite
How many people were in the wrong place at the wrong time when the floods hit Valencia? On the motorway, […]
Nomad visa for Spain
This is an excerpt from the Spanish government’s website. The Nomad Visa is for any foreigner planning to live in […]
Cheaper energy in five years
How about this! Thanks to the mega project Conso II in Galicia, Spain is about to get cheaper electricity. The […]
Newsletter with a lottery ticket
The Costa Difference team publishes the Retire to Spain News and Views newsletter every Friday. What makes this particular newsletter […]
2030 World Cup in Spain
Now officially confirmed, Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup in a ‘six-nation and three continents project’, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each hosting one of the games. The […]
Airline booking trick
Here is a neat trick I read in the Retire to Spain News and Views newsletter some time ago. It […]
Plaza Espana Madrid
I spent a few days in Madrid after travelling from Alicante by bus. I loved the city, especially the Plaza […]
Alquiventas in Almunecar
An estate agency on the Costa Tropical that offers sales and rentals. I dealt with Mario, and nothing was too […]
Golden visa ban in Spain
Spain’s Senate has temporarily stalled the Golden Visa ban, but Congress could push it through for early 2025.Last month, Spain’s […]
Camping Laguna Playa Torre del Mar
I travelled around the Costa del Sol in my motorhome for a few months before returning for Christmas. As you […]
Are you lucky enough to be old enough to retire?
Looking for more than the usual bull?
If so, we have some good news. You can sign up for the weekly
Retire to Spain News and Views newsletter
sent every Friday by the Costa Difference Team.
News, tips and light-hearted features every week plus all subscribers can claim a share of the Euromillions ticket bought every Friday if it wins the jackpot.