Brits holidaying in Spain may have to make APPOINTMENTS to sunbathe as beach capacity slashed

BRITS with plans to visit Tenerife in the coming weeks will face more Covid restrictions amid surging cases.

The island has been placed into the highest alert category - Level 4 - as authorities battle to limit the spread of Omicron.

Under Level 4 rules, beaches are limited to 50 per cent capacity, and "prior appointment" could be required, according to Spanish tourist boards.

So Brits heading to the beach will need to book in advance if they want to relax in the sun on the sand.

Additional Level 4 restrictions include the return of the rule of six, meaning just six people can meet up indoors or outdoors.

Covid passports must be shown to get inside all establishments, and pubs and restaurants have to close at midnight.

Capacity levels have been cut to 75 per cent outdoors and 33 per cent indoors to avoid superspreader events.

Public transport capacity has also been cut to 75 per cent.

Tenerife is the only Spanish island that has been increased to alert Level 4.

La Palma, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura remain at Level 3, and El Hierro and La Gomera are still at Level 2.

Spain still requires all Brits aged 12 and above to be fully vaccinated against Covid to enter.

This rule prompted thousands of families to cancel their holidays before Christmas, as teens in the UK haven't all had the chance to get their second vaccine.

The decline in tourists heading over to Spain for some winter sun has been devastating to the hospitality industry.

Benidorm is facing its worst start to a new year, and hoteliers say the situation is dire.

In other Spain news, smokers are to be banned from lighting up on Spanish beaches as a new law could see people fined £1,700.

And Benidorm holidays could cost more next year due to a new tourist tax.