Travelers heading to Spain are advised to ensure they have all necessary travel documents as some airports in the country will no longer recognize the UK sunflower lanyard for individuals with hidden disabilities. Instead, passengers with hidden disabilities will need to obtain an Invisible Disabilities Badge to access required services at certain Spanish airports.
The sunflower lanyard is commonly used by individuals with non-visible conditions to indicate their need for additional support, understanding, or more time in stressful situations. However, Spanish airports overseen by AENA will no longer accept the sunflower lanyard, mandating the use of the Invisible Disabilities Badge for appropriate assistance.
While popular tourist destinations like Malaga and Tenerife will continue to accept the sunflower lanyard, travelers are advised to check airport regulations before their journey. Notably, airports including Alicante, Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Menorca, Palma, Reus, and Tenerife will still recognize the sunflower lanyard.
The new Invisible Disabilities Badge, introduced for individuals with hidden disabilities facing challenges in stressful or sensory-stimulating environments, grants access to designated airport facilities. However, it does not provide entitlement to certain airport services such as preferential access to security checkpoints or exemptions from necessary airport procedures.
Clubworld Travel recommends applying for the Invisible Disabilities Badge from the AENA website at least 48 hours before departure. The badge can be presented in print or digitally on a mobile device, and only one member of a traveling group needs to carry it if accompanied by family.
