One of the most asked questions at the newly relocated SATE office in the Rincon – opposite the Flash Hotel is from lost or disorientated holidaymakers, after a long hard night of partying asking “Where is my hotel”? Often the only clue is that the hotel is tall and has a swimming pool – not really much help considering that probably describes virtually every hotel in the resort!
However, the National Police can and do help. When you check into your hotel on arrival, do you wonder why you must hand over your passport?
Well this information is logged to your details and room number.
All of this is then transferred to a police database, which by law has to be done within 24 hours of your arrival.
So in such situations, when you turn up lost, so long as you can remember your name - which in some situations may be a challenge, they will be able to help.
Unfortunately, the SATE office is not open 24 hours so many would just wonder around or go and find somewhere to sleep until the morning, hoping by then that they would have sobered up enough to remember themselves. But if you do find yourself in this situation, find a National Police officer – in navy blue and they can assist.
This is especially important coming up to the Benidorm fiesta in November and in particular, British Fancy Dress Day, which takes place on Thursday 15. Perhaps write the name of your hotel on your arm or leg so that if you do have a little too much and forget, then hopefully someone can direct you back. Perhaps a good idea would be for hotels to start supplying rubber wristbands with the hotel name stamped on for all their guests?
For those that have lost or had their passports stolen, firstly you must report it at the SATE office. In order to get back to the UK you will then have to go to the British Consulate in Alicante to obtain an emergency travel document, valid for a single journey and takes around an hour to turn around. You will need to call first to make an appointment and take 1 passport size photograph plus funds to pay. Currently the cost is £100. If the passport has been stolen ensure you have a police report, which you will need for your insurance if you are going to make a claim.
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