If you're planning a last-minute getaway to Spain before the winter chill sets in, it's crucial to ensure all your travel documents are up-to-date. A significant change at some Spanish airports could necessitate an additional piece of documentation, but this will only impact certain individuals.

Clubworld Travel, a Northern Irish travel agency, has revealed that those with hidden disabilities can no longer rely on the UK sunflower lanyard at some Spanish airports and will need a new form of proof for their disability.

The sunflower lanyard is typically used by individuals with "non-visible" conditions to indicate that they may require additional assistance, patience, or time in high-pressure situations.

The lanyard is recognised globally and at over 300 airports, but Spain has now been crossed off that list.

AENA, Spain's air navigation manager, has announced that sunflower lanyards will no longer be accepted at their airports. Instead, passengers will need an Invisible Disabilities Badge to access all necessary areas.

In a TikTok video, a Clubworld Travel agent explained: "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 a sunflower lanyard user, it's crucial to check the rules for your destination airport, as many popular tourist hotspots like Malaga and Tenerife will continue to recognise them.

The expert stated: "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."

According to the AENA website, the new invisible disabilities badge is designed for individuals with hidden disabilities who struggle in stressful or sensory-stimulating environments.

The badge grants access to the airport's special security checkpoint, specifically reserved for families and those with reduced mobility.

However, the badge does not grant the holder access to the assistance service, preferential access to security checkpoints (fast-track), or exemptions from any necessary procedures for departure or arrival within 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 confirms that when travelling with family, just one member of your party needs to carry the badge, and there's no requirement to display it continuously throughout your airport visit if you'd prefer not to.

You can also show the badge as a printed document or straight from your mobile phone.

Clubworld Travel recommends applying for your badge via the AENA website at least 48 hours prior to your departure.