Spain has announced new coronavirus related travel restrictions which will have a major impact on anyone with holiday plans for the country.
The nation, which has had more than 27,000 deaths from coronavirus had already stated that anyone entering Spain must self-isolate in their hotel or residence for 14 days.
According to the Foreign Office website: “Movement will be limited to essential trips to supermarkets or pharmacies.”
The information adds: “Those affected will be required to wear a face mask at all times in public.”
But the country has also now extended its ban on Brits and non-EU travellers from entering the country until June 15. Only people from countries in the Schengen Area, which the UK is not part of, will be allowed to visit, and only then if they are in transit to their place of residence
Spain declared a state of emergency on March 14, which introduced a series of measures, including significant restrictions on movement throughout the country in response to the outbreak.
The number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the UK:
The country’s lockdown restrictions are set to continue until May 24, but from Monday, May 11, softer restrictions were brought in for around half of the 47 million population.
The lesser restrictions mean those people are beginning to shop in small stores and enjoy a meal or coffee in restaurants and bars with outdoor seating.
According to the Foreign Office, any British people in Spain should be contactable by authorities and should report any coronavirus symptoms to regional authorities.
The only people exempt from that measure are cross-border workers, cabin crew, lorry drivers and healthcare workers.
Spanish authorities have confirmed travellers transiting through Spain are also exempt, as long as they travel home directly and do not spend the night in any establishment in the country.
All passengers should carry their passports, proof of onward travel – such as ferry or Eurotunnel tickets – and country of residency.
The country has said that only green residency certificates will be accepted as proof of residency in Spain and British travellers who are not resident and/or not in possession of this certificate should not attempt to enter the country.
Travellers who are not resident in Spain or do not have a residency certificate have also been warned not to travel to Gibraltar and then attempt to enter Spain via the land frontier. However, Brits will continue to be allowed to leave Spain to return to their country of residence.
On April 28, the Spanish government announced a four-stage de-escalation plan to ease the current confinement over an estimated period of at least eight weeks.
Anybody planning to travel to Spain should consult their airline or tour operator and note that the Foreign Office advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.
