Spain has extended its travel ban for Brits because of the mutant coronavirus strain currently found in the UK.
The Spanish government has extended the restrictions until February 2, at 5pm UK time.
The rules apply to anyone arriving to Spain from the UK by air or sea, with exceptions being made only for Spanish nationals or residents of Spain returning to the country.
The travel ban was first introduced back in December 2020 when the mutant strain was detected, and originally was planned to last until January 9. It had already been extended once until January 19.
This goes alongside existing restrictions and rules in Spain during the pandemic, such as travellers arriving in the country being required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours before their departure. (You can find out more about entry requirements and other updates in the Foreign Office's Spain advice ).
At the moment Brits won't be jetting off on holidays to Spain anyway. England, Scotland and Wales are all under national lockdowns, which include a ban on international travel. Although there are a small number of legally permitted exceptions to these rules, a holiday won't fall in these.
Aside from the lockdown travel ban, the Foreign Office currently advises against all non-essential travel to Spain (including the Balearic Islands) "based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks".
The UK is set to introduce new restrictions for travellers later this month, which will mean that anyone arriving into the UK by plane, boat or train will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours before their departure.
The new rules were originally set to come into force on Friday 15, but this has now pushed back by three days although the reason behind the delay is unclear.
