Spain is set to lift its ban on British visitors - even though UK Government rules outlaw overseas travel until at least May 17.
The current restrictions on all air and sea arrivals from the UK - in place since December - will not be extended from March 30. Until now only Spanish nationals or British residents of Spain could enter the country.
The unexpected move could be a welcome shot in the arm for tourism and follows an offer from the Balearic Islands to establish a pilot safe travel corridor scheme.
Spanish Government spokesperson María Jesús Montero told local media: "Spain is a safe country that is strictly following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the experts."
She said foreign travellers can arrive in Spain but they must possess a negative PCR test. The announcement offers a glimmer of hope for UK tourists sunseekers.
It has been reported more countries will join the travel ‘red list’ next week to prevent overseas travel ahead of the Global Travel Taskforce advice, that is now expected to be made public in early April.
A phased restart of travel from May 17 could begin involving a traffic light system, with vaccinated and tested passengers allowed to travel to so-called safe destinations.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he may disclose if holidays abroad would be possible this summer, a week ahead of the date the government’s Global Travel Taskforce is due to report.
The government has previously insisted the taskforce will report to the prime minister on April 12 when its recommendations will also be made public.
