Spain has announced unvaccinated British tourists will be banned from entering the country in a change to their coronavirus rules.
The tightening-up of regulations governing entry to the popular holiday destination comes into force on Wednesday, December 1, ending an exemption which means travellers without their Covid jabs could enter Spain with a negative test or proof of recovery from Covid.
The Spanish government confirmed the change in an official state bulletin published on Saturday.
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Antonio Mayor, President of Benidorm-based hotel association Hosbec, said he thought the effect would be “minimal” on the Brit-popular Costa Blanca resort where the classic winter tourist is over 50 and double-jabbed.
But he added: “Anything that creates barriers is less tourism.”
Officials have said the move will not affected the estimated 300,000 Brits living in Spain.
The country’s decision to tighten regulations follows Portugal’s announcement that visitors will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test to entry the country from December 1, even if they are fully-vaccinated.
The decision was taken before confirmation the new Omicron coronavirus variant had been detected in several European countries.
Portugal confirmed on Sunday that those caught trying to dodge the new crackdown would face fines of between £255 and £680.
The measure is part of a package of new restrictions designed to tackle a new rise in the number of coronavirus cases.
Covid passports will become obligatory to enter restaurants, hotels and gyms in Portugal.
Discos have been told they must close between January 2 and 9 and the return to school after the festive season has been put back by a week to January 10.
Fines for airlines that transport anyone without proof of a Covid-19 test have been put at nearly £17,000.
Several regions of Spain have also started demanding Covid passports, or have indicated they will seek court authorisation to do so, for entry to places such as bars, nightclubs and hospitals.
The Welsh Government has announced changes to its Covid rules in response to the new coronavirus variant designated as "of concern" by the World Health Organisation.
Coronavirus regulations in Wales will be strengthened following the emergence of the new Omicron variant in England, prompting the UK Government to hold a press conference on Saturday afternoon.
Welsh Government confirmed on Saturday evening that it will introduce travel restrictions in line with those announced by the UK Government earlier in the day.
This means that anyone who enters Wales from abroad must take a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival, and must self-isolate until they have a negative result.
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England has also toughened its rules on wearing masks on public transport and shops but these rules were already in force in Wales.
PCR tests have not been required for travellers entering Wales since October 31, following the measures introduced in England a week before. The Welsh Government had previously raised concerns with the UK Government about the removal of PCR test requirements for travellers, with First Minister Mark Drakeford saying that he had "consistently urged" the UK Government to take a more precautionary approach.
Speaking on Saturday, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have repeatedly raised our concerns with the UK Government about its decision to relax international travel rules quickly, precisely because of the risk of introducing new variants into the UK.
"We also warned against the removal of PCR tests for returning travellers.
“We will be introducing the same measures on international travel as those announced this afternoon by the UK Government and the other devolved governments.
“Welsh Ministers will continue to meet this evening and over the weekend to monitor the situation in Wales and decide whether any further immediate action is required to protect public health.”
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