Spain: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related ban on passenger travel with UK until Feb. 2 /update 33

Event

Spanish authorities have extended their existing ban on air and sea passenger travel with the UK until at least 1800 Feb. 2 as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the measure had originally been due to expire Jan. 19. Spanish nationals and residents are exempt from the ban, which was imposed Dec. 22 in reaction to the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 in the UK.

With regard to other international travel, most arrivals from outside the EEA are prohibited, except for those from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Uruguay. Exceptions are in place for EEA nationals or residents, health care workers, goods and transport workers, other essential work, students, and for urgent family reasons. All permitted travelers arriving via air are required to fill out the government's Health Control Form within 48 hours prior to arrival. After filling out the form, travelers will receive a Quick Response Code (QR) that they must show at the port of entry. Travelers from countries designated as high risk by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. The document must be in Spanish or English and can be submitted in either electronic or paper format. Passengers who attempt to travel without this documentation may be prohibited from boarding by the travel provider. Individuals who arrive in Spain without the negative test result or while displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be required to take a test on arrival. The ECDC updates its country risk assessments on a weekly basis.

Domestic COVID-19 measures also remain in place. A nationwide state of emergency is in effect until at least May 9 empowering the government to limit certain rights guaranteed under the nation's constitution. Accordingly, social gatherings are limited to six people and a 2300-0600 curfew is in effect nationwide. Regional governments have the authority to amend and impose additional restrictions; as a result, curfew hours and limits on social gatherings vary between regions. Additionally, many regions have imposed local entry and exit restrictions at either regional or municipal levels, permitting travel out of the locality for essential reasons only. A summary of restrictions by region is available on the Spanish Ministry of Health website.

Regional authorities have also implemented tighter restrictions on gatherings and businesses in their jurisdictions. Where businesses are permitted to remain open, they must implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Nationwide, facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and in outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained; some regional authorities require facemasks in all indoor and outdoor public spaces.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.