Spain: Government extends COVID-19-related closure of border with Portugal until March 16 /update 40

Spain extends closure of border with Portugal through at least March 16; other restrictions remain in effect

Event

Spanish authorities have extended the closure of the nation's border with Portugal to nonessential travelers until at least March 16; the measure had been due to expire March 1. Crossborder passenger rail services remain suspended.

With regard to other travel restrictions, most international arrivals from outside the EEA remain prohibited, except for those from Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Thailand. Exceptions are in place for EEA nationals or residents, healthcare workers, and freight transport workers, as well as other essential workers, students, and those traveling for urgent family reasons. All permitted travelers arriving by air must fill out the government's Health Control Form within 48 hours prior to arrival. After filling out the form, travelers will receive a QR Code 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 the country risk assessments on a weekly basis.

Travelers from the UK, Brazil, and South Africa are currently prohibited from entering Spain until at least March 16 due to concerns over variant strains of COVID-19 discovered in those countries. The prohibition does not apply to residents and nationals of Spain and Andorra. Passengers in transit to non-Schengen countries are also exempt, provided they are scheduled to be in Spain less than 24 hours and remain in the airport transit area.

Domestic COVID-19 measures also remain in place. A nationwide state of emergency, which is in effect until at least May 9, empowers 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. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and in outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. Where businesses are permitted to remain open, they must implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures.

Regional governments have the authority to amend measures and impose additional restrictions; as a result, curfew hours and limits on social gatherings vary between regions. Additionally, many local jurisdictions have imposed their own entry and exit restrictions, permitting travel out of the locality for essential reasons only. 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. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.