Spain: Government maintaining COVID-19-related restrictions as of April 13 /update 45

Event

Authorities in Spain are maintaining restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of April 13. Previously officials extended a ban on nonessential travel from countries outside the EU and Schengen Area until at least April 30. Under this directive, most international travelers arriving from outside the EEA, except for those from Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Thailand, remain prohibited from entering Spain. 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.

The Spanish government has extended the ban on entry by travelers from South Africa and Brazil through at least April 27; citizens and residents of Spain and Andorra are exempt. Freight, transporters, aircrews, and persons in transit whose final destination is a non-Schengen country are also exempt. A similar ban on entry from the UK was lifted March 30, though as a non-EU country, entry from the UK remains restricted to limited permitted exceptions as detailed above.

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 can be submitted in either electronic or paper format and must be in Spanish, English, French, or German; it can be submitted in other languages only if accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. 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 Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Botswana, Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival in Spain. The quarantine can be ended with a negative COVID-19 test taken on the seventh day of self-isolation. Flight crews are exempt from the measure.

Spain's border with Portugal remains closed to nonessential travelers; cross-border passenger rail services remain suspended.

Domestic restrictions
A nationwide state of emergency is in effect until at least May 9 and empowers the government to limit certain rights guaranteed under the nation's constitution. Accordingly, social gatherings are limited to six people and a 23:00-06:00 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.