Spain: Authorities extend certain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions until May 31; land border with Portugal reopens /update 48

Event

The Spanish government has extended certain of the nation's COVID-19-related international travel restrictions. Existing entry bans on nonresident foreign nationals from Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Comoros, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe will remain in force until May 31. Spanish residents arriving from these locations must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. The self-isolation period can be shortened on confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result on the seventh day. Freight, transporters, aircrews, and persons in transit whose final destination is a non-Schengen country are also exempt.

A ban on nonessential travel from countries outside the EU and Schengen Area also remains in effect until May 31. 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, are 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.

Nevertheless, the land border between Spain and Portugal reopened as of April 30 following a months-long closure.

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.

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.