Spain: Authorities to lift travel restrictions from the UK and Japan as of May 24 /update 51

Event

The Spanish government will lift restrictions for travelers arriving from the UK and Japan as of May 24; nonessential travel will be permitted to resume and arrivals will not need to possess a negative COVID-19 test or self-isolate on arrival. Travel restrictions were previously lifted for arrivals from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China. Travelers from these countries are still required to fill out a Health Control Form prior to entry.

A ban on nonessential travel from countries outside the EU and Schengen Area remains in effect until May 31. 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 Health Control Form prior to 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. The list of high-risk countries valid from May 24 is available here. Authorities hope to lift restrictions on vaccinated travelers from all countries from June 7.

Authorities previously extended a ban on flights with Brazil and South Africa until June 8 due to variant strains of COVID-19 present in those countries. Flights may operate only for citizens and permanent residents of Spain and Andora. Entry bans also remain in place for nonresident foreign nationals from Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Comoros, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe until May 31. Permitted travelers arriving from these locations must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; however, the self-isolation period can be shortened for individuals who test negative for COVID-19 on the seventh day. Freight transporters, aircrews, and persons in transit whose final destination is a non-Schengen country are exempt.

The land border between Spain and Portugal is open for regular travel; air travel between the two countries remains restricted to essential travel only.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities allowed the nationwide state of emergency to expire May 9, ending mandatory nightly curfews, regional travel restrictions, and limits on gatherings. Regional authorities are now responsible for setting their own restrictions, though they must petition local courts for authority to impose curfews and travel restrictions. As a result, most regions have lifted these measures while imposing varying restrictions on business opening hours and limits on gatherings. Many regions continue to impose localized lockdowns for areas with particularly high rates of infection. Valencia and the Balearic Islands are maintaining a curfew. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed and crowded outdoor public spaces nationwide.

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.