15 Jun 2021 | 07:27 PM UTC
Spain: Authorities extend COVID-19-related ban on flights with Brazil and South Africa until July 6 /update 53
Spain extends ban on flights with Brazil and South Africa until July 6; other COVID-19 travel and domestic restrictions remain in place.
Event
The Spanish government has extended the nation's ban on flights with Brazil and South Africa until July 6 due to variant strains of COVID-19 present in those countries. Flights may operate only for citizens and permanent residents of Spain and Andora. Freight transporters, aircrews, and persons in transit whose final destination is a non-Schengen country are exempt. Individuals arriving from Brazil and South Africa, as well as the following countries, must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival: Botswana, Colombia, Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Peru, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Individuals who test negative for COVID-19 on the seventh day can undergo a shorter self-isolation period.
Nonessential travel is permitted for travelers from the EU. Authorities also allow nonessential travel from certain non-EU countries, including the US, for travelers who have proof of being vaccinated for COVID-19. Additionally, travelers from designated "safe countries," including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, may enter Spain without a negative COVID-19 test result. Arrivals must fill out a Health Control Form before entry; for more information regarding the form and the associated program, click here.
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. Document submission can be in either electronic or paper format and must be in Spanish, English, French, or German; other languages are allowed if accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. Travel providers may prohibit passengers who attempt to travel without this documentation from boarding. The list of high-risk countries valid as of June 15 is available here.
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
Regional authorities are responsible for setting localized restrictions, though they must petition local courts for authority to impose curfews and travel restrictions. Many regions continue to impose localized lockdowns for areas with particularly high rates of infection. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed and crowded outdoor public spaces in most of the country.
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.
