Spain: Authorities extend COVID-19 quarantine requirement for travelers from India until July 24 /update 56

Event

Spanish authorities are extending the COVID-19 quarantine requirement for travelers from India until July 24. Individuals arriving from India must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Individuals who test negative for COVID-19 on the seventh day can undergo a shorter self-isolation period.

Authorities are maintaining additional COVID-19 entry restrictions as of July 9. Nonessential travel to Spain is currently only permitted for travelers from EU/EEA- associated states, Albania, Australia, China, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the US. Since June 28, nonessential travel is also permitted from all other countries other than Brazil, India, and South Africa for individuals who possess a certificate of vaccination confirming they have completed a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or World Health Organization (WHO) no less than 14 days prior to entry. Travelers from the UK may also use a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 48 hours to enter Spain for nonessential purposes, in addition to the vaccine certificate.

Permitted travelers arriving from countries designated as high-risk must present a certificate of vaccination meeting the requirements detailed above, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 between 11 and 180 days ago, or a negative COVID-19 taken in the 48 hours prior to arrival. Travelers from countries participating in the EU Digitial COVID Certificate may also present this to be permitted entry. Travel providers may prohibit passengers who attempt to travel without this documentation from boarding. The list of high-risk countries is available here. Travelers from designated "safe countries," including Albania, Australia, China, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US, may enter Spain without these requirements. All arrivals must fill out a Health Control Form before entry; for more information regarding the form and the associated program, click here.

The government has restricted flights connecting with Brazil and South Africa until at least July 20 due to variant strains of COVID-19 in those countries. Flights may operate only for citizens and permanent residents of Spain and Andorra. Freight transporters, aircrews, and persons in transit whose final destination is a non-Schengen country are exempt.

Domestic Restrictions
Regional authorities are responsible for setting localized restrictions, though they must petition local courts for authority to impose curfews and travel restrictions. Regions authorities may continue to impose localized lockdowns for areas with particularly high rates of infection. Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing and capacity requirements. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces in most of the country, though in most areas are no longer necessary outdoors where social distancing guidelines can be followed.

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.

Resources

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Ministry of Health
EU COVID Digital Certificate Information