Spain: Regional authorities continue to maintain COVID-19 countermeasures as of Aug. 17 /update 59

Event

Many regional authorities in Spain continue to maintain tightened COVID-19 countermeasures as of Aug. 17 in response to elevated infection rates. Regional authorities are responsible for setting localized restrictions, though they must petition local courts for authority to impose curfews and travel controls. Authorities in Andalusia, Aragon, Cantabria, Catalonia, Navarre, and the Valencian Community continue to impose 01:00-06:00 curfews in high-risk municipalities, during which time individuals must remain in their accommodations unless attending to essential tasks. Several regions have also introduced or tightened caps on attendance at permitted gatherings and require nightlife venues to close at a certain hour.

Nationwide, most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing or capacity requirements. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces across most of Spain, though in many areas are no longer necessary outdoors where social distancing guidelines can be followed.

International Entry Restrictions
Nonessential travel to Spain is only permitted for travelers from EU/EEA-associated states, Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the US. Nonessential travel is also permitted from all countries 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 before 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, a certificate of having recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 11-180 days, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the 72 hours before arrival, or a negative antigen test taken in the 48 hours before arrival. EU citizens traveling from EU countries may also present an EU Digitial COVID Certificate to expedite processing. Travel providers may prohibit passengers who attempt to travel without this documentation from boarding. To view the list of high-risk countries, click here.

Travelers from designated "safe countries," including Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, 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 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. Additionally, travelers from Brazil and South Africa and Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, and Namibia must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival in Spain. Arrivals can end isolation early if they receive a negative result in a test that may be taken after the seventh day of isolation.

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