Spain: Regional authorities tighten COVID-19 countermeasures in Valencia Region as of July 13 /update 57

Event

Authorities in the Valencia Region have tightened COVID-19 countermeasures in more than 30 municipalities, as of July 13, in response to a spike in local disease activity. Authorities have reintroduced a 01:00-06:00 curfew in high-risk municipalities with a population greater than 5,000, including the city of Valencia and Benicassim municipality. Residents must remain in their accommodations during curfew hours except to seek urgent medical attention, make essential trips, care for the elderly, or to perform essential work. Public and private gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited.

Regional authorities are responsible for setting localized restrictions, though they must petition local courts for authority to impose curfews and travel restrictions. Regional 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.

International Entry Restrictions
Spain maintains a number of international entry restrictions in order to control the spread of COVID-19. Authorities previously extended 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.

Nonessential travel to Spain is 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 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 11-180 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.

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