Travel ban to Spain now extended to allow for vaccinations

Spanish authorities have banned Brits from entering Spain for a further two weeks until 30 March once more Spaniards have been vaccinated.

The travel ban was due to end on 16 March, which will now end on 30 March as the Tourism Minister, Reyes Maroto estimates that some 40% of Spain’s population will have received their vaccine by then.

The Minister said, “When we have that percentage of vaccination in spring, we will be in a position to begin the reopening of our destinations in line with what we are working on in the European Union.”

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated their travel advice on Wednesday.

The FCDO said, “On 22 December 2020, Spain introduced travel restrictions on passenger travel from the UK by air and sea.

“These measures have been extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 30 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish and Andorran nationals and those legally resident in Spain or Andorra.”

Despite this two week extension on the ban, the Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism said that holidaymakers will be allowed back in May.

The FCDO states, “All passengers (excluding children under the age of six years old) travelling to Spanish airports from ‘risk’ countries, as determined by the European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control are required to present a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, in order to enter the country.

“You will also be subject to the additional three requirements at the point of entry.

“It is mandatory for all passengers travelling by air or sea to Spain to fill out and sign an online Health Control Form 48 hours prior to travel, providing the Spanish Ministry of Health with:

– contact information

– details of any known history of exposure to COVID-19, and

– confirmation that you are able to provide evidence (electronically or hardcopy) that you have undertaken a PCR, TMA or LAMP test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and have tested negative for COVID-19.”

Adding, “You can do this on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app.

“On completion, you will be issued a personal and non-transferable QR code which you must show (electronically or hardcopy) at airport health controls on arrival.”