Spain, the most popular summer holiday destination for Brits, will allow visitors from the UK to enter the country without the needs to quarantine from today.
The move to reopen its borders to European visitors includes those travelling from the UK, despite ongoing efforts to suppress the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spain said the decision to include the UK in its relaxing of travel restrictions was out of respect for the 400,000 British expats who live in the country.
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Arancha González Laya, Spain’s foreign affairs minister, said: “We will allow British visitors to enter Spain just like the rest of the European Union or Schengen area from June 21 freely and without the need for the quarantine.”
The Spanish government aims to revive the country’s tourism industry with a casmpaign called ‘Spain for Sure’.
An update on the Foreign Office website stares: “The State of Emergency (“Estado de Alarma”) declared on 14 March, ends on June 21.
“From this date, Spain’s borders are open to European Union and Schengen-area countries (with the exception of Portugal where the restrictions will continue to apply until 1 July), and travellers from the UK.
“Arrivals from the United Kingdom are not required to self-isolate on arrival but will be subject to a series of three health checks. From 21 June travel between regions is permitted.
“Face masks are obligatory in public spaces. Social distancing measures and other safety precautions must be observed at all times.”
The FCO advised that on arrival, travellers entering Spain from the UK will not be required to self-isolate however but will be subject to the following three requirements:
- Provide contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19;
- Temperature check;
- Undergo a visual health assessment.
The FCO advice adds: “Anyone who presents symptoms or fails one of the above requirements will be seen by a health professional.”
Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor, said: “This is positive news for many UK holidaymakers who are hoping to get away this summer, however with the FCO still advising against non-essential travel upcoming package holidays to Spain won’t go ahead, and it remains too risky to book.”
“Some airlines seem determined to fly to Spain in the next few weeks despite the FCO advice, but carriers should continue to offer free rebooking to customers who would invalidate their travel insurance if they flew and face two weeks quarantine on their return.
“The FCO must also, finally, provide some clarity on when its travel ban will remain in force until, so holiday providers and airlines know what dates it is appropriate to sell flights and holidays for.”
More: Travel to most-popular destinations on course from July
Agreement on air bridges expected by end of June
