Tourists with holiday plans in Spain could face some cancellations if borders are closed following a sudden surge of coronavirus cases in the country in recent days. Spain’s Catalonia region has recorded more than 1,000 new cases of the virus in a single day, throwing parts of the area back into temporary lockdown measures.
With the destination appearing to be entering into a second spike, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is in ongoing talks with the French President Emmanuel Macron about closing the border between France and Spain once again.
This could cause a headache for tourists hoping to travel between the two, or who are travelling by land.
The sudden surge in cases has seen tough new lockdown measures being increased in certain parts of Spain.
Barcelona is currently enduring 15 days of voluntary lockdown, which has seen residents being urged to stay home for the duration.
READ MORE: Spain holidays on the brink as Barcelona goes into voluntary lockdown
“Now, because of the spread in the last few days, just to give you a sense of the numbers, for the whole of Spain back on Wednesday there were just over 300 cases of COVID-19 in those 23 hours.
“By Thursday there were 580 across Spain. Yesterday more than 1,000 cases just for the Catalonia region alone.”
Though Spain has reopened its borders to tourists, including Britons who have already flocked back to the holiday hotspot, regulations could be set for further change if cases continue to rise.
“Here in Brussels at the moment the Spanish Prime Minister is here talking about the coronavirus recovery fund,” Mr Lee continued.
“He’s been discussing this morning with Emanuel Macron, the French President, whether to shut the French Spanish border – that is a possibility.”
The news could prove a fatal blow to Spain’s tourism industry, which is just getting going again after the initial lockdown period saw borders closed to international tourists.
Spain’s borders are now open to European Union and Schengen-area countries.
UK travellers may journey between the UK and Spain without the need for a mandatory period of self-isolation.
However, at the time of writing, Britons must pass three measures before being allowed into the country.
The FCO explains that you must “provide the Spanish Ministry of Health with contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19, 48 hours prior to travel.
“You can do this on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app.
“It is mandatory for all passengers travelling to Spain to fill out and sign the online form associated with your trip, regardless of your nationality or residency status.
“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.”
UK travellers may also undergo a “temperature check” and “a visual health assessment” upon arrival in Spain.