Spain holidays have ridden a rollercoaster this year as the country’s tourism suffered at the hands of the coronavirus pandemic. The country was axed from the UK’s travel corridor on July 25 amid rising COVID-19 cases. This meant that anyone returning from mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands had to quarantine for 14 days.
While these rules still apply to the mainland and the Balearics, the Canaries have now been liberated.
The archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa was added to the ‘safe’ list today, following an announcement from Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Thursday.
The varying rules across the country might lead to confusion, however.
What is the current Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Spain and its islands?
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Spain
Mainland Spain is still on the ‘quarantine’ list.
You will need to self-isolate for a fortnight on your return to the UK.
This week Spain recorded more than one million coronavirus cases, becoming the first western European country to pass the figure and the sixth worldwide.
Earlier this month, on October 9, the Spanish government ordered a 15-day state of emergency in Madrid.
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Canary Islands
British holidaymakers can now easily travel to the Canaries.
The archipelago includes popular holiday hotspots Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote as well as La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Graciosa and a number of smaller islands and islets.
If you travel to any of these islands you won’t have to quarantine on your return.
Jet2 and TUI have now restarted flights to the Canaries following its addition to the ‘safe’ list while other airlines have been quick to launch holiday offers.
Spain entry restrictions
No matter where you travel in Spain you will be subject to three requirements.
These are:
– Provide the Spanish Ministry of Health with mandatory contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19 48 hours prior to travel
– Temperature check
– Undergo a visual health assessment
The FCDO recommends checking entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel.
The use of facemasks is mandatory on all forms of public transport in Spain and in many other indoor and outdoor public spaces.