Spain; the country famous for its distinct culture, sangria, dreamy tapas and year-round sunshine, is a popular destination amongst all Brits, and one we’re all eager to get back to for that dose of Vitamin D. For the sun worshippers, the adventurers and food lovers, Spain varies from region to region on what it can offer and there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’ve got a trip booked to Spain or looking to plan one in the future, here is what to expect when travelling to Spain this year post-COVID.
Before you head off on your trip to Spain, you need to check where it is on the traffic light system, whether it’s on the green, amber or red list as regulations are put in place to abide by before you leave the country. From the 17th May, international travel is open again from the UK and the traffic light system has been put in place to measure which countries vary from low to high risk.
It’s important to be aware of what you’re covered for and of the quarantine measures on your return home before departing to an amber or red listed country. At Holidaysafe, we will provide some cover under our policies for customers travelling to amber countries and territories providing they are not travelling against the advice of the FCDO. For more information, visit our Coronavirus Travel Insurance page.
Green list countries will require testing on arrival back to the UK but you’re free to travel there without quarantine. But, some green list countries may require a vaccine before departure and you can check that.
It’s important to check the entry requirements to Spain before you travel and know what to be aware of.
When travelling to the hot paradise, there are some rules in place ready for your arrival to help you experience the best holiday, safely.
For any tourist heading into the country, two restrictions must be abided by. Firstly, 72 hours before your arrival into Spain, you need to pay for a PCR test and prove a negative result. The PCR test will give you a ‘fit for flight’ certificate which will help you gain entry into the country. You’ll also need to fill out the Spain Health Control form. It needs to be completed and signed before you enter the country.
When roaming around your destination in Spain, you need to be mindful of the local restrictions and respect the other tourists and locals around you.
The restrictions in Spain can be dependent on which region you’re staying in and it’s worthwhile to research your designated location before jetting off. Restrictions could be along the lines of wearing facemasks, curfews, the capacity of different public spaces including restaurants/pools/hotels, how many people are allowed to meet and social distancing. You can find out about your chosen region here and the restrictions in place.
Travelling post-COVID is going to be the ‘new normal’ for a while, and something we’re already used to in terms of social distancing, sanitising our hands at every instance and wearing a mask. This cautious thinking shouldn’t go away when you’re on holiday, as it’s still important to be mindful of those around you and practice all the safe techniques you’ve used during the pandemic – and stay in line with the rules too.
Spain has its own rules on this matter which we’ve already stated and it’s also important to not only abide by them, but also take things at your own pace in terms of how you socialise on holiday and partake in activities.
Green list
Traveling back home to the UK isn’t going to be the same pre-COVID and even if Spain is on the green list when you travel, there will still be rules and regulations you need to abide by. There are a few things you’ll need to do first before returning home:
If Spain is changed to the amber/red list when you’re away or you travel to an amber or red list country on your way home from Spain, 10 days before you get back, you’ll need to follow the amber or red list rules. This can apply to stopover flights, new passengers travelling from red countries getting on your flight or private vehicles travelling through those countries in order to get home.
Amber list
If Spain is on the amber prior to your trip or changes whilst you’re away, the restrictions are quite different to if the country was on the green list.
Before heading home to the UK, here are a few things you need to do:
Red list
The red list needs to have more caution and the most preparation before your trip and here are the things you need to do:
All information correct at the time of writing and publishing 20th May 2021. For up to date information, visit the government website.
The paella, sangria and sunshine are calling you but first, don’t forget to buy your travel insurance policy.
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