Spain imposes temporary rule change for Britons hoping to visit – FCDO update
Spain announce travel ban for UK flights amid coronavirus strain
Like many countries around the world, Spain shut its borders to British travellers after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19 said to be much more transmissible. As a result, there are now strict entry rules for those who hope to visit Spain.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been updating its travel advice page in line with the latest changes from the Spanish Government.
Now, there has been a slight amendment to Britons who will be able to enter into Spain during the border closure starting from January 4, 2021.
Britons who are residents of Spain are already allowed to enter the country.
The new change will make it easier for those who are in the process of becoming a Spanish resident to enter the country with documentation.
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The FCDO explains: “If you are resident in Spain, you should also carry the appropriate proof of residency documents as well as a valid passport when you travel.
“Spanish authorities have clarified that either the A4-size or credit card-sized green EU registration certificates, the ‘Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea’, or the new TIE card, the ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’ are valid proof of residency for UK nationals who wish to return to their homes in Spain.”
It continues: “Spanish Authorities have confirmed that, as a temporary measure, those UK nationals who can prove that they have started their residency process in Spain, but who do not yet have their TIE card, should be allowed to board flights and return to Spain if they show a valid ‘resguardo de solicitud o renovación de tarjeta de extranjero’ document.
“This temporary measure is in place from January 4, 2021, until January 10, 2021, inclusive.”
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On arrival in Spain, travellers from the UK will be required to self-isolate.
They will also be required to present a negative PCR swab test, TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) swab test or a LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
“This requirement applies to all passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea, regardless of your residency status in Spain and the length of time you intend on staying,” states the FCDO.
“Property owners in Spain are subject to this requirement.”
Arrivals must declare their test on a mandatory “Health Control Form” issued by the Spanish Government.
This document should also include details such as passenger name, passport number, test date, name and contact details of the testing centre, testing method and test results.
Passengers should also list any known history of exposure to COVID-19.
On arrival, travellers will be subject to a temperature check and undergo a visual health assessment.
“Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of the above requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain,” continues the FCDO.
“Checks will be carried out on arrival to confirm travellers have undergone a COVID-19 PCR, TMA or LAMP test and have tested negative.
“A minimum fine of €3000 (approximately £2,683) may be issued to anyone who arrives in Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries without adequate evidence of a negative PCR, TMA or LAMP test.”
The UK Government warns Britons not to use NHS services for coronavirus tests facilitating international travel.
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