Travel to Spain is still currently restricted and only essential travel that cannot be avoided may be permitted under special circumstances. However, as mentioned above this restriction will be lifted by the end of June.
Spain has created a de-escalation strategy that will occur in 4 stages. Each stage is expected to last 2 weeks. Therefore it is expected that the new normal will take about 6 to 8 weeks to be completed which means it is expected to be around the end of June for things to be getting back to the “new normal”. Remember each stage will be assessed and if necessary further extensions or changes of plans may be necessary.
The phrase “new normal” is used to describe the conditions after the lockdown period but a period where we will still have modified behaviours to minimize transmission of the virus. Some examples may include continued social distancing and the wearing of masks on public transport etc. The new normal conditions will be defined by the governments at the time.
The full de-escalation plans for releasing restrictions have been published by the Spanish Government.
Travel advice can also vary depending on which travel organization or airline you intend to use. For this reason, it is essential to check with all travel organizations you have used, or intend to use for your travel plans.
Tips for Traveling to Spain After COVID restrictions
Return for tickets purchased online for sightseeing, attractions, and transportation
If you have ordered tickets to visit attractions or transportation in Barcelona, you must visit the official website of the booking agency to find out what their cancellation policy is if you have opted for Bcn Travel.
Events
Many large events for business, sports and leisure have been either postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus. It is important to check the official websites for each of these events to see what the current plans are regarding the event. The updated dates might also possibly be changed if the government feels further containment measures are necessary.
Significant restrictions on movement within the country are also in force and transport services are operating at considerably reduced levels. Public gatherings and events are not permitted and most short-term tourist accommodation (including hotels, campsites and caravan parks) remain closed. Everyone in Spain (mainland as well as Canary and Balearic Islands) is required to stay at home apart from limited activities such as buying food, going to a health centre/hospital, or doing exercise during specified periods. Those who can work from home are asked to continue to do so. Some small businesses are allowed to re-open but in circumstances that support continued social distancing.
Spain’s lockdown was one of the toughest in Europe, but restrictions are gently being lifted. Beaches set to reopen in June while hotels in some parts of the country have already been permitted to resume business.
From July 1, the European destination, which welcomed a record 84 million visitors in 2019, will grant EU travellers permission to enter without having to quarantine for two weeks.
“Come July, we will allow the arrival of foreign tourists to Spain under safe conditions,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said at a recent news conference.
“We will guarantee that tourists are not at risk and that they don’t represent a risk (to Spain).”
At present, it’s mandatory for anyone 6 and older to wear face masks while in public, both indoors and outdoors, “where it is not possible to maintain [an interpersonal] distance.”
If you’re currently in Spain, follow the advice of local authorities.
“Anybody planning to travel to Spain should consult their airline or tour operator.
Spain is currently in the process of lifting its coronavirus lockdown, and it’s expected that hotels and other hospitality venues will open – with restrictions – within the next couple of months
The Spanish government has ordered that hotels and short-stay accommodation (such as short-stay campsites or caravan parks) must close by midnight 26 March. These measures do not apply to long-term accommodation, such as long-stay campsites, as long as clients can cater for themselves, in their own spaces (i.e. that clients do not rely on communal facilities).
The Spanish government has published a list of accommodation in each region that will remain open during the State of Emergency. The list may be modified so we advise you to check with the hotels directly. Whilst this is mainly intended for key workers, the accommodation will also be available for tourists who have been unable to return home.
Public gatherings are banned, most shops other than those selling food or other essential items such as pharmacies will be closed, many businesses and all schools and universities are closed, and all citizens have been instructed to remain at home except when going about a limited set of activities, in particular:
- to buy food or other essential items
- to return home to their primary residence
- to go to hospital or other health centres
- to go to work if you are employed in one of the essential services designated by the government see full list here
- to carry out caring or similar duties or in case of real need.
What precautions should I take?
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly – especially when you arrive at work and home
- When you cannot wash them with soap and water, use antibacterial hand sanitiser
- Ensure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve – NOT your hands – when coughing or sneezing
- Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands immediately after
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with unclean hands
- Avoid contact with those who are unwell
- There is currently no cure for coronavirus and antibiotics are ineffective.
Take care and stay safe while traveling to Spain!
