Update on Entry into Spain
TRAVEL BANS: WHO CAN TRAVEL INTO SPAIN
The Spanish Health Ministry has issued an update on Travel requirements into Spain until May 9th 2021.
Source: Ministerio de Sanidad website > Spain Travel Health
VALIDITY: Midnight April 26th until Midnight May 9th 2021
QUARANTINE 10 DAYS
Persons with Spanish residency, valid visas or Spanish nationals coming from Brazil, Colombia, Pero, South Africa, Botswana, Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe must remain in quarantine for 10 days after their arrival in Spain, or for the duration of their stay if it is shorter than that. This period may end earlier, if on the seventh day the person is tested and has negative results.
EU COUNTRIES - Spain is open
Citizens of these countries as EU citizens can enter Spain with a negative test. However they must be aware of the restrictions on travel in the different regions of Spain and may be required to show justified documented proof of where they are travelling to.
On the map these are the dark red, red, orange and grey risk areas.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark (except Greenland), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway (except Nordland, Troms & Finnmark regions), Poland, Portugal (border closed until April 30th search Portugal border for more information), Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.
NON-EU COUNTRIES - Spain is closed
All "Third countries" (including UK, USA, Switzerland, Canada, etc.) CANNOT enter the EU area and therefore Spain except 8 exceptions (see below). This temporary restriction of non-essential travel from third countries to the EU and Schengen associated countries for reasons of public order and public health is extended until midnight May 9th.
COUNTRIES EXEMPTED FROM BAN - Spain is open
Australia, New Zealand, China, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea
Thailand, Region of Hong Kong, Region of Macao.
EXCEPTIONS TO TRAVEL FOR NON-EU CITIZENS
The Orden specifies exemptions allowing entrance in Spain for non-EU citizens (including British citizens) in the following cases:
A) Residents of the EU, Schengen states, Andorra, Vatican & San Marino who are travelling to their place of residence.
B) Long term Spanish visa holders
C) Health care professionals and carers who travel for work
D) Transport workers
E) Diplomats, military and members of international organisations
F) Students with permission or Spanish visas & medical insurance
G) Highly qualified professionals in some justified cases
H) People who are travelling for essential and justified family matters
I) Force majeure cases, necessary situations or humanitarian reasons
J) Residents of countries not affected by the restrictions
UK BAN
There is separate ban on exiting the UK for travel until May 17th which gets confused with the ban to enter Spain/EU. They are different with different criteria.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS for NON-EU CITIZENS
1. Can I enter Spain to Spain to view a house I want to buy?
No, unless you are a EU citizen or have one met of the above criteria for exceptions to travel.
2. Can I enter Spain for work or a legal appointment?
There is no clear guidance and each case is different but people travelling for work have been permitted entry if they have a justified document and reason for travel.
3. Can a non-EU citizen married to a Spanish national or Resident travel to Spain?
Yes, as long as they can show the relevant documents.
4. Is it still possible for UK citizens to apply for Residency in Spain?
Yes, if they have documented proof they lived in Spain before the 3st Dec 2020. See Gov UK for the more information.
5. Can I travel to visit a family member in Spain?
No, unless it is deemed an Essential reason such as a severe health situation and there is documented proof.
6. Can I travel to Spain to visit a doctor?
There is no clear rules on this and it would depend on each case and the documented evidence (Doctor's letter, etc.) and if the persons at check-in and at border control consider it as an essential reason to travel.
7. Can I travel with only the Padron or house Deeds?
No, unless you are a UK citizen and have lived in Spain before the 31st Dec 2020 and therefore can return to your home to apply for residency under the Withdrawal Agreement.
8. Why were UK citizens refused entry at Alicante Airport?
Alicante airport can be overly tough on the travel requirements to enter only excepting valid residency cards on some arrival. This depends on the border control personal receiving the flight in.
UK citizens with Padrons, Deeds, medical letters, travelling with EU resident spouse have been travelling without issue via Madrid Airport up until yesterday. Check with your airline before travelling.
Copied from LM Lawyers Valencia.
