Like many countries around the world, Spain closed its borders to British travelers after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19 considered much more transmissible. As a result, there are now strict rules of entry for those who wish to visit Spain.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice page in line with the latest changes from the Spanish Government.
Now, there has been a slight change to the British, who may enter Spain during the closing of the border as of January 4, 2021.
Britons residing in Spain are already allowed to enter the country.
The new change will facilitate the entry into the country of those who are in the process of becoming a Spanish resident.
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The FCDO explains: “If you are a resident of Spain, you must also bring the appropriate proof of residence documents, as well as a valid passport when traveling.
“The Spanish authorities have clarified that EU green registration certificates in A4 size or credit card, the ‘Ciudadano de la Unión Europea Registration Certificate’ or the new TIE card, the ‘Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero’ are valid proof of residence for UK citizens who wish to return to their homes in Spain. “
He continues: “The Spanish authorities have confirmed that, as a temporary measure, UK citizens 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 the flights and return to Spain if they present a valid document ‘safeguarding the renewal of tarjeta de extranjero’.
“This temporary measure is in effect from January 4, 2021 to January 10, 2021, inclusive.”
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Upon arrival in Spain, travelers from the United Kingdom must isolate themselves.
They must also present a negative PCR smear test, TMA smear test (transcription-mediated amplification) or a LAMP test (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) done no later than 72 hours before arrival.
“This requirement applies to all passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea, regardless of their status of residence in Spain and the time they intend to stay,” says 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 must also include details such as the passenger’s name, passport number, test date, test center name and contact details, test method and test results.
Passengers should also list any known history of exposure to COVID-19.
Upon arrival, travelers will undergo a temperature check and undergo a visual health assessment.
“Anyone who has symptoms or does not meet one of the above requirements will be subjected to a test on arrival and will be required to observe the COVID-19 protocols in force as determined by the local authorities of their destination in Spain,” continues the FCDO.
“Checks will be carried out on arrival to confirm that travelers have undergone a COVID-19 PCR, TMA or LAMP test and have had negative results.
“A minimum fine of € 3000 (approximately £ 2,683) can be applied to anyone arriving at Spanish airports and ports in ‘risk’ countries without adequate evidence of a negative PCR, TMA or LAMP test.”
The UK government warns the British not to use the NHS services for coronavirus tests that facilitate international travel.