LESS than three weeks after the UK announced a travel corridor with Spain, the government has reintroduced its quarantine requirement for those returning.
We try and answer some of the questions you may have about travelling to and from Spain. Here’s what we know.
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The FCO is now advising against ‘all but essential travel’ to mainland SpainCredit: Reuters
What has happened?
On July 25, the UK government announced that people travelling from Spain from July 26 will have to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Before, the UK had allowed Brits to travel to the holiday hotspot without needing to self-quarantine on return.
After a spike in coronavirus cases in Spain, holidaymakers in the country – including island hotspots like Majorca and Ibiza – will now be forced to quarantine for two weeks upon returning home to the UK.
The Foreign Office has also warned against “all but essential travel” to mainland Spain – though this advice does not cover the Canary Islands or Balearic Islands.
However, this is under constant review and could change.
Can I still travel to Spain?
The short answer is yes.
Flights are still departing from the UK to Spain, but the FCO has changed its advice to only travel to mainland Spain for essential reasons.
Some airlines like Easyjet are still flying to Spain and some hotels are still open.
However, the government has advised to only travel to Spain for an essential reason.
If you decide to book a holiday to Spain you will be travelling against government advice.
This means you are unlikely to be covered under travel insurance.
I am already in Spain – do I need to rush back to the UK?
No. The government has said holidays do not need to be cut short.
It is already too late to rush back to the UK to avoid quarantining for 14 days.
The government advises those already in Spain to follow the advice of local authorities.
You should contact your tour operator or airline if you have questions about your return journey.
Are Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Majorca included on the FCO’s ‘black list’ for Spain?
The short answer is no.
The FCO have advised against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain.
The Canary Islands – which include Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa – are excluded from this but travellers are still required to self-quarantine when they return to the UK.
The same currently applies to the Balearic Islands, which includes Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.
However, this being continuous monitored by authorities and could change in the future.
Do I need to self-quarantine when in Spain?
The short answer is no. The most updated advice at the moment doesn’t require Brits travelling to Spain to self-quarantine upon arrival.
Travellers will be subjected to three requirements:
- Provide the Spanish Ministry of Health with mandatory contact information and any history Covid-19 exposure 48 hours prior to travel
- A temperature check
- Under a visual health assessment
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Travellers will now have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the UKCredit: Alamy Live News
Do I need to self-quarantine when I come back to the UK?
Yes.
But before you return to the UK you will need to provide details of your journey and contact details BEFORE you travel.
You must complete an online form – which can be completed here.
You cannot submit the form until 48 hours before you’re due to arrive back in the UK.
If you refuse to provide contact details you could face a fine up to £100.
Details on what you can or cannot do while self-isolating can be found here.
Once you complete the form you will then be required to show it at the UK border – either a printed version or showing it on your phone is fine.
Will my holiday be cancelled and will I get a refund?
If you have booked a package holiday through Tui then it will be cancelled.
Tour operators like Jet2, Easyjet Holidays and British Airways Holidays will cancel package holidays.
You will be entitled to choose between rebooking or a cash refund.
You need to wait for the operators to cancel to claim refund – DO NOT cancel the holiday yourself.
If you have booked flights and accommodation separately it is unlikely you will get a refund – you may be able to rebook but that will depend on the terms and conditions of the hotel and airline.
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Ryanair is likely to continue flying to Spain, despite FCO adviceCredit: Reuters
What will happen to my flight?
Easyjet and British Airways will continue to fly to Spain, despite the FCO warning.
Ryanair will likely do the same.
So in short, if your flight isn’t cancelled you may not be able to claim a refund.
Easyjet is allowing customers who no longer wish to travel to change their flight without a fee.
Customers will have to pay any difference if there is one and if the flight is cheaper than the original a voucher will be issued.
BA allows customers who booked from March 3 to cancel up to the day of departure and to receive a…
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