Travel ban lifts on May 17, with countries across the world being categorised by the travel traffic light system.
Each foreign country (and island) has been given a colour – green, amber or red – as part of the traffic light travel system which designates whether you’ll need to self-isolate on return to the UK.
Green list countries will be places with low Covid-19 rates, with a high level of vaccination across its population, while amber and red list countries are considered a higher risk.
Red list countries have the strictest rules, with only UK or Irish nationals and UK residents allowed to return to the UK from red-listed countries.
Spain was recently revealed to be a part of the amber list for when travel restrictions lift on May 17.
What does this mean for holidaymakers hoping to travel to Spain this summer?
Can I travel to Spain this summer?
While you will technically be allowed to travel to Spain this summer, restrictions in place will mean that it will be a more complicated affair than previous summer holidays.
Spain will be on the amber list from May 17, meaning that there will be requirements in place that you are responsible for adhering to.
Travel experts told Metro.co.uk that the challenge holidaymakers going abroad face now is staying on top of the news and the changing permissible travel zones, so that you don’t lose bookings of non-refundable deposits on flights and accommodation should a country’s status change.
‘Travel insurance companies are getting very strict in terms of people claiming a lack of knowledge as their excuse for a refund when their permission to travel to a country changed. Remember, if you do have to quarantine on your return the costs of the 11-day isolation in a hotel will need to be added to the cost of you holiday and your time out from work!’
What are the current restrictions for travelling to Spain?
It is currently illegal to travel abroad for holidays, and can only travel abroad if a you have permitted reason to travel abroad and complete a declaration form.
From May 17, Spain will be on the amber list, meaning that those who choose to travel to Spain will have to quarantine upon their return to the UK.
If you do travel to an amber listed country, you must self-isolate for 10 days, unless you receive a negative result from a test taken at least five days after arrival.
You’ll also have to take a pre-departure test, plus Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on both day two and day eight of your arrival in the UK.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said that leisure travel to amber countries isn’t recommended.
Anybody who is planning on travelling to Spain should make sure they are fully covered by their travel insurance, in case any changes occur to Spain’s Covid status or you become ill during your time there.
Will I need to quarantine on arrival in Spain?
There is currently no requirement for travelers form the UK to self isolate upon arrival in Spain.
Tourism minister. Reyes Maroto, recently announced that Spain is set to scrap the requirement for a negative test or proof of vaccination for British tourists because of the UK’s infection rate has fallen so low.
It would mean Spain would become one of only a handful of countries that allows holiday-makers to enter freely from May 20.
While you may not have to show proof of a Covid vaccine to enter the country, Spain will still be on the amber list come May 20, meaning you would still need to self-isolate upon your return.
You will also have to adhere to the restrictions that are in place for the people of Spain at the time that you travel.
Currently some restrictions and curfews remain in force and may vary between regions, while the use of face masks in public spaces, public transport, social distancing and hygiene and air ventilation rules must continue to be observed at all times
Keep an eye on Spain’s entry requirements, detailed on the FCO website.
When is the travel traffic light system reviewed?
Grant Schapps has confirmed that the countries on the traffic light travel system will be reviewed every three weeks.
This means that, should the infection rates of vaccine figures improve in Spain, it could mean that it moves up to be included on the green list of countries.
Of course, there is still always the risk that it may get worse and end up on the red list.
How are case numbers looking in Spain?
As of May 11, the total number of new cases in Spain at 4,941, which is a 39% drop in cases when compared to two weeks ago.
This is down from nearly 8,000 a day the week before.
Over 14 million people have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 13.5% of the population fully vaccinated so far.
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