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Sunvil's approach to holidays in Spain is refreshing. Our aim is to introduce our guests to the real country, away from the popular seaside resorts and tourist honeypots. We want our guests to experience local life, experience the country's wondrous natural settings and cultural sites, and, most of all, return home with the feeling that they have discovered somewhere special.
Since lockdown was announced, and before, we have been closely monitoring government guidance, regional policies and have maintained a continuous dialogue with our colleagues in Spain. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services. It is important to note that guidelines are being updated daily and you should contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns.
This document was updated on Thursday 28 January.
IMPORTANT: Spain has been removed from the UK's travel corridor. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office currently advise all but essential travel to the country. Until 16 February, Spain is restricting arrivals from the UK.
Travellers to Spain are required to complete a Health Control Form 48 hours prior to departure and obtain a QR code prior to arrival (full details can be found here or on the Spain Travel Health-SpTH app). A PCR swab test, LAMP test or TMA test for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) must also be undertaken within 72 hours of arrival.
Note: It is important to note that the negative test result is uploaded to the Health Control Form. The test results can be in the original format, written in Spanish or English. Where the Health Control Form cannot be completed electronically it may be submitted in paper format prior to boarding. In this instance, it must be accompanied by the original document certifying the result of the diagnostic test.
On arrival travellers will be subject to a temperature check and undergo a visual health assessment. Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of these requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain.
A minimum fine of €3000 may be issued to anyone who arrives in Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries without adequate evidence of a negative PCR, TMA or LAMP test.
Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a PCR, TMA or LAMP test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.
Please also ensure that you are familiar with the new rules for travel within Europe from 01 January 2021. A synopsis of the changes can be found in our dedicated blog.
On 25 October, the Spanish government declared a nationwide state of emergency which includes a national obligatory overnight curfew (specific curfew times vary, starting between 10pm and midnight and lasting until 6am). It also provides regional governments with legal powers to impose further mobility restrictions in their region if deemed necessary (e.g. entry and exit restrictions to and from specific areas). There are some exemptions to entering and exiting confined areas or travelling during the hours of curfew such as travelling to the airport and you will need to carry evidence of your reason for travel. Entry for tourism purposes is not currently permitted and should be avoided. To find out more about specific exemptions you should refer to guidance from local authorities.
Visit Spain has created a 'Travel Safe' website which provides easy to follow guidance for your trip.
A Responsible Tourism seal has been developed by the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism in light of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and is being awarded to establishments that follow official guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health. The seal is non-transferable and must be renewed every year. Further information on the measures adopted can be found below and in the following link:
Please note that these regulations can vary between regions.
Social distancing measures and other safety precautions should continue to be observed at all times. Many municipal and regional authorities have introduced other types of measures such as limiting the opening hours and capacity of bars and restaurants, and in some places these remain closed until further notice or only offer a take-away service. All nightclubs and dance halls are closed. Non-essential shops, grocery stores and chemists are open and must ensure that disinfection and social distancing are applied. Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions are open with limitations. Small businesses (such as hairdressers) are open by appointment only.
Prior to your trip it is advisable to consult the regulations of each region, which in Spain are called Autonomous Communities. as these can vary. You can find the details here. You should also refer to local authorities for any additional measures where you are.
Key common measures across Spain include:
Face masks are mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 years in public spaces, indoors and outdoors and on all forms of public transport, as well as in private vehicles if the occupants do not live together at the same address. You should carry a face mask with you at all times and be prepared to wear it throughout your stay. In restaurants and bars you should only remove your mask when you are going to drink or consume food. Face masks must cover the nose and mouth. Penalties may be imposed if you do not comply. Those with respiratory illnesses or disabilities are exempt from this rule. Whilst not mandatory, the use of face masks on children between 3 and 5 years of age is recommended.
Access to beaches is permitted and managed by the local government to ensure that capacity restrictions, which are in place, are not exceeded. Social distancing on the beach (except family groups) must be observed and in some regions, including Andalucía, face masks are compulsory on the beach for some situations (for instance when taking walks on the beach, locating a spot on arrival at the beach and when leaving).
Sunvil’s destination specialists have toured Spain and know the country inside out. The team consisting of Rosanna, Michelle, Yasmin, Cristiana, Alison and Bekki, are supported in-country by our local agent. We operate a 24-hour emergency telephone number and are also on hand to answer any questions you may have.
28th January 2021
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
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