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A few helpful hints for visitors travelling to Spain this summer and concerned about Covid regulations here
Updated 18th July due to changing info about masks.
Although Spain is open for tourist visitors this summer, there is no escaping the fact that Covid-19 is still very much amongst us, and visitors as well as residents are all painfully aware of the risks posed by travel.
Locals who have endured 10 weeks of the strictest lockdown in Europe to reduce cases here fear that foreign visitors, or visitors from other areas of Spain, may bring "imported cases" with them, so if a local friend is unwilling to hug, or a local attempts to maintain their distance, don´t take offence; we're all just a little cautious.
Conversely, travellers are putting themselves in potential situations where they will be creating contacts by travelling on public transport, on ferries, in planes and using facilities such as bars and shops, where the risk of contact is higher than remaining at home, and just because the sun is shining and everyone is happy to be on holiday, this doesn´t mean that there is no risk; there is, we have Covid here as well.
Most of the regulations in Spain are about self-protection and mutual respect for others , but there have been a number of outbreaks of Covid in the last few weeks and the use of masks at all times is becoming increasingly common across Spain. In general the use of masks in public places is mandatory, and visitors must carry masks with them at all times.
Specific restrictions in some regions
Please be aware, each of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain have their own regional government which is empowered to make their own local legislation, so there is considerable variation at a local level, particularly relating to masks, beaches/night-clubs/discos and the use of pools. Check with your local tourist information office /hotel/community officers in order to ensure compliance with local laws.
This product specifically services the Region of Murcia, although is read by visitors from many other parts of Spain as well, and all contact details given on this site relate to this region. We are NOT attempting to break down the specific details for every region other than for the Murcia Region. In general, all other regions are following pretty much the same rules as Murcia below. See webpages or facebook groups in other areas of Spain for their own local info.
On July 8th the regional government of Cataluña passed a decree making the wearing of masks in ALL public places mandatory at all times. Click for article
On July 9th the Balearic Islands announced that face masks would be compulsory in all public areas except beaches, when eating or drinking, practising sport or when swimming. Apart from those exceptions facemasks must be worn in public in all of the Balearic Islands. Click for info
Extremadura, Basque Country (all of 15th July), Andalucía, Aragón, La Rioja, Cantabria (15th July) and Asturias all have measures in place insisting on the use of masks in all public places.
Masks will be compulsory in Castilla y León in all public spaces from Saturday 18th onwards. The Canary Islands has decided not to impose the same restrictions as other regions but will instead "intensify its vigilance" and "impose more sanctions" on those not observing the existing regulations.(16th July).
Galicia announced on 17th July it too would be applying the same conditions as Murcia, see below.
Castilla La Mancha has said it will approve the same measures next wek (beginning 20th July)
Madrid and Valencia remain undecided.
The Valencia Region; Comunidad Valenciana (Alicante, Valencia and Castellón provinces) made the use of a mask mandatory from Saturday 18th July.
The use of masks in the Murcia region became mandatory on 13th July.
Anyone not wearing a mask will be fined 100 euros on the spot.
Specifically;
The use of masks is compulsory in all public spaces, in the streets, in open-air spaces, in enclosed spaces such as shops and shopping centres and any areas open to the public. Although there has been some resistance to the idea, masks must be worn when going for a walk, regardless of whether the walker is in a highly populated area or not; it’s the law.
Masks should cover the mouth and nose from the chin to the nasal septum, ensuring that nostrils are not exposed.
The use of a face mask is not obligatory in the following cases:
- For children under the age of 6
- For those suffering from a respiratory condition or illness which would be aggravated by the use of a mask, ie severe asthma.
- Individuals with disabilities or dependency, for whom it is impossible to remove a mask without assistance.
- Those for whom behavioral conditions make their use unfeasible.
- Practicing sport in the open-air.
- Cases of force majeure or situation of need
- When eating or drinking. Please note, this particular point is open to misinterpretation. The Murcian regional president explained in his address that masks should be worn in bars and restaurants and removed in order to eat or sip a drink, before being put back on again. Masks must be worn when entering or leaving a restaurant and to go to the washrooms. The regional bulletin states that masks do not need to be worn when “eating or drinking” but this doesn´t mean that they don´t need to be worn when talking to a group of friends in a public setting. Remember, bars and restaurants are areas with a potential for many contacts as so many people come and go during the day and it is equally important for staff to be protected from potential customer contacts, as a sick staff member could potentially infect a lot of people. Bars and restaurants have lost thousands during lockdown and are keen to avoid another. They are all forced to maintain lower capacity than normal and are keener than any other sector to ensure your environment is hygienic and safe.
- When the use of a mask is impractical due to the nature of the activity being undertaken or incompatible with the activity. In particular, the use of masks is not obligatory when using a swimming pool, bathing in the sea or on beaches. However, its use is recommended when out of the water. This means that masks do not have to be worn when swimming or sitting around a pool, but it is RECOMMENDED that one be worn in the enclosed areas around a pool as there is still a risk of contagious contacts, ie a covid positive individual sneezing onto a sunbed could easily infect other bathers. Masks must be worn walking to a pool area, or in any other type of communal area, ie lounging area on a resort, children’s play area etc.
-When undertaking sporting exercise. Again open to misinterpretation. This refers to strenuous sporting activities such as running and does not mean those sitting in a golf buggy.It is exempted from the restriction simply to avoid breathing difficulties for those undertaking a strenuous sporting activity.
- In cases where the use of masks is not mandatory, the use of other means of protection or barrier is recommended, especially the use of face shields.
The use of any other means of protection or additional barrier to the use of a mask is recommended, when the concurrent risk level makes it necessary.
The 1.5 metre distancing rule must still be observed in situations in which activities are carried out with the participants or clients sitting or lying down. 1.5-metres must be maintained between seats or deckchairs or between tables and table groups. In all situations, the appropriate precautionary and protective measures must be observed to prevent contagion.
In cars: in this case the national rule applies, which is that masks must be worn in cars when its occupants come from more than one household, ie, going out shopping with friends or picking someone up from the airport….. they may be covid positive and not know it as they are asymptomatic (ie not showing symptoms) but still capable of transmission and passengers in a vehicle are breathing the same air and are in close proximity to each other.It is not necessary to wear a mask when driving with the wife down to the shops, (providing you still live together after 10 weeks of lockdown) but obviously the mask must be applied when exiting the vehicle.
COVID: Please be aware that Spain still has many cases of Covid-19 and asks all visitors to respect social distancing and wear masks when requested to do so for their own safety, and for the security of local residents. See www.murciatoday.com (Spanish news) for daily updates of the current numbers of active Covid cases in Spain. For Murcia Covid case updates go to the Murcia news section.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: In Spain social distancing of 1.5 metres is compulsory. Family groups are not expected to walk 1.5 metres away from each other, but it is obligatory to try and observe social distancing from other people wherever possible. This means that visitors are asked to socially distance when waiting in queues at the supermarket, in the market, or when waiting to enter a public building. For example, many tourist offices have limited space available inside, so visitors are asked to queue outside and observe social distancing from each other, and wait to be called inside. Many have digiitalised all of their leaflets which can be downloaded via apps or Q codes onto mobile phones to limit the risk of paper transmission.The residents of Spain are understandably anxious about the possibility of "imported" cases of Covid, so you will find some locals reluctant to be too close to strangers, particularly the elderly who are most vulnerable; please respect the wishes of other people to socially distance. Please note, this is a NATIONAL measure and must be observed, regardless of any LOCAL regulations regarding the use of masks.
MASKS(areas without specific regulations about masks): Please note that the use of masks inside buildings and in public areas where it is not possible to comply with the 1.5 metres social distancing rule is mandatory in Spain. This means that masks must be worn for example, inside public buildings such as airports, bus stations, shopping centres, inside shops of any size, inside leisure venues etc. It is not mandatory to wear a mask when walking in the open air PROVIDED social distancing is possible, so is not obligatory to wear a mask when out walking on a paseo, PROVIDED there is ample room for you to observe social distancing of 1.5 metres should you encounter another person.
It IS obligatory to wear a mask in crowded public spaces, for example, busy shopping streets or crowded paseos, so carry a mask with you at ALL TIMES. If you are not wearing a mask, do not be surprised if locals indicate that this is making them uncomfortable.
Masks should be worn on public transport at all times; this includes buses, taxis, aircraft and vessels.
Masks must only be worn on private transport if those sharing a vehicle come from more than one household (ie are not sharing or living in the same apartment). A maximum of 9 people may travel in a single private vehicle without wearing masks.
FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN STIFF FINES. Social media posts have already been seen with complaints from foreign visitors that they have been fined by police for not wearing a mask. Some have reported receiving a second fine for arguing the toss with a police officer. This is classed as civil disobedience and will result in a second fine, so wear a mask as instructed.
PURCHASING MASKS: Masks are sold in all major supermarket chains and are generally cheaper if purchased in multi-packs. Masks are sold in pharmacies, but frequently are sold at higher prices in spite of legislation establishing a fixed price under one euro as the pharmacist will say that the cheaper masks are not in stock and they only have medical masks available. Be careful, many of us who live here have paid through the nose for masks from pharmacists.
Please dispose of masks responsibly, in bins provided.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS: Restaurants and bars have maximum capacity rules, in most areas limiting them to 75% of their capacity. It is highly advisable to book in advance as space is limited in most hostelries, particularly in busy coastal areas. Masks must be worn when entering or leaving the restaurant or going to the washrooms. It is not mandatory to wear a mask when seated (other than in some local aras, see above for regional info about masks). Please respect the staff who are being placed in a high risk environment where they are subject to many contacts with clients. Staff will take every measure possible to guarantee your safety and theirs. In most venues, menus are only available in a paper format or by using Q codes on phones to avoid contagion by printed menus. For the same reason condiment sets and table decorations have been removed. Chairs are sanitised between use so please be patient.
SHOPPING: The use of masks in shops and shopping centres is obligatory at all times everywhere in Spain. Many street markets are operating with limited capacity and enforcing a system of social distancing, with vendors serving the clients, and not allowing clients to help themselves as is normally the case. This can involve lengthy queues, although again, this varies significantly from one municipality to another.
It is normal for supermarkets to request clients to wear gloves, masks and use handgel on entry and in some cases clients are only permitted to use trolleys, not baskets, in order to enable social distancing. All supermarkets ask that the numbers of people shopping be limited in order to prevent crowding, so if it is not necessary for the whole family to shop, then don´t take them; remember every contact is a potential Covid hazard. Some supermarkets in coastal areas may limit capacity at busy times and those queueing will be asked to maintain social distancing.
BEACHES: Social distancing regulations apply on most beaches. These may vary as each local council may apply its own regulations, so some will be stricter than others. Observe social distancing of 1.5 metres between bathers (this is not necessary if you are within a family group) but your group must socially distance from other bathers. If the police or Protección Civíl ask you to move to another position due to crowding, please do so.In the Region of Murcia there are no set divisions of the beaches but in other areas of Spain beaches are being divided into square plots and roped off and in some high capacity areas time slots are being allocated for beach use. This will vary from area to area. Here in Murcia we have 200 beaches to choose from, including many vast areas of sand with low occupancy and many wild beaches, so there is no reason for crowding. Many of the wild beaches do not have the services of the beaches with lifeguards, so bear that in mind when selecting a beach. All public services are being regularly sanitised, ie footwashes and walkways; changing rooms have been closed this summer. Click for the Murcia Beach Guide to see 200 beaches, all with maps and photos:
POOLS, SPAS AND WATERPARKS: Although research indicates that Covid is not transmitted via water, it CAN be transmitted via the human contacts of those using pools etc. so all of these spaces are subject to reduced capacity and are implementing strict hygiene procedures to ensure clients are protected. The use of inflatables is prohibited in most cases, sunbeds are not being used and changing rooms are closed in most cases. Again, this will vary from place to place. Swimming pools in many resorts are not opening this summer due to the high costs of implementing the safety measures required to run them, so check with your local resort if this is important to you before booking. In many cases use of the pools is controlled by time slot allocations.
POLICE: Spain still respects its police force and if you are requested to move, put on a mask or socially distance, then it is highly advisable to do so as requested as there is considerably less tolerance here of those who are not observing the law and fines will be issued on the spot. Spain is a LOT stricter than the UK and the police will not tolerate arguing or aggression, certainly not in the current Covid crisis.There have been recent cases of British visitors arguing with the police when requested to wear a mask and being fined for not only not wearing a mask, but also civil disobedience for refusing to obey the orders of a police officer. Many officers have been infected during this crisis while carrying out their jobs and will enforce the law here. Police are generally helpful and friendly, but firm.
DANCING: At the moment discos are only permitted to open for drinks and no dancing is permitted in most areas.Again, this will vary according to the area, so if in doubt, check with the local tourist office. Click here to see a list of all tourist offices in the Murcia Region.
FEELING ILL: If you feel ill and think you may be suffering from Covid when visiting Spain call 112 or the number displayed locally to your particular region. Do NOT leave the property in which you are staying once you have made the call as responders will give instructions depending on where you are.
In the Region of Murcia the dedicated number is 900 12 12 12.
INSURANCE: take out travel insurance and check carefully to see what the cover is regarding Covid. If a family member became ill and had to be hospitalised for several weeks, what is the cover and don´t forget, the EHIC card doesn´t cover the costs of repatriation if there is a serious accident.....
LOCKDOWNS: There are increasing numbers of confinement orders being issued in some areas of Spain where there are serious outbreaks of Covid-19. As of July 15th, these are mainly in Cataluña in the Lleida province and there are other lockdowns in Aragón and Galicia. The containment orders are being limited to specific villages, towns or administrative areas and at the moment are not in main tourist beach areas. Decisions about confinement orders are being made by regional governments and at the moment Spain is not likely to decree another state of emergency. Keep an eye on the media for the latest updates about the confinements and avoid areas where there are high numbers of active cases.
Passenger Location Card MUST be completed prior to arrival
All visitors to Spain, regardless of how they arrive, will be required to complete a Passenger Location Card which collects information such as the address of the location in which the traveller is staying in Spain, their recent travel history and information about any medical issues related to coronavirus symptomatology.
This form must be completed electronically before travelling to Spain, and after having filled in their details, travellers will be issued with a QR code that must be presented at the airport health checks upon arrival (or ferry port).
The form can be completed via www.spth.gob.es which states;
Form from IATA: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/safety/health/locator-form/
Link for app if you have iPhone and have problems using the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atos.spain.th
“Each form is personal and non-transferable and is associated with a single trip.
From July 1st, 2020, if you fly to Spain from other countries, it is mandatory to fill out and sign the FCS form associated with your trip, regardless of your nationality, age or any other consideration. This form must be completed by each of the passengers who will be responsible for ensuring that the information provided is true and accurate. In the event that the passenger is a minor or a dependent/disabled person, the form can be filled in by their tutor, who will be responsible for the veracity of the information provided.”
Having completed the process the QR code can be uploaded onto a mobile phone or printed out in paper format to be handed over in the airport.
Until the end of July those arriving at the airport without having previously completed the form will be permitted to do so in paper format.
Arrivals will also undergo a thermal imaging temperature check using non-contact thermometers or thermal imaging cameras. In the case of travel by sea, this process may be carried out before arrival at any Spanish port.
If a traveller is believed to be suffering from Covid-19, a medical evaluation will be performed and if the passenger is found to be Covid-positive, then the Spanish health authorities will intervene and activate the protocols established to refer the passenger to a health center for further testing.
Travel agencies, tour operators and air or sea transport companies and any other agent who sells tickets is obliged to inform passengers of the obligation to present the public health form at the airport or port of destination.
By ferry (and then driving)
Logically if you are driving into Spain from the UK then you will arrive by ferry or Eurotunnel.
The form must be completed prior to dparture:
Brittany Ferries: https://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/information/coronavirus
Eurotunnel: Read the information page on the Eurotunnel site ref entering France and returnig to the UK: https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/travelling-with-us/latest/covid-19/
Until the end of July those arriving at the airport without having previously completed the form will be permitted to do so in paper format.
Arrivals will also undergo a thermal imaging temperature check using non-contact thermometers or thermal imaging cameras. In the case of travel by sea, this process may be carried out before arrival at any Spanish port.
If a traveller is believed to be suffering from Covid-19, a medical evaluation will be performed and if the passenger is found to be Covid-positive, then the Spanish health authorities will intervene and activate the protocols established to refer the passenger to a health center for further testing.
Travel agencies, tour operators and air or sea transport companies and any other agent who sells tickets is obliged to inform passengers of the obligation to present the public health form at the airport or port of destination.
