Spain tourist ban: What you need to know

Spain has announced a ban on all non-essential travel from the United Kingdom, starting on Sunday.

The move comes in response to a surge in coronavirus cases in the UK, which has seen the country placed on Spain's "red list" of countries from which travel is banned.

British tourists who are already in Spain will be allowed to stay, but they will not be able to travel to other parts of the country. They will also be required to quarantine for 10 days on their return to the UK.

The ban is a major blow to the Spanish tourism industry, which relies heavily on British visitors. In 2019, there were more than 18 million British tourists to Spain.

The Spanish government has said that the ban is necessary to protect public health. However, it has also acknowledged the economic impact of the ban and has said that it will provide financial support to businesses that are affected.

What does the ban mean for British tourists?

All non-essential travel from the UK to Spain is banned.
British tourists who are already in Spain will be allowed to stay, but they will not be able to travel to other parts of the country.
British tourists will be required to quarantine for 10 days on their return to the UK.

What are the exceptions to the ban?

Spanish citizens and residents.
Foreign nationals who are legally resident in Spain.
Foreign nationals who are travelling to Spain for essential purposes, such as work, education, or family reunification.

What should British tourists do if they are already in Spain?

Stay where you are and do not travel to other parts of the country.
Contact your airline or travel agent to arrange your return to the UK.
Quarantine for 10 days on your return to the UK.

What should British tourists do if they are planning to travel to Spain?

Cancel your trip.
Contact your airline or travel agent to arrange a refund.

The Spanish government has said that the ban will be reviewed on a regular basis and could be lifted if the situation in the UK improves.