Grant Shapps discusses changes to ‘green list’

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Holidays to Spain received a moderate boost on Thursday, when the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps confirmed the Balearic Islands were to be added to the green list. This means, from Wednesday 30 June, Britons will be able to fly to and from the Balearics without quarantine.

The Spanish archipelago is home to tourist hotspots including Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca.

In line with the new traffic light update, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has amended its travel advice for Spain.

However, the bad news is, mainland Spain remains amber, with the FCDO continuing to advise against travel.

This means holidays to the likes of Benidorm, Marbella and Malaga remain on hold.

In its latest update, the FCDO states: “The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Spain, but does not advise against all but essential travel to the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.”

Some officials in the Balearics have begun to show concern ahead of an anticipated influx of Britons.

This is largely due to the widespread Delta variant in the UK.

Iago Negueruela, the official in charge of tourism in the islands, said: “We’ve asked the Spanish Government to establish controls for the arrival of people coming from the UK.”

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Francina Armengol, the region’s leader, made a similar call on Twitter, urging Spanish officials to set “strict and safe entry controls” for British tourists.

There are some entry requirements in place for UK arrivals, although currently, Britons are exempt from having to prove a negative COVID-19 test or proof of being fully vaccinated.

“From 24 May, entry restrictions and testing requirements for arrivals from the UK to Spain no longer apply,” states the FCDO.

There are some exceptions to this, however, including if a traveller has been in a “risk” country within the previous 14 days.

The Canary Islands are also setting their own rules, with travellers required to undergo more rigorous testing measures if travelling from mainland Spain or when checking into certain accommodation.

The FCDO adds: “All passengers entering Spain are still required to complete a pre-travel declaration form.”

Across Spain and its archipelagos, a number of measures aiming to curb the spread of coronavirus remain in place.

The FCDO warns: “Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus.”

Despite this, the laws around wearing face masks in public places are gradually being relaxed.

“From June 26, it will no longer be mandatory to wear a face mask outdoors where social distancing of 1.5 metres is observed,” explains the FCDO.

However, face mask use remains mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 years in the following circumstances:

In any enclosed space open to the public.

In any indoor space where people who are not from the same household mix

In any outdoor space where it is not possible to observe social distancing of 1.5m.

On all forms of public transport including planes, trains, trams, buses and metro, as well as all transport stations, platforms and airports.

Specific mask rules vary between regions, and penalties may be imposed for those who do not comply.

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