Spain announce travel ban for UK flights amid coronavirus strain

 The Spanish government announced in a Tweet plans to extend its current travel ban on UK arrivals. Only those who meet a specific set of requirements will be allowed to enter Spain.

The news comes as concerns continue to mount over the number of coronavirus cases in the UK, which is thought to be as a result of a mutation of the virus.

In early December, the British Government announced the discovery of the new strain, describing it as more contagious than previous strains.

In a tweet, Spain’s health minister said: “The Government extends restrictions on flights and maritime transport from the United Kingdom until 6:00 pm on February 2nd.

“Except for Spanish or Andorran nationals or residents in Spain / Andorra.”

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The ban first came into force on December 22, and though it was due to expire on January 5, was later extended.

In a statement, the Spanish government said the decision to extend the ban came because of “some uncertainties over the reach of the new strain”.

It added: “The epidemiological situation in the United Kingdom has progressively worsened.”

Since then cases of the new strain have been detected in Spain, with local media reporting health ministry figures of around 70 confirmed cases.

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The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which provides travel advise to Britons, has outlined some exceptions to the new travel ban in Spain.

These relate specifically to Spanish nationals.

“On 22 December 2020, Spain introduced travel restrictions on passenger travel from the UK by air and sea.

“These measures have been extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 2 February 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.

“International transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK is not permitted.

“This includes flights from the UK to the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

“If you were due to travel, or transit through, Spain, please contact your travel operator before departure.

“If you are resident in Spain, you should carry your residence document (the green paper EU residence certificate or the new TIE), as well as your valid passport when you travel.

“The Spanish authorities have not confirmed whether other documents are being accepted as sufficient proof of residence to enable entry to Spain.

“We strongly advise that you contact your airline before travelling to confirm your proof of residency meets the requirements of your airline.”

Travellers who are entering Spain for an essential reason are also required to provide a negative coronavirus test.

This must be a PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Travellers are also required to fill out an online health control from 48 hours prior to travel.

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