Unvaccinated British tourists to be banned from entering Spain
SPAIN has announced unvaccinated British tourists will be banned from entering the country in a change to their coronavirus rules.
The tightening-up of regulations governing entry to the popular holiday destination comes into force on Wednesday, ending an exemption which means travellers without their Covid jabs could enter Spain with a negative test or proof of recovery from Covid.
The Spanish government confirmed the change in an official state bulletin published on Saturday.
Antonio Mayor, president of
Benidorm-based hotel association Hosbec, said he thought the effect would be “minimal” on the Britpopular Costa Blanca resort where the classic winter tourist is over 50 and double-jabbed.
But he added: “Anything that creates barriers is less tourism.”
Officials have said the move will not affect the estimated 300,000 Brits living in Spain.
The country’s decision to tighten regulations follows Portugal’s announcement that visitors will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test to entry the country from December 1, even if they are fully-vaccinated.
The decision was taken before confirmation the new Omicron coronavirus variant had been detected in several European countries.
Portugal confirmed yesterday that those caught trying to dodge the new crackdown would face fines of between £255 and £680.
The measure is part of a package of new restrictions designed to tackle a new rise in the number of coronavirus cases.
Covid passports will become obligatory to enter restaurants, hotels and gyms in Portugal.
Discos have been told they must close between January 2 and 9 and the return to school after the festive season has been put back by a week to January 10.
Fines for airlines that transport anyone without proof of a Covid-19 test have been put at nearly £17,000.
Several regions of Spain have also started demanding Covid passports, or have indicated they will seek court authorisation to do so, for entry to places such as bars, nightclubs and hospitals.