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The travel ban lifted on May 17, with countries across the world now categorised by the UK’s travel traffic light system.
Each foreign country (and island) has been given a colour – green, amber or red – as part of the new system which designates whether you’ll need to self-isolate on return to the UK.
Green list countries are places with low Covid-19 rates, with a high level of vaccination across its population, while amber and red list countries are considered higher risk.
Red list countries have the strictest rules, with only UK or Irish nationals and residents allowed to return to the UK from these destinations.
What does this mean for holidaymakers hoping to travel to Spain this summer?
Can I travel to Spain this summer?
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While you can technically travel to Spain this summer, restrictions mean that it will be a more complicated affair than previous summer holidays.
Spain is currently on the amber list, meaning that that non-essential travel is advised against, and there are requirements in place that you must adhere to.
The government is recommending that people avoid booking holidays to any country on the amber travel list.
Travel experts told Metro.co.uk that the challenge holidaymakers going abroad face now is staying on top of the news and the changing permissible travel zones so that you don’t lose bookings of non-refundable deposits on flights and accommodation should a country’s status change.
‘Travel insurance companies are getting very strict in terms of people claiming a lack of knowledge as their excuse for a refund when their permission to travel to a country changed.
‘Remember, if you do have to quarantine on your return the costs of the 11-day isolation in a hotel will need to be added to the cost of your holiday and your time out from work!’
What are the current restrictions for travelling to Spain?
Spain has been on the amber list since May 17, meaning that those who choose to travel to Spain will have to quarantine upon their return to the UK.
If you do travel to an amber listed country, you must self-isolate for 10 days, unless you receive a negative result from a test taken at least five days after arrival.
You’ll also have to take a pre-departure test, plus Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on both day two and day eight of your arrival in the UK.
Anybody who is planning on travelling to Spain should make sure they are fully covered by their travel insurance, in case any changes occur to Spain’s Covid status or you become ill during your time there.
The government has stressed that you should not be booking trips to amber list countries, with Grant Shapps telling Sky News that holidaymakers should be more patient.
‘We’re not at the stage of saying to people, go to those places on holiday, in fact, please don’t,’ he said.
Will I need to quarantine on arrival in Spain?
There is currently no requirement for travellers from the UK to self isolate upon arrival in Spain.
Upon entering Spain, you currently need to show proof of a negative test result taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, had previously announced that Spain was hoping to scrap the requirement for a negative test or proof of vaccination for British tourists by May 20.
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While that date wasn’t met, Spanish officials confirmed that British holidaymakers will not have to quarantine on their arrival – and will not need to show proof of a negative test – from May 24.
While you may not have to quarantine upon entry into the country, Spain will still be on the amber list, meaning you would still need to self-isolate upon your return.
You will also have to follow the local Covid restrictions that are in place across Spain.
Currently some restrictions and curfews remain in force and may vary between regions, while the use of face masks in public spaces, public transport, social distancing and hygiene and air ventilation rules must continue to be observed at all times
Keep an eye on Spain’s entry requirements, detailed on the FCO website.
When is the travel traffic light system reviewed?
Grant Shapps has confirmed that the countries on the traffic light travel system will be reviewed every three weeks. The next review takes place on June 7.
This means that, should the infection rates of vaccine figures improve in Spain, it could mean that it moves up to be included on the green list of countries.
Of course, there is still always the risk that it may get worse and end up on the red list.
How are case numbers looking in Spain?
As of May 20, the total number of new cases in Spain at 5,722, which is a 25% drop in cases compared to two weeks ago.
Nearly 34% of the Spanish population have had their first dose of the vaccine, with 16% of the population fully vaccinated so far.
MORE : Couple kiss in street as thousands celebrate end of lockdown in Spain
MORE : Traffic light system ‘won’t stop variants entering UK’ after travel ban lifted
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