Gecko Towers
Last Sunday (15.06.20), during his regular weekly broadcast, Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced that with effect from June 21st, Spain will reopen its boarders to all members of the EU, with the exception of Portugal – who will need to wait until 1st July. For the purposes of this announcement, I am delighted to say that the UK is still regarded as being within the EU.
As a result, you can stop longing to dust off your Panama hat, sunglasses and factor 30 sun cream as from this coming Sunday, 21st June, you can bask in the wonderful Spanish sun, recharge your batteries and enjoying some delicious tapas lunches. There are still some rules affecting nightlife so your partying may need to be curbed a little.
Rules are being considered to introduce manageable social distancing on the beaches with some marking out with blue tape a defined area sufficient for a family of four. It’s early days and I will keep you updated
There are anecdotal stories about the vast increase in the numbers of bookings for flights and accommodation. While this may be a barometers of pent up demand it may also reflect the sentiment that we seem to be emerging from a horrible period of darkness.
The UK, for good reason, has its own quarantine rules that you must observe on your return but it is hoped, in time, that they will be amended as the infection rate of the Covid-19 virus declines yet further. I was hearing today that some are predicting, in a similar manner to the SARS virus, that the virus will burn itself out. Other commentators have suggested that the summer heat could degrade its potency.
Don’t be surprised if you are health checked on entry to Spain as their track and trace protocol is well managed. It is unlikely to be too intrusive.
STOP PRESS – This situation evolves by the hour and we now have learned that there is an intention to insist that visitors from the UK should self isolate for 14 days following arrival. This seems a tit-for-tat reaction to Boris’ insistence that visitors to the UK, including Spaniards, should undertake a similar quarantine. So long as your vacation exceeds a fortnight this should be less of a problem but I felt it best to share with you as soon as information was to hand. More will undoubtedly follow…..
Ok didn’t I say this was evolving STOP STOP PRESS – we heard yesterday via the usually reliable Daily Telegraph that it seemed likely that 14-day quarantine would be eased “in a matter of days” allowing Brits to enjoy the pleasures of Spain. It quoted a senior Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, commenting on BBC Radio’ 4’s “Today”, that “By June 28 or thereabouts we will have had some negotiations on air corridors with countries that have lower rates than ours.” So May be only a few more days of hesitation before it seems the green for go button can be pressed.
LATEST UPDATE 20th July 2020. Press reports are confirming that around 12 countries including Spain are poised to be confirmed as the recipients of ‘air bridges’ with the UK. However it is suggested that the final number of countries actually chose may be “less than ten”. The reports claim that an announcement will be made on 29th June and the operation of the ‘air bridge’ arrangements will be inaugurated on 4th July 2020. Watch this space for more updates.
LATER UPDATE 20.06.20 The Spanish Interior Ministry has announced today that UK visitors will, from tomorrow, 21.06.20, no longer be required to submit to a self imposed quarantine of 14 days following their arrival in Spain.
Please note: An important point to bear in mind, as currently the Foreign and Commonwealth office in the UK is advising against all but essential travel it is unlikely that your usual Travel Insurance provider will extend cover to you should you unfortunately contract COVID-19 whilst in Spain. It may be that the old E 111, the Blue Card, which is on the reverse of many UK health cards will provide cover but you should satisfactorily establish for yourself that all members of your party are appropriately protected.
Oh…..and hurry if you want to catch the beautiful Jacarandas!
Should you be interested in discussing the legal process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. Our team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent team of Abogados are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or, if you prefer, please e-mail me at mark@roslegal.es
Please note that our posts are for general interest. They are no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
© Mark FR Wilkins 2020 All rights reserved.