Given that we are still currently living through a global pandemic, it’s difficult to find accurate Covid-related resources for each country. With this in mind, I’m here to help you know where to go to find out the most up-to-date information about Covid and pertinent resources in Spain.
Spain: Consulat Registration
Foremost, I recommend registering with your country’s consulate general to receive important information. As a U.S. citizen, I’m registered to receive alerts and updates for my region and was able to do so easily with the US Embassy website. By being registered, they automatically send you email updates related to COVID, protests, travel warnings, and other relevant information.
For more Covid specific resources in English from the U.S. Consulate General in Spain, visit the US Embassy Covid Information section of the site. I highly recommend always using a reliable government agency source for receiving the most up-to-date information.
Telegram Group Spanish Government
The next resource I’d like to share is a Telegram group that is hosted by Spain’s Ministry of Health department. Anyone can join and they will send you daily updates and infographics about current restrictions, figures, and additional information. However, all of this information is in Spanish, so a basic understanding of the language will be helpful. Click here to join the Telegram group.
Spain Travel Super Secret Tip – Travel Anyway and Lawfully
Another helpful resource (available in English, Spanish, and Catalan) is one that not many people who live here know about. In Catalonia, we have had restrictions in place since December 2020 which limit your ability to move from “comarca to comarca” within your province, which basically translates to the fact that you cannot leave the general vicinity of where you live and cross into a neighboring town from 6 a.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday every week. It is also strictly prohibited and enforced to leave the state where you reside.
“Telegram Information”
By Ministerio de Sanidad of Spain
However, if you have a valid reason and absolutely must travel, then you need to register your activity with the government and save a PDF to your phone. If you get stopped, you must show the document to the police. You can view the document here. Please note that this document only applies to the state of Catalonia, but you can find a similar one on the website of each Spanish state’s local website, such as the site here for Madrid.
Spain: Testing Requirements Before Entry
The next resource is extremely important if you’re planning on entering Spain anytime soon.
Firstly, you must know that you cannot enter the country without having a negative PCR test within 72 hours of your arrival time and a valid document that grants you official entry.
You can save the COVID test results electronically on your mobile device and show them to the immigration police upon arrival.
If you do not have this test done prior to your arrival, there are testing stations at the airport, however, you will be served with a hefty fine (I’m not sure of the exact amount) and could be denied access to enter the country.
You must also be sure to complete the FCS form, which is also available on an app for Android or iOS. Download the app or form here.
Spain: Not All Curfews Are Equal
Something else to be aware of is that the Spanish government has given autonomy to each state government in terms of how they handle and implement the COVID restrictions. Therefore, you must be prudent in checking the local government websites of the state(s) you are traveling to and from. For example, in the state of Catalonia, we have had a 10 pm curfew in effect since October 2020; however, in Madrid, their curfew was until midnight. The restrictions really vary from state to state.
Hopefully, some sites I’ve provided will help you get to a good start of finding the most important information you need during Covid times. And of course, you can always reach out if you have a more specific comment or question.
While traveling is difficult right now, it’s not impossible as long as you know the law. Do you know where to find rules and regulations for your host country or travel destination? Our TCI Alliance team can help.
by: Marjorie Vera
