ARCHIVED - UK Govt. issues revised travel advice for those wanting to travel to Spain after March 30
The information has been thoroughly updated and it is highly recommended that anyone thinking of travelling takes the time to read it
During the last few days social media has contained many posts relating to situations which have arisen at UK airports, involving British nationals trying to get to Spain who have been refused permission to board by the airlines themselves on the grounds that the paperwork being presented will not be sufficient to gain entry at the Spanish border control point.
There have been many incidences in the last few weeks which have concluded with the airlines being forced to fly passengers back to the UK after the Spanish authorities have refused to grant them entry.
For this reason, airlines are being extremely cautious about permitting travellers to board unless they are 100% satisfied that the passenger will be granted entry upon arrival, leading to a significant amount of aggravation at some UK airports, and in some cases, flight delays.
Following allegations that the information on the government website was misleading, the entry on the webpage has been completely overhauled, and is very clear about the conditions under which UK nationals will be permitted entry to Spain from March 30.
There now exists a situation whereby the Spanish Government will permit British nationals to enter Spain but the British Government will not allow international travel other than for essential reasons.
It is absolutely 100% crystal clear that taking a holiday abroad is not permitted and although one of the specific exceptions does include "to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property" this is not intended to include spending two months giving the front-room a good paint over and is orientated towards actually having to attend a physical meeting to sign documents.
It is also important to read the additional information about travelling through France if driving to Spain as it will be necessary to present a PCR test taken 72 hours before entering Spain if coming into the country by road.
PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION ON THE GOV.UK WEBSITE IF INTENDING TO TRAVEL.
Click here to read
Permitted reasons to enter Spain after 30 March 2021 (From Gov.UK)
From 6pm (GMT+1) on 30 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), passenger travel between the UK and Spain will resume, however entry restrictions and testing requirements will remain in force. Only Spanish citizens, those who are legally resident in Spain or those who can demonstrate through documentary evidence an essential need to enter Spain, will be allowed to enter the country. Permitted circumstances include:
Holders of a long-stay visa issued by a Member State or Schengen Associated State, who are travelling onto said country.
Health professionals, including health researchers, and elderly care professionals who are going to or returning from essential work.
Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel.
Diplomatic, consular, international organizations, military, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations.
Students enrolled in courses starting after 1 January 2021 who carry out their studies in an EU Member or Schengen state and who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance, provided that they are travelling to the country where they are studying, and that entry occurs during the academic year or 15 days previous. Students who started an on-site or in-person course in Spain prior to 1 January 2021 will not require a permit or visa to enter, but should be prepared to provide evidence of this, such as a residence document or proof of enrolment and accommodation (dated prior to 1 January 2021).
Highly skilled essential workers whose work cannot be postponed or carried out remotely, including participants in high-level sports events due to take place in Spain.
People traveling for imperative family reasons who can demonstrate an essential need to travel.
All of the circumstances above must be justified by documentary evidence. You should be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that your journey to Spain is essential and reserve the right to deny passage.
Reasonable excuses for travel abroad (from Gov.UK)
Work;Travel for business or work purposes where it is not reasonably possible to complete that work within the UK.
This includes but is not limited to essential work, in relation to critical national infrastructure including the national rail network, national security or diplomatic purposes, and elite sports competitions.
Recommended evidence: employer’s letter, professional ID card, confirmation from sports body or evidence of participation, diplomatic mission letter, or other appropriate documentation.
Volunteering
Where it is not reasonably possible to volunteer within the UK.
Recommended evidence: letter from relevant organisation or other appropriate documentation.
Education
For academic studies or professional qualifications where physical presence is required or where activities must be completed overseas. This includes international students returning home.
Recommended evidence: letter or proof of membership of an academic institution, or other appropriate documentation.
Medical or compassionate grounds
This includes: to visit someone who is dying or critically ill
Maternity services, or to be with someone who is giving birth, or with a baby receiving neonatal critical care
Medical treatment or emergency which cannot be reasonably received in the UK or to accompany a person where necessary
To avoid injury or illness or escape risk of harm (such as domestic abuse)
Recommended evidence: medical evidence describing the situation of the member of your household or close family member or a friend who is receiving treatment in hospital or whose condition is life-threatening, proof of scheduled treatment, letter from social services, proof of hospital admission, proof of family relationship, or other appropriate documentation.
Weddings or civil partnerships:You can only travel out of the UK to attend your wedding or civil partnership, or a family member’s wedding or civil partnership if one or both people getting married or entering into a civil partnership do not live in the UK.
Recommended evidence: letter, invitation, or other appropriate documentation.
Funerals
It is still a reasonable excuse to travel abroad for a funeral, but it will not be a reasonable excuse to travel for commemorative events, or to visit a burial ground.
Recommended evidence: letter, invitation, death certificate, or other appropriate documentation
Non-UK resident who has been in UK temporarily, including transit passengers
If you do not permanently reside in the UK and are in England temporarily, you would have a permitted reason to leave the UK.
Recommended evidence: passport, identification card, drivers licence, travel itinerary and tickets, or other appropriate documentation.
Other permitted reasons
There are further reasonable excuses, for example:
to fulfil legal obligations
to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property
travel in order to exercise custody rights
order to present oneself to a judicial or administrative authority
Recommended evidence: proof of contract, court decision and proof of place of residence, order to present oneself to a judicial or administrative authority, expiring residence permit, dismissal notice, letter or appointment details from estate agent, relevant contract or letters detailing sales, or other appropriate documentation.