CONCERNS about foreign visitors being quarantined for a fortnight upon arrival in Spain voiced in the British press have proven unfounded – when Spanish borders reopen for international tourism, this requirement will be lifted.
As reported yesterday (Sunday), president Pedro Sánchez's announcement that holidaymakers from abroad would be able to visit again from July 1 was widely celebrated in the UK media, although The Sun and the Daily Mail warned that travellers may be stuck in their accommodation for two weeks before they could enjoy their trips – in fact, The Sun even said a week's holiday in Spain would require British residents to spare five weeks in total; two weeks for quarantine on arrival, then another two upon their return.
The Mirror, however, said 'nothing had been announced' about the compulsory quarantine and that it expected requirements would change in time for the holiday season.
Today, deputy presidents Nadia Calviño and Teresa Ribera, along with foreign affairs minister Arancha González Laya, held a meeting with the leaders of the interior (Fernando Grande-Marlaska), transport (José Luis Ábalos), health (Salvador Illa) and industry, trade and tourism (Reyes Maroto).
The inter-ministerial session was convened to analyse issues concerning the tourist season and how to guarantee a safe holiday for the millions of visitors from abroad, Spaniards taking 'staycations' and residents in Spain.
Arancha González Laya (pictured), after the meeting, confirmed via social media that quarantine for visitors from abroad would no longer apply from July 1 – a date when the foreign holiday industry would be 'gradually reactivated', but 'with the necessary health and safety conditions in place'.
“The hardest part is behind us,” González Laya stresses.
She also wrote her message in English, for the benefit of the foreign public – especially those in the UK, who remain Spain's largest tourism market – and concluded it with: “We're looking forward to welcoming you.”
