Spain has been engaged for a few days in the “desescalada”, the deconfinement plan which will be divided into 4 phases. Among the points that remain outstanding, the resumption of international flights as well as the opening of borders, important subjects for expats. A first measure was taken on Tuesday with the obligation to remain in quarantine for 14 days for anyone coming from abroad. This obligation will apply from Friday, May 15th, throughout the state of emergency. Also, border controls are extended to at least May 24th. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about this mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in Spain.

Travelers arriving in Spain from abroad must quarantine themselves for 14 days after their arrival, according to a decree from the Spanish Ministry of Health published this Tuesday in the Official State Journal (BOE), which will take effect Friday, May 15th, and will be in effect for the duration of the state of emergency and its possible extensions.

Spain thus follows a large part of its European neighbors who have established 14-day quarantine periods for travelers entering their territories. In Spain, this measure has already been applied to exceptional authorizations granted for the repatriation of Spaniards and residents to Spain from Italy. Now this will apply to all international travelers, although there will be some exceptions.

As the Spanish government argues in this decree, "the favorable development of the epidemiological situation" in Spain and the beginning of the de-escalation "make it necessary to reinforce the control measures, so that, taking into account the worldwide distribution of virus and based on the precautionary principle, it is considered necessary to apply to people coming from abroad a quarantine for 14 days ”.

During this quarantine period, travelers who come to Spain must stay at their home or accommodation and must limit their trip to the purchase of food, pharmaceuticals and basic necessities. It will also be possible to go to health centers, public services and establishments, and other trips due to force majeure. For all these trips the use of a mask will be compulsory. Likewise, the ordinance establishes that all hygiene and / or prevention measures for the transmission of the coronavirus must be respected, in particular with regard to contact with cohabitants. Cross-border workers, carriers and crews, as well as health professionals who will be doing their work, are excluded from all of these measures, provided they have not been in contact with people diagnosed with Covid-19 .

In addition, the borders will remain closed for a little while. Indeed, they should be closed until May 15th. Their closure has been extended until May 24, with of course the possibility of seeing this measure further extended.

Only the following people will be allowed to enter Spanish territory by air and sea:

• Spanish citizens;

• Residents in Spain, having to prove their habitual residence;

• Cross-border workers;

• Health or elderly care professionals who will exercise their professional activity;

• Anyone who documents reasons of force majeure or a situation of pressing need.

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