Spain – Extension of Travel Restrictions to 31 July

Spanish authorities extended through 31 July 2021, the temporary restrictions placed on non-essential travel from third countries to the European Union (EU) and Schengen associated countries for public health reasons due to the COVID-19 health crisis.¹ The list of countries includes the United Kingdom and there is an exception for vaccinated travellers.

Additionally, there are flight limitations and restrictions on travel from South Africa and Brazil until 20 July,² and a quarantine period for international travellers coming from India until 10 July.³

The travel restrictions continue to affect employers, their globally-mobile employees, and business travellers doing business in Spain in terms of disruption, inconvenience, and requirements, and changes to travel plans.

Individuals travelling to Spain and employers sending employees into and out of Spain should stay abreast of the latest travel restrictions and should consider consulting with their travel agents and/or immigration counsel when planning their travel.

It may be prudent at this time to limit travel into and out of Spain and employ remote work arrangements.

The restrictions on non-essential trips remain in effect through 31 July 2021 (many expect that another extension will happen). (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2021-165, 9 June 2021.) However, there are two important updates.

Firstly, the United Kingdom has been removed from the list of Annex III countries whose residents are not affected by the temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU through its external borders.

Secondly, new wording is given to letter k) of article 1.1, modifying Order INT / 657/2020, which concerns the criteria for the application of a temporary restriction of non-essential travel from third countries to the European Union and Schengen associated countries for reasons of public order and public health due to the health crisis caused by COVID-19.  That article is now worded as follows:

Persons with a vaccination certificate that the Ministry of Health recognises for this purpose, after verification by the health authorities, as well as minors who are accompanied by the Ministry of Health. In the case of people residing in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who come directly from it, in addition to the vaccination certificate, the diagnostic certificates recognised for this purpose by the Ministry of Health in section seventh 1 of the Resolution of 4 June 2021, of the General Directorate of Public Health, regarding health controls to be carried out at the points of entry into Spain.⁴

Any questions or concerns should be directed to your qualified professional adviser or a member of the GMS/People Services team with the KPMG International member firm in Spain (see the Contact Us section).

1  For the Spanish Order please visit: Orden INT/677/2021  de 28 de junio.

2  For the Spanish Order please visit: Orden PCM/692/2021de 30 de junio.

3  For the Spanish Order please visit: Orden SND/660/2021, de 23 de junio.

4  See Orden INT/677/2021 in footnote 1. 

*  Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any immigration services.  However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.   

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Spain.