Spain is preparing to ditch its requirement for any British holidaymakers to present
a negative Covid test upon arrival from May 20 following the UK’s success in reducing
the infection rates
Spanish tourism minister Reyes Maroto confirmed the move despite the country being
on Downing Street’s “amber list” meaning travellers have to quarantine for 10 days
when returning to Britain.
It is hoped the UK will move Spain to the restriction-free “green list” in the coming weeks.
Speaking about the move to scrap tests for Brits, Ms Maroto said: “It will allow
the opening of the British market so they can come to Spain.
Read Also:COVID-19: NCDC registers 49 new infections
“They (Britons) could come from May 20 onwards without a PCR if the incidence
rates are below the range currently under review, which is around 50 cases per 100,000
people.” According to the Telegraph, this would mean Brits travelling to Spain would
not have to pay for a PCR test before they fly or present a vaccine certificate.
And if Spain is moved to the green travel list next month, it would mean UK tourists
could freely enter the country without restrictions.
Currently, under the amber list requirements, travellers have to take at least two PCR
tests during their 10 day quarantine after they return from abroad.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Number 10 would continue its “cautious” approach
to reopening borders from May 17 when the ban on travel outside the UK is lifted.
He said the government did not want to put the UK’s fight against Covid “at risk by going too fast”.
The next review is set to take place on June 7 after travel starts again on May 17.
Yet, it recently emerged that Spain is likely to miss out in June and will have to wait until
July or even August to be added due to its own Covid and vaccine situation.
More than 79,000 people have died from Covid-19 in Spain which has seen 3.5million
infections of the killer respiratory disease
