Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations for international travelers. With over 80 million tourists reaching Spain each year, the country is the second most visited nation in the world.
Part of Spain’s charm comes from the pristine beaches of its shores, the buzzing nightlife of its cities, and the rich cuisine served in its restaurants. All of which can be found in the renowned Spanish islands, and particularly in the Canaries and Balearics.
These beloved archipelagos are visited by millions all year round. Each island is a special world in itself, with its own personality and attractions meaning that there is a Spanish island for all types of tourists.
Unfortunately, Spain has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. Although infections have dramatically decreased since then and the country is now easing lockdown policies, many are worried that the COVID-19 emergency will have long-lasting effects on Spanish tourism.
European Measures against Coronavirus
It comes as no surprise that the tourism industry may face a crisis like no other due to the coronavirus pandemic. Countries around the world have been shutting down their borders and international air traffic and many have put the population under lockdown to fight the spread of the disease.
EU nations have temporarily closed internal Schengen borders, a measure that the Schengen Agreement allows only in case of an emergency (you can find details of the re-establishment of hard internal European borders on etias.info).
As the number of COVID cases decreases, European states are discussing reopening the borders, a move that is crucial for the economy. Italy, one of the first countries to enforce a nationwide lockdown, announced that it will open to EU travel without enforcing a quarantine on visitors starting from June 3rd, 2020.
Are the Spanish Islands Coronavirus-Free?
Spain is in a unique situation as its regions have each been affected very differently by the coronavirus. That is why the government has designed a de-escalation plan made of several phases that will be followed by each region at different paces.
The Canaries and the Balearics are among the least-hit areas in the country due to their isolation, low population density, and the local government’s prompt response to the pandemic.
In fact, the Spanish Ministry of Health confirmed on the 18th of May 2020 that no new cases, hospitalizations, or intensive care patients were reported in the Balearic Islands. The Canaries also currently report 0 new infections.
Until all current patients have made a full recovery, it is not possible to say that the Spanish islands are coronavirus-free, but the measures in place to prevent contagion have proved to be extremely effective since no new infections are being recorded at this time.
How to Travel to the Spanish Islands after COVID-19
The encouraging numbers have led the Spanish government to speed up the de-escalation process for the Canaries and Balearics.
Some of the islands are already in what has been called ‘phase 2’ of the return to normality. This means that shops, restaurants, and bars can open, people can socialize in small groups and attend cultural activities, as long as they respect the safety measures as instructed by the country’s authorities. Green light has also been given to small wedding ceremonies.
The suspension on internal flights is being progressively lifted. However, international travelers will have to wait a few weeks to find out when the next phases will be implemented and they’ll be able to fly to the islands.
At the moment, the government is exploring several possibilities, including the institution of special ‘tourist international corridors’ that will allow foreign visitors from coronavirus-free locations to travel directly to popular and safe Spanish islands. These holidaymakers may have to produce a health certificate in order to be allowed to enter the country.
Once the pandemic is under control internationally, things will return to normal, including visa and document check-free travel within the Schengen area. However, over 60 nationalities that can now enter the Schengen territory without a visa (including Australians) will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization from the end of 2022.
Author bio:
Dorothy Jones is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips and experience with the audience.
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