Here’s What the UK Guidance on Spain Means for Travellers

Spain has been placed on the U.K. quarantine list by the government once again.

Following an escalation of coronavirus cases in Spain, another 14-day quarantine rule has been placed on Britons who travel to Spain, according to the BBC. Anyone who was in Spain or planning on travelling to Spain must self-isolate for two weeks after arriving back in the U.K.

On 24 July, Spain reported over 900 new cases of coronavirus on that date alone. The spike in new cases has compelled the U.K. to restrict travel to Spain to essential visits only.

Overall, Spain has endured a total of 28,000 deaths due to coronavirus.

Many Britons travel to Spain for holidays, and many have vacation homes in the country, and the government’s measures are meant to ensure public safety. It’s important that Britons understand what the new guidance means, as there are a lot of components, especially if they have already planned a holiday. 

The new restrictions apply to anyone coming back to the U.K. from Spain, the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands, all of which are on the U.K. quarantine list.

If you’ve booked a flight to Spain or neighbouring islands, know that the Foreign Office has recommended going to Spain only for essential reasons. You may consider cancelling the flight. 

What If I’ve Already Booked a Flight to Spain?

Package holiday bookings that are cancelled by the firm, give you the right to a full refund within 14 days, This Is Money reported. If you booked a flight with an airline, you should receive a refund within seven days. Right now, some flights are being cancelled by the airlines, but not all.

The first step is to contact either your travel firm or airline and inquire about refunds. You may have the option to reschedule or obtain a voucher for a future trip. Some extra patience might be necessary right now, as phone lines will probably be busy and firms may take a bit longer to respond.

The package holiday firms Jet2, Tui and, First Choice have all decided to cancel trips for certain dates in response to the travel to Spain bans, according to This Is Money. Kuoni is giving refunds or rescheduling booking dates for affected holiday goers. 

Travelers should be sure to check their flight status, as the circumstances are rapidly changing.

Jet2 and Tui UK have cancelled flights to Spain and the islands. British Airways and easyJet are offering full-value vouchers or the option to reschedule. Ryanair flyers can pay a fee to change their flights.

What If I Need to Cancel a Direct Hotel Booking?

Most hotels will charge a fee for cancellations. In light of the circumstances, some hotels may be willing to waive cancellation charges, if you ask, according to This Is Money. Of course, there is no guarantee but some hotels may waive charges if you reschedule the booking to a future date.

If you have made reservations through a third-party booking website, such as Expedia, the cancellation policies may be more lenient.

Should I Cancel My Trip?

If your trip is not cancelled yet but you are anxious to know the details, contact your travel provider as soon as possible to find out what you are entitled to, This Is Money recommends. You may be entitled to a rescheduling, a voucher, or a refund.

The addition of Spain to the U.K. quarantine list is a quickly changing situation right now, so you may want to want and see if your provider cancels first.

If the provider cancels, you are eligible to receive your full refund. If the provider has not cancelled and you want to, be sure to check your travel insurance.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Cancelled Travel to Spain?

If you do not receive a refund, travel insurance might reimburse you, but most of the time, it will not.

The timing of your booking matters, if you booked a holiday before Spain was placed on the U.K. quarantine list, most travel insurance will cover the cancellation as long as the ban remains mandated, according to This Is Money.

Ask airlines or travel agencies for refunds first, and then use travel insurance as a backup plan if you are not refunded.

If the booking was planned when the ban for travel to Spain was placed, travel insurers are less likely to pay out. Be sure to check the wording in your travel insurance to be certain of your claim.

What If I Still Decide to Go to Spain for Nonessential Travel? 

Going to Spain against the advice of the Foreign Office is risky. If you decide to go, know that travel insurance will no longer be valid, even for medical reasons, according to This Is Money. It is advised that trips be cancelled. 

What are the Quarantine Rules Upon Arrival From Spain?

If you do have to go to Spain or the surrounding Islands, the rules entail self-isolation for 14 days, the Guardian reported.

You will need to produce the details of your trip and provide your contact information. If you refuse to provide details, a fine £100 can be imposed on you.

If you refuse to quarantine for 14 days, you may be subject to a fine of up to £1,000. 

Did you have a holiday in Spain planned before this news was announced? Tell us your story in the comments.

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