Spain will not allow entry for British tourists until the UK’s coronavirus figures “improve”

Although Spain is due to reopen for foreign tourists without a quarantine period from July, the country’s tourism minister María Reyes Maroto has said visitors from Britain will not be allowed entry until the coronavirus figures improve.

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She said: "For Spain, it is very important that the first tourists are tourists who are in the same epidemiological situation as us, and that they are able to fly safely.

"Regarding the United Kingdom, there have been talks with tour operators but British data still has to improve, because it's important to ensure that the person comes well and then returns well."

She added that British tourists will be welcome "with the same hospitality as ever" when conditions improve.

Tourism is of significant economic importance to Spain. Around 80 million tourists visit the country each year, providing more than 12 per cent of its GDP.

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As Spain prepares to end its 14 day quarantine requirement for foreign visitors, the UK is preparing to impose one, starting from June 8. From this date any UK holidaymakers returning from abroad will have to self-isolate for two weeks. This does not apply to the Republic of Ireland due to the common travel area.

Any non-essential foreign travel is still being advised against by the British government.

[Via: BBC]

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter

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