Spain extends restrictions on flights from Brazil for 10th time

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Only Spanish or Andorran citizens, residents of both countries, and passengers in international connections to a country outside the Schengen area will be allowed to travel from Brazilian or South African soil to Spain.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Spanish government may suspend the restrictions for justified reasons based on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic and decisions that may be implemented in coordination by the European Union.

Restrictions do not impact workers needed to perform air transport activities. Exceptions also cover flights by state-owned aircraft, search and rescue services, flights with a stopover in Spain for non-commercial purposes with another country as a destination, cargo-only flights, ferry and humanitarian, medical, or emergency flights.

Earlier this month, Spain reopened its borders to vaccinated tourists from virtually any country in the world and also allowed cruise ships to enter its ports. As of May 24, the country allows citizens from 10 non-EU low-risk countries to enter without a negative PCR test for coronavirus. Spain’s largest foreign tourist market, the UK is on the list, as are Australia, New Zealand, and Israel, among others.

The Spanish government also requires that tourists be vaccinated with an immunizer approved by the European Union or the World Health Organization (WHO) and that the last dose has been taken at least 14 days prior to travel.

According to this criterion, vaccinated Brazilians would be included, but entry is still banned due to the potential transmission of new Covid variants.