Spain Extends Lockdown To All But British Expat Residents

New Spanish lockdown closes hotels, caravan parks and camp sites.

As Spain struggles with one of the world’s worst coronavirus infection rates, tourism is now disallowed and only British expats able to prove residence will be given entry to the country. This latest government update is the harshest yet, with tourists still in the popular destination expected to have difficulty leaving after all main terminals are closed down. Airports on the Spanish island archipelago are also to be shut down to all except tourists leaving the Canaries or the Balearics.

According to recent reports, many thousands of British visitors are already panicking and rushing to leave in fear of infection or being trapped as the lockdown increases. According to an announcement by the British government, the ban on tourists is for 30 days but can be extended if needed, and applies to airports, land borders and sea ports. Expats living in Spain will be required to prove residency by showing either ID with a home address in Spain or a residency certificate. Whilst confirming that British tourists and business travellers will be allowed to leave the country, those who aren’t legally residents will not be allowed to enter.

All types of accommodation in Spain, including caravan parks and camp sites as well as Airbnbs and hotels are now shut down, although an exception is being made for long-stay camping facilities without communal spaces. Hotel owners are now convinced the emergency and its governmental response will devastate the country’s hospitality sector for as long as three years, and many British-owned bars and restaurants are facing bankruptcy due to the pandemic's effect on tourism.