UK authorities issue warning for holiday makers going to Spain, Portugal, and Germany

Even though COVID-related entry measures have been lifted, travellers from the UK are being urged by the British Government to follow other countries’ entry rules, especially those of countries mentioned above when planning to travel to go on holiday in these areas and their territories.

“Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Spain’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider,” the statement of the United Kingdom’s government reads, which is surprising as currently there are no entry requirements related to health/Covid or mask requirements any longer on transport anywhere in Spain or the Canary Islands.

However, it is true that Barcelona imposed specific measures to tackle large tour groups last year after the city continuously was dealing with an influx in the number of foreign visitors. Among the measures introduced were also noise restrictions and a one-way system for tours in several centres across the city, in an effort to minimise the pressure on the residents.

In addition to this, Barcelona’s Mayor, Ada Colau, has revealed plans that she aims to reduce the number of cruise ships travelling to Barcelona. Colau has already introduced preventive measures to halt an influx of tourists travelling to this territory, including restrictions on the number of hotel beds and new hostels.

The Government are also advising that Portugal has announced a crackdown on the number of Airbnbs in several cities, including Lisbon, as a response to the country’s housing crisis. The Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Cosa introduced several measures to calm down the housing market in Portugal.

He has said that there will be no new licences for Airbnbs and other holiday lets, except in rural zones without urban pressure.

Britons are also advised to check travel plans if aiming to go to Germany this year following the current travel disruptions after Lufthansa announced that it is cutting 34,000 flights from this summer’s schedule, and the number could increase after further cancellations across the subsidiaries of Lufthansa are added.

The UK government have stated that since June 11th, 2022, all Coronavirus related restrictions for entry into Germany have been abolished, while stressing that the latest guidance of Germany’s government can be found on the Interior Ministry’s website.