The Government of Spain has joined the list of European countries that are taking measures to try to stop the expansion of the new Omicron variant. This strain has been detected in South Africa and has been classified as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the Official State Gazette (BOE), the Spanish government has imposed restrictions on passengers arriving in Spain on flights from various countries in southern Africa. Specifically, travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
The government decision came into force at 00:00 hours on Monday 29 November and will be in effect for 14 days, with the option of extension if current conditions are maintained.
The approved rule establishes that travelers will have to keep quarantine for ten days after their arrival, or during their entire stay in Spain, if it is shorter than ten days.
The quarantine could end earlier and last only a week, if the person takes a coronavirus test and tests negative on the seventh day.
Passengers in transit who are residents or holders of long-term visas from countries of the European Union or countries associated with the Schengen area, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican or San Marino and who go to those countries are exempt from this obligation.
