It seems that me having a nap is a bad idea, as the UK Government has adjusted its travel advice to Spain. And it is not good for travellers, as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office now advises against travel to the area, including The Canary Islands and Balearics.
The updated advice is as follows (per https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
From 27 July, the FCO advise against all non-essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks in the country.
This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 in several regions, but particularly in Aragon, Navarra and Catalonia (which include the cities of Zaragoza, Pamplona and Barcelona).
The FCO is not advising those already travelling in Spain to leave at this time. Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus.
If you are returning from Spain you will be required to self-isolate on your return to the UK, but the FCO is not advising you to cut short your visit. You should contact your tour operator or airline if you have any questions about your return journey.
With the FCO advising against travel, in many cases, it will invalidate any travel insurance you have.
The news will come as a disappointment to Spain who had been pushing for granularity on the FCO’s advice (rather than it doubling down), tour operators who were scrambling to adjust their planned holidays and the aviation industry who were hoping for a gradual return to normality especially with Spain being a popular destination with British tourists.
Jet2 and TUI have responded, with Jet2 cancelling all flights to Spain and TUI are cancelling packages to the Balearic and Canary Islands until 31 July and to mainland Spain until 9 August.
For those out in Spain, The Canary Islands or the Balearics, you can continue your holiday or business travel, but you will be required to self-isolate on arrival upon your return to the United Kingdom.
Again, follow FCO Advice at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
For now, the one thing that airlines and tour operators needed to thrive has been taken away from them.
Certainty.
That will be something to bear in mind for everyone if they’re considering travelling and spending the money to keep airlines and tour operators going.
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