A ministerial order published in the Spanish Official Bulletin (BOE) on Saturday, May 23 establishes a new extension of controls at the internal land, air and sea borders due to the health crisis. In addition, it introduces a new exception for all those who enter Spain and are under a fourteen-day home quarantine: those who work in the category of essential activities may also leave their homes.
Extension of controls at internal borders
Until now, the extension of the control of internal borders was until May 23 (inclusive). However, due to the evolution of the health crisis and the duration of the de-escalation process, controls need to be maintained at all internal borders throughout the duration of the State of Emergency and its possible extensions.
Only these people are allowed to enter Spain through internal borders:
- spanish citizens;
- residents in Spain, who must provide proof of their usual place of residence;
- residents in other Member States or Schengen Associated States going to their place of residence;
- cross-border workers;
- health or elderly care professionals who are going to carry out their work activity;
- those who are going to remain in Spanish territory for any other exclusively work reason, including seasonal workers, provided that it is proved by documents;
- those that prove force majeure or situation of need;
The regulations also indicate that diplomats, members of consular offices and members of international organizations located in Spain are exempt from the controls. These measures will also not be applicable to freight transporters, crews of ships, or aeronautical personnel who carry out commercial air transport activities.
Essential activities during the fourteen-day quarantine
The order also includes a new exception to the mandatory fourteen-day quarantine that people from other countries must undergo upon arrival in Spain (approved almost two weeks ago).
Until now, people who enter Spain and are under a fourteen-day home quarantine could only go out to buy food, medicine, to attend medical centers or due to force majeure or necessity. Starting on Sunday, May 24, and in addition to the above reasons, these people will also be able to leave their homes (despite the quarantine) to go to work if their activities are considered essential. The list covering activities considered essential is available in the annex to Royal Decree-Law 10/2020, of March 29.
