Hello to all our international friends! We wanted to direct our blog towards all the health, safety and travel updates that have been taking place recently, so things are a little bit clearer for you.

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What’s the current Covid-19 situation in Spain?

Since the beginning of 2021 when Spain was recording on average 500 deaths per day, we are now looking at a much better situation! 5 months later Spain has ended the month of May with the lowest number of Covid deaths since last summer. Not to mention health experts are seeing a strong downward trend with the vaccine’s impact being evident.

Covid incidence rates have slowed dramatically and we are seeing that current cases are mostly in the under 50 age range. Although not perfect, it is a positive progression from pre-vaccine days, as younger people are far less likely to become seriously ill or die from Covid-19.

People are still required to wear masks to the office, when in public spaces and in public establishments. Our main control factors continue to be: social distancing, face masks, regional regulations, disinfection protocols, and PCR testing. They have helped us to get through the difficult moments and will remain in place for the foreseeable future!

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Lighter restrictions in June

June really feels like a turning point here in Spain! Summer is getting underway and lighter restrictions mean more freedom just in time for the holiday season! Here are the latest regulations in Valencia to be aware of:

• No more curfew! After what feels like forever we no longer have to worry about getting back home on time
• No more limits on social gatherings! That means there is no maximum number for gatherings at home or in outdoor public spaces
• Nightclubs are reopening! For now the cut off is 2am and clubs are required to limit indoor capacity to 50%, while there is no limit on outdoor capacity
• Restaurants and bars are open until 1am, with a maximum of 10 people per table. Same goes in terms of capacity: 50% capacity indoors and 100% capacity outdoors

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International travel updates

Since May 24th, countries such as UK, South Korea, China, Japan and New Zealand are exempt from temporary restrictions for non-essential trips to Spain. Meaning, travelers from these countries do not need to present a negative PCR test upon arrival nor do they have to quarantine. However, the Health Form which can be completed online right here is still required to present upon entry.

What’s more, on June 7th Spain will accept travelers from all countries if they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 more than 14 days before arrival. The details of this measure are still to be released but it is likely that travelers will need to be able to prove their vaccinations and have received both doses of the vaccine.

If you are curious about the travel requirements from your country to Spain, all updated rules can be found here. Just click here, select your country and see what’s required!

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Vaccination progress

Our vaccination campaign in Spain has seen huge progress in recent weeks! Stats inform us that 2.3 million people received a vaccine shot in the last week! Right now, Spain has around 45% of the population protected by at least one shot, while 25% are fully protected.

The most-vulnerable (over 60s) are 98% protected and regional governments are now completing immunization of under 50s. It’s a process which will continue over the coming summer months and the system is working as fast as possible to distribute and administer the vaccine nationwide!

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The ‘traffic light system’

Last week a new traffic light system was put in place which determines restrictons based on an area’s epidemiological situation. The traffic light system categorizes risk as extreme, high, medium, low. Percentages of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) beds occupied by Covid-19 patients is one main factor that is measured. According to data, different restrictions are put in place based on risk level. This system enables us to move forward situation by situation and put greater control measures on more high risk areas.

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Summer 2021 forecast

Our summer forecast is positive! The health situation is improving every day here in Spain and the Covid outbreak is more under control than ever before. We have very few cases nationwide and especially in Valencia!

Internationals are able to travel to Spain with much more freedom and travel regulations are constantly being reviewed with the Vaccine passport still under discussion. Spain is opening its doors to more and more tourists this summer and we are very excited to welcome more students and professionals to our programs!

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