Spain is reopening to vaccinated tourists today. The European country is ready to welcome visitors from from any destination.
All travellers who have been fully inoculated with an approved Covid-19 vaccine will be able to visit Spain from June 7, regardless of their country of origin.
“This summer we will safely receive all visitors that choose Spain as their holiday destination," said the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid.
Spain took its first steps towards reopening to tourists from outside the European Union last month. Visitors from 10 low-risk countries, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand, can fly to the country without a PCR test.
From June 7, Spain is open to vaccinated tourists from all other destinations, including the UAE.
After long months of restrictions, we will finally be able to see tourists back from this region to Spain
Travellers have to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before they are due to land in the country. Vaccines must be one of those authorised by the European Medicines Agency or included in the World Health Organisation's emergency use listing.
Printed certificates issued in Spanish or English will be accepted as proof of vaccinations. Accompanied minors from the same family who are unvaccinated may enter Spain with a negative PCR test taken on arrival, and children under 6 are exempt from any testing.
"After long months of restrictions, we will finally be able to see tourists back from this region to Spain, where we are waiting to welcome them with our usual warmth and with the highest health and security measures," said Daniel Rosado, director of Spanish Tourism for the Gulf countries. "Spain will be delighted to welcome tourists who decide to visit us."
Spain was the world’s second-most visited country before the pandemic, so, as it gets set to welcome travellers again, here's what you need to know if you're planning to go this summer.
Who can travel to Spain?
Travellers from countries across the EU or Schengen Area and from 10 designated low-risk countries can visit Spain for leisure travel.
From today, all vaccinated travellers can fly to Spain from any country, including the UAE. Visitors must have received both doses of a vaccine approved by the EMA.
Unvaccinated travellers from countries outside the EU, Schengen and the designated low-risk countries cannot yet travel to Spain for holidays.
Rules could change if Covid-19 case numbers increase, so travellers should keep up-to-date on local pandemic news.
"The entry of vaccinated citizens from non-EU countries without additional health requirements may be reversed in the event of a worsening of the epidemiological situation in the country of origin or circulation of variants," said the Spanish Tourism authority.
What vaccines does Spain recognise?
Spain recognises all vaccines approved by the EMA or listed for emergency use by WHO. So far, the EMA has approved four vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech; Moderna; Oxford-AstraZeneca and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
The same jabs are authorised for emergency use by the WHO, as is China's Sinopharm.
Which airlines are flying to Spain?
From the UAE, you can fly direct to Barcelona or Madrid. Emirates flies to Barcelona from Dubai four times a week, and to Madrid five times a week. From Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Air Europa operate flights to both Spanish cities, with fares starting from about Dh2,700 ($735) on both UAE airlines. Emirates will add more flights to the Catalonian capital in July, when it launches its Dubai-Barcelona-Mexico City route.
Domestic Spanish airlines offer flights to additional destinations in the country, such as Alicante, Ibiza or Seville, via connecting flights.
What do travellers need to do before they go?
Visitors from the UAE must have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination at least 14 days before.
Travellers must also complete an online Health Control Form, no more than 48 hours before flying to Spain. Once submitted, passengers will get an email with a QR code that is needed to board flights to any Spanish destination.
What's the Covid-19 situation in Spain?
Spain seems to be on the road to recovery after being one of Europe's worst-hit countries during the pandemic. The nation is no longer categorised as high-risk as numbers of Covid-19 patients have dropped and death rates have also fallen drastically.
On Saturday, there were 4,975 new cases of the virus recorded, and 97 deaths. A six-month state of emergency was lifted on May 10 and, since then, restrictions have eased across much of the country. Only Navarra, the Balearic Islands and the Valencia regions continue to implement curfews.
What can I see and do in Spain?
There is a reason that Spain is one of the world's most-visited countries – it's a destination that can truly claim to have something for everyone.
From sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches along the coast, to Granada's Moorish Alhambra palaces or Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, Gaudi sites and buzzy Eixample neighbourhood, visitors need endless time to discover all of Spain's treasures. So don't try to; instead decide what you want to do and see and pick your destination based on that.
Scroll through the gallery above for some Spanish travel inspiration.
In the throbbing capital of Madrid, architecture, art and nightlife collide, while culture fans should make a beeline to Cordoba, where there are more Unesco-listed sights than anywhere else in the country. Culinary travellers will find delights countrywide and Spain's foray of island destinations offer an idyllic sunshine-filled getaway.
What restrictions are in place?
There are still restrictions in place across Spain with face masks mandatory in public spaces and 1.5 metre social-distancing rules. Restrictions vary depending on which region you visit, with some areas continuing to implement curfews and others limiting capacities.
This handy map from the Spanish Tourism authority lets you see what measures are in place for the different destinations you plan to visit during your stay. It details any restrictions of movement within each region, provides information on curfews and has guidance on limitations on tourist activities such as restaurant capacities, museum visitor numbers and the opening status of bars, theme parks, theatres and more.
When is the best time to visit Spain?
Spain is a year-round destination thanks to its Mediterranean climate, meaning there is really no bad time to go. Peak tourism season is typically during the summer months, where southern destinations placate sun-seekers and the north of the country is a little cooler.
Summertime in Spain typically means crowds, higher hotel prices and increased flight fares, but with so many people not ready to travel, this could be the year to see it without so many tourists around, especially if you head out of the main cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, which attract travellers from across Europe.
What do I need to do when flying out of Spain?
Travellers departing Spain for the UAE need a PCR test to return.
Airports in Spain are only open to passengers in possession of a ticket or boarding pass, so you cannot accompany others who are leaving to the airport and travellers must wear face masks and respect social distancing policies in place.
Spain was added to Abu Dhabi's Green List on Sunday, May 23, meaning there's no quarantine required for travellers flying from Spain to any airport in the UAE.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
RESULT
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Manchester United: Rashford (78')
Man of the Match: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
Results
1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000
2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000
3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000
Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
What you as a drone operator need to know
A permit and licence is required to fly a drone legally in Dubai.
Sanad Academy is the United Arab Emirate’s first RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) training and certification specialists endorsed by the Dubai Civil Aviation authority.
It is responsible to train, test and certify drone operators and drones in UAE with DCAA Endorsement.
“We are teaching people how to fly in accordance with the laws of the UAE,” said Ahmad Al Hamadi, a trainer at Sanad.
“We can show how the aircraft work and how they are operated. They are relatively easy to use, but they need responsible pilots.
“Pilots have to be mature. They are given a map of where they can and can’t fly in the UAE and we make these points clear in the lectures we give.
“You cannot fly a drone without registration under any circumstances.”
Larger drones are harder to fly, and have a different response to location control. There are no brakes in the air, so the larger drones have more power.
The Sanad Academy has a designated area to fly off the Al Ain Road near Skydive Dubai to show pilots how to fly responsibly.
“As UAS technology becomes mainstream, it is important to build wider awareness on how to integrate it into commerce and our personal lives,” said Major General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief, Dubai Police.
“Operators must undergo proper training and certification to ensure safety and compliance.
“Dubai’s airspace will undoubtedly experience increased traffic as UAS innovations become commonplace, the Forum allows commercial users to learn of best practice applications to implement UAS safely and legally, while benefitting a whole range of industries.”
UAE SQUAD
Omar Abdulrahman (Al Hilal), Ali Khaseif, Ali Mabkhout, Salem Rashed, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Zayed Al Ameri, Mohammed Al Attas (Al Jazira), Khalid Essa, Ahmed Barman, Ryan Yaslam, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Habib Fardan, Tariq Ahmed, Mohammed Al Akbari (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmin (Al Wasl), Adel Al Hosani, Ali Hassan Saleh, Majed Suroor (Sharjah), Ahmed Khalil, Walid Abbas, Majed Hassan, Ismail Al Hammadi (Shabab Al Ahli), Hassan Al Muharrami, Fahad Al Dhahani (Bani Yas), Mohammed Al Shaker (Ajman)
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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'Gehraiyaan'
Director:Shakun Batra
Stars:Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday, Dhairya Karwa
Rating: 4/5
Earth under attack: Cosmic impacts throughout history
- 4.5 billion years ago: Mars-sized object smashes into the newly-formed Earth, creating debris that coalesces to form the Moon
- 66 million years ago: 10km-wide asteroid crashes into the Gulf of Mexico, wiping out over 70 per cent of living species – including the dinosaurs.
- 50,000 years ago: 50m-wide iron meteor crashes in Arizona with the violence of 10 megatonne hydrogen bomb, creating the famous 1.2km-wide Barringer Crater
- 1490: Meteor storm over Shansi Province, north-east China when large stones “fell like rain”, reportedly leading to thousands of deaths.
- 1908: 100-metre meteor from the Taurid Complex explodes near the Tunguska river in Siberia with the force of 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs, devastating 2,000 square kilometres of forest.
- 1998: Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 breaks apart and crashes into Jupiter in series of impacts that would have annihilated life on Earth.
-2013: 10,000-tonne meteor burns up over the southern Urals region of Russia, releasing a pressure blast and flash that left over 1600 people injured.
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
