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Covid-19 Spain’s nationwide State of Alarm to remain until June 7

May 26, 2020 | COVID-19, Immigration law, News

Spain’s nationwide State of Alarm will remain in effect until June 7. The Spanish government is gradually relaxing some confinement measures in phases over the next several weeks. Confinement measures will vary from region to region within Spain. U.S. citizens should monitor Spanish government social media and local press reports for more information.

An order (in Spanish) from the Ministry of Health requires that face masks be used by everyone age six or older in enclosed spaces and public areas where it is impossible to maintain six feet of social distance. The order recommends but does not require mask use by children between age three and five. Those individuals who are engaged in activities that make mask use problematic or those with a medical condition where mask use is contraindicated are excepted from the requirement.

Remember to follow the instructions of local authorities; not doing so could result in fines or arrest.

The U.S. Embassy in Madrid, the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona, and the five consular agencies in Spain will provide emergency services only during the State of Alarm and de-escalation phases. We will not provide routine citizenship or notary services during this time. See our most recent Health Alerts and our website for more information.

U.S. citizens who are residents of Spain, and/or have access to long-term accommodation and the financial means to remain in Spain for an extended period, should not travel at this time. Remember to join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/ to receive the latest information for U.S. citizens in Spain and ensure we can reach you in an emergency. See our May 21 Health Alert for information regarding Spanish government instructions on immigration issues for foreign residents and visitors.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that people are reporting a wide range of COVID-19 symptoms. If you are suffering from these symptoms and believe you may have COVID-19, contact Spanish emergency medical services at telephone numbers 112 or 061 immediately.

Travel Information: The U.S. government has no plans to arrange repatriation flights from Spain. U.S. citizens in Spain who wish to return to the United States should make commercial flight arrangements to do so now, or be prepared to remain in Spain for an indefinite period. Options to return to the United States from Spain using commercial carriers are extremely limited. Work with your airline directly via phone, app, or online to re-book your flight. You may need to book a return flight on a different airline and seek reimbursement from your original carrier later. While very limited direct flights between Spain and the United States exist on American Airlines, U.S. citizens may have to transit through a third country to reach the United States.

U.S. citizens already in Spain should be allowed to travel to an airport to depart the country, but may not be allowed to travel to the airport in a personal vehicle; local authorities may direct you to take a taxi or public transportation to the airport. You should have a print-out of your flight reservation with you. Flights within Spain are regularly canceled. You may need to take a train, bus, taxi, rideshare, or rent a car in order to catch an international flight departing Spain. Spanish authorities request that U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents not go to the airport unless they have a scheduled flight. Confirm that your flight has not been canceled before traveling to the airport. U.S. citizens may need to book train travel at the train station rather than online, as the RENFE website often will not accept U.S. credit cards for payment.

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