Germany now lists the whole of Spain as a Covid ‘risk area’ – its highest level

Latest: Coronavirus in Spain figures (16 July)

Germany listed the whole of Spain as a risk area on Friday, due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases across the country, including the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands. Traditionally, the Balearic Islands are a very popular destination for German tourists. 

Germany’s Foreign Ministry had previously considered only a few regions in Spain as risk areas – Andalusia, Catalonia, Cantabria, Navarra, La Rioja and the Basque Country. The change in status comes as the spread of the more contagious delta variant sparks fears of new outbreaks across Europe. 

It means that starting on Sunday, travellers entering Germany who have spent time anywhere in Spain within 10 days will be obliged to show a negative Coronavirus test, proof of full vaccination or recovery in order to avoid quarantine.

On Thursday, a French minister offered ‘cautionary advice’ to the citizens of France before they go on vacation this summer. ‘If you’re not already booked, avoid Spain and Portugal,’ he said.

In just one week, Coronavirus infection rates in Spain more than doubled. The surge is blamed on the delta variant spreading among unvaccinated younger adults, particularly the 20-29 age group. Latest: Coronavirus in Spain figures (8 July)

Spain’s Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said earlier on Friday that the country was safe for tourists, citing its vaccination programme and its relatively low number of hospitalised Covid patients.