Government Expands Control Measures on Land Entry from Risk Areas France

The Government expands control measures against COVID-19 to people arriving in Spain by land from risk areas in France

They must have a PCR test (RT-PCR), a TMA test or another type of diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 based on equivalent molecular techniques, with a negative result, performed within 72 hours prior to arrival.

The Order will take effect three days after its publication in the ‘Official State Gazette’

Madrid, March 27, 2021 .- The Ministry of Health has published today a Ministerial Order establishing health control measures for people from risk areas in France who arrive in Spain by land.

As established by the Order, all people, over six years of age, coming from these areas of the neighbouring country, who arrive in Spain by land, must have a PCR test (RT-PCR), a TMA test or another type of a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 based on equivalent molecular techniques, with a negative result, performed within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Risk areas are all areas of France classified by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control with a risk level of dark red, red, orange or grey, based on the combined indicators established in the Recommendation (EU ) 2021/119 of the Council of February 1, 2021 amending Recommendation (EU) 2020/1475 on a coordinated approach to restricting free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As specified in the same Ministerial Order, road transport professionals are exempt in the exercise of their professional activity, cross-border workers, residents in border areas, within a radius of 30 kilometres around their place of residence.

The Order will take effect three days after its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) and until the Government declares the end of the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19, in accordance with the provisions of article 2.3 of the Royal Decree-Law 21/2020, of June 9, on urgent prevention, containment and coordination measures to face the health crisis caused by COVID-19.

In any case, the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of April 27, 2016, regarding the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of their personal data and the free circulation of these data and Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5, on the Protection of Personal Data and Guarantee of Digital Rights.

In case of non-compliance with the provisions of this order, the regime contemplated in title VI of Law 33/2011, of October 4, General of Public Health, will apply, referring to infractions and sanctions.

For the fulfilment of what is contemplated in the Order of the Ministry of Health, the collaboration of the Security Forces and Bodies may be counted on.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.