As you might know, the second nationwide State of Emergency in Spain ended on May 9th. However, some restrictions and curfews remain in place and vary between regions, as local governments now have the legal powers to ease or tighten restrictions within their region if deemed necessary.
This article has been updated with the current restrictions in the Valencian Community (from the 9th of October).
What are the main changes in Valencia from October 9th?
A- End of the perimeter confinement of the Valencian Community
Since May 9th, it is authorized to travel between the different Spanish Autonomous Communities without having to justify it.
If you are planning to come to Valencia by car or by train, it is now possible to pass through Catalonia and the other Spanish regions.
For expats already in Valencia, you can go on holidays in other regions of Spain 🙂
B- End of the curfew
Curfew which had been restored in 68 municipalities of the Valencian Community has now ended.
There is no restrictions anymore on travel during the night.
C- Social gathering
Limitation on social gatherings in both public and private places are removed. Previously, they were limited to 10 people.
D- Bars and restaurants
Bars and restaurants can now open with a capacity of 100% both outdoors and indoors.
The remaining restrictions are:
- Tables of maximum 10 people
- Distance between each table of 1.5m
- Wearing a mask is compulsory when you are not eating or drinking.
E- Nightclubs
Nightlife can reopen without maximum capacity and curfew.
Food and drinks must be consumed at tables with the proper safe distance of 1.5m and mask shall be worn when not eating or drinking.
Dancing is now permitted with the required mask and no consumption of food or drinks.
F- Social events
Large events (indoor and outdoor) can welcome people with a maximum capacity of 100% when the public is seated and not consuming food or drink. If the public is standing, the maximum reception capacity is calculated at the rate of 2.25m² per person.
The consumption of food and drink is done exclusively in the catering area, and the mask is compulsory at all times (even outdoors).
G- Cinema, theaters, multipurpose halls
Entertainment venues such as cinemas, theaters or multipurpose halls now have a capacity of 100%. However, they must keep a free seat between each group of people when the consumption of food or drink is authorized.
H- Libraries, museums and exhibition halls
Libraries, museums and exhibition halls are open without capacity limit. However, safety distances, the use of a face mask and other hygiene precautions will be verified.
I- Use of face mask
Although wearing a mask is no longer mandatory outdoors when it is possible to keep a distance of 1.5m with others, it remains strongly recommended.
Wearing a mask remains mandatory in the following circumstances:
- In public and indoor spaces
- In outdoor spaces when it is impossible to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5m with people
- In public transport
- At large outdoor events when participants are standing or seated with distances less than 1.5m
Note some exceptions:
- Children under 6
- People with illness or respiratory difficulty
- Person who due to their situation of disability or dependency do not have the autonomy to remove the mask
- In case of force majeure or situations of necessity
How to travel to Valencia from abroad in 2021?
A- You are travelling from the European Union or European Economic Area
From an at risk area
If you are travelling to Valencia from an at risk area, you must present a European Covid certificate. Here is the list of countries at risk.
This certificate can be obtained in different ways:
- Complete vaccination certificate against Covid with the last dose received for a minimum of 14 days. Accepted vaccines are those authorized by the European Health Agency or those that have undergone the WHO emergency use process.
- Negative PCR or similar test (NAAT) done less than 48 hours before entering Spain.
- Recovery certificate proving that you have had the Covid in the last 6 months and that you are cured of it.
The certificate must be written in Spanish, English, French or German. Only children under 6 are exempt from showing this health pass.
If you are traveling by plane or boat, you also need to complete a personal, non-transferable Health Control Form (FCS). Once this form is completed and signed, you will receive a QR code that you will need to print or keep on your mobile phone in order to pass the health check.
From a safe area
You won’t be asked for a Covid certificate if you come from a safe area. Here is the list of safe countries.
If you are traveling by plane or boat, you just need to complete a personal, non-transferable Health Control Form (FCS).
B- You are travelling from outside the European Union or European Economic Area
From an at risk area
If you are traveling as a tourist to Spain from an at risk area, you must present a complete vaccination certificate with the last dose received for at least 14 days. If you are from UK, PCR testing is also accepted. Here is the list of countries at risk.
If you travel for other reasons in Spain (holder of a long-term visa, essential worker , highly qualified worker, students, etc.), entry into Spain cannot be refused if you meet the entry sanitary conditions.
From a high risk area
Some countries such as Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Bolivia, Colombia and Nambia are considered to be at high epidemiological risk. All travelers from these areas shall observe a 10-day quarantine in addition to present the health pass. The quarantine can be shortened if another PCR test is performed on day 7.
From a safe area
You won’t be asked for a Covid certificate if you come from a safe area. Here is the list of safe countries.
If you are traveling by plane or boat, you just need to complete a personal, non-transferable Health Control Form (FCS).
We hope to see you soon in Valencia. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
