(ORDER INT/578/202020, of June 29th)
On June 11th, the European Commission presented its Communication on the third assessment of the application of temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the European Union.
From July 1st, 2020, travel restrictions from third countries will be progressively lifted throughout the Schengen area.
Based primarily on the epidemiological situation, an initial list of third countries restrictions on which are to be lifted will be drawn up progressively on the basis of reciprocity. This list will be modified periodically, with additions and deletions. In parallel, new categories of travellers will be included that will be exempted from the restrictions, regardless of their place of origin.
As far as the list of third countries is concerned, the reference is to be understood as being made to residence in those countries, not to possession of the nationality of those countries.
As regards the new categories of persons exempted from restrictions, given that they are already listed in the Commission Communication of 11 June, it is considered proportionate to include:
– Beneficiaries of the right to free movement. Therefore, this ministerial order no longer refers to refusals of entry made in application of Royal Decree 240/2007 of 16 February 2007 on the entry, free movement and residence in Spain of citizens of the Member States of the European Union and other States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.
– Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas issued by the Member States and Schengen Associated States. It will therefore no longer be necessary to verify that they are going directly to the place of residence.
– Students.
– Highly qualified professionals whose work is necessary and cannot be postponed or carried out remotely.
In this respect, any third-country national will be refused entry on grounds of public policy or public health, unless they belong to one of the following categories:
(a) Residents of the European Union, Schengen associated States, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican (Holy See) or San Marino.
(b) Holders of a long-stay visa issued by a Member State or Schengen associated State.
(c) Cross-border workers.
(d) Health professionals, including health researchers, and elderly care professionals going to or returning from work.
(e) Personnel engaged in the transport of goods in the course of their work, including crew members of ships, in order to ensure the provision of maritime transport services and fishing activities, and flying personnel required to carry out air transport activities It will be an indispensable condition that they have the immediate continuation of the trip assured.
(f) Diplomatic and consular staff, staff of international organisations, military staff, civil protection staff and members of humanitarian organisations in the performance of their duties.
(g) Students studying in the Member States or in the Schengen Associated States who have the appropriate permit or visa.
(h) Highly qualified professionals whose work is necessary and cannot be postponed or carried out remotely. These circumstances must be documented.
(i) Persons travelling for imperative family reasons, with proper documentation.
(j) Persons who provide documentary evidence of force majeure or necessity, or whose entry is permitted on humanitarian grounds.
This order will take effect from 00:00 on 1 July until 24:00 on 8 July 2020, without prejudice to its amendment in response to new recommendations at European Union level.
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