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The Spanish government has approved protocols to establish travel corridors between European countries and the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, both of which are heavily dependent on tourism and have been hit hard by the Covid crisis.

The protocol provides that a traveler who arrives in the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands from a destination with a GPA of 50 or less per 100,000 inhabitants in the preceding 14 days will not undergo any testing upon arrival.

Those arriving from destinations with an AI greater than 50 will have to present a passive diagnostic test for active infection performed a maximum of 48 hours before the flight.

Before leaving the islands, visitors must undergo a diagnostic test 48 hours before their flight departure time. The tests will be done at the designated health centers and the regional governments will bear the cost.

If visitors test positive and are forced to quarantine or in hospital, the costs will be covered by the local government.

Travelers at Palma de Mallorca Airport in Palma de Mallorca.

Passengers at Palma de Mallorca Airport in Palma de Mallorca. Photo: Cati Cladera / EPA

“The protocols are a useful measure to reach agreements with our European partners to allow us to restore mobility and reactivate the flow of tourists under safe conditions,” said Tourism Minister Reyes Maruto, adding that she hopes the measures will be extended to include others. A tourist destination on the Spanish mainland.

In a written statement, the government said the protocols complement the European Union’s travel restrictions guidelines that are expected to be approved next week.

Unemployment in the Balearic Islands increased by 90% compared to last year as a result of the Covid emergency. The Canary Island government says its GDP has decreased by 32.6% while unemployment has reached 40%.

Both the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands depend heavily on British and German tourism.

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