Travelling to Spain for work?
Apr 21, 2021, 12:17 pm
#16
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
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Posts: 42,982
I think just to be clear in post 11 the rules I quoted were for transits in Switzerland when going from a non-schengen to a schengen country with the suggestion of using that as a route from UK to Spain.
I don't know about transits at MAD, but I don't think that is what the OP wants to do.
I don't know about transits at MAD, but I don't think that is what the OP wants to do.
Apr 21, 2021, 2:57 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,444
Paging sunshinebob, do you know more?
Apr 21, 2021, 11:54 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: BA GGL, LH FTL
Posts: 3,578
Does free movement within Schengen apply to non-Schengen nationals/residents once they have entered Schengen? If so, OP could travel to a country with a more relaxed entry regime (Luxembourg was relatively straightforward a few months back), and then travel on a separate ticket to Spain.
Apr 22, 2021, 12:12 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: living near Malaga
Programs: BA Gold , Mucci recipient. Coffee Drinker, Blue Sky Thinker
Posts: 2,112
Does free movement within Schengen apply to non-Schengen nationals/residents once they have entered Schengen? If so, OP could travel to a country with a more relaxed entry regime (Luxembourg was relatively straightforward a few months back), and then travel on a separate ticket to Spain.
Spanish entry to Brits without visa and or residency is tricky currently. That will change of course as the pressure from the holiday industry cranks up.
Apr 22, 2021, 12:52 am
#21
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold and other, lesser, shiny cards
Posts: 60
I recently returned from a business trip to Spain and was surprised by the levels of checks involved.
It seemed to me that business travel, IS permitted from both the UK and Spanish perspectives; the lists of professions which the UK Government posts are related to those to which there are differences in isolation/quarantine/testing requirements on return.
For what it's worth, based on my experience, some further info:
On the outbound ex T5, I was directed from First Wing to the Iberia desks in the middle to check-in. Substantial wait in Business queue (longer waits for those in Economy) as a lot of cross-checking and 2nd opinions on validity of paperwork (I presume the Iberia team know the local regulations better than the BA FW Team so handle the Spanish flights (and only IB to MAD at present).
In my case this was a letter from the local Spanish entity with whom I was doing business, but to the Op my advice would be to get a letter from a local contact/supplier who can vouch for you (a press card might also help) as this was what the IB check-in team at LHR was examining with care and discussed amongst themselves. Having this in Spanish obviously would be preferable, containing your passport number and dates.
As others note above, PCR tests for entry to Spain and then UK were checked multiple times (4 x on my return journey to LHR)
Passenger Locator form for returning to the UK also checked (as was confirmation of booking for the 2 x Mandatory Tests on return at 2 and 8 days)
The Spanish Health Ministry QR code was checked at LHR check-in and again in MAD connections (to Domestic)
Being in Spain again was a delight, but with restaurants now closing at 8pm, my advice is to make time for a good lunch!
The MAD lounge in T4 was a pleasant surprise (IB lounge in T4S remains closed), and felt relatively normal (limited drinks, but a great G+T from a friendly chap with a trolley) and food decent.
IB flights fair - old tatty 330 out from LHR but very nice 350 back with newer J seat which is very good, IMO. Food on board mixed, as was service.
Note of caution: I was told IB could only serve each PAX 1 x alcoholic drink per pax (that was LHR to MAD).
Good luck and be careful (little practical social distancing in practice on the ground from what I experienced but masks universally worn outside, except when seated/dining).
C
It seemed to me that business travel, IS permitted from both the UK and Spanish perspectives; the lists of professions which the UK Government posts are related to those to which there are differences in isolation/quarantine/testing requirements on return.
For what it's worth, based on my experience, some further info:
On the outbound ex T5, I was directed from First Wing to the Iberia desks in the middle to check-in. Substantial wait in Business queue (longer waits for those in Economy) as a lot of cross-checking and 2nd opinions on validity of paperwork (I presume the Iberia team know the local regulations better than the BA FW Team so handle the Spanish flights (and only IB to MAD at present).
In my case this was a letter from the local Spanish entity with whom I was doing business, but to the Op my advice would be to get a letter from a local contact/supplier who can vouch for you (a press card might also help) as this was what the IB check-in team at LHR was examining with care and discussed amongst themselves. Having this in Spanish obviously would be preferable, containing your passport number and dates.
As others note above, PCR tests for entry to Spain and then UK were checked multiple times (4 x on my return journey to LHR)
Passenger Locator form for returning to the UK also checked (as was confirmation of booking for the 2 x Mandatory Tests on return at 2 and 8 days)
The Spanish Health Ministry QR code was checked at LHR check-in and again in MAD connections (to Domestic)
Being in Spain again was a delight, but with restaurants now closing at 8pm, my advice is to make time for a good lunch!
The MAD lounge in T4 was a pleasant surprise (IB lounge in T4S remains closed), and felt relatively normal (limited drinks, but a great G+T from a friendly chap with a trolley) and food decent.
IB flights fair - old tatty 330 out from LHR but very nice 350 back with newer J seat which is very good, IMO. Food on board mixed, as was service.
Note of caution: I was told IB could only serve each PAX 1 x alcoholic drink per pax (that was LHR to MAD).
Good luck and be careful (little practical social distancing in practice on the ground from what I experienced but masks universally worn outside, except when seated/dining).
C
Apr 22, 2021, 1:16 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: Executive Club
Posts: 1,115
I don't think the Spanish embassy in London is particularly quick either. A friend of mine is a teacher who was offered a job in a Spanish school. She applied for her visa in January and has only just been given it.
Apr 22, 2021, 1:26 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: BA Executive Club, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Posts: 97
Great, thank you for all the very useful advice. I have read somewhere that the rules are to be reviewed on April 30, so fingers crossed there is some easing - especially since UK case levels are so low now. Otherwise I face something of a bureaucratic nightmare!
Apr 22, 2021, 2:18 am
#24
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,345
Can you post on here if you read anything about the rules being relaxed please, have holiday booked for May but I only ever read about tourism restarting there in June.
Apr 22, 2021, 2:20 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Programs: IC Hotels Spire, BA Gold
Posts: 8,669
Reading this thread reminds me of that saying, "Brexit.......the gift that just keeps on taking". What on earth has this country done to itself? 
Apologies for the political stance, hope the OP manages to navigate this absolute minefield post December 31st 2020
Apologies for the political stance, hope the OP manages to navigate this absolute minefield post December 31st 2020
Apr 22, 2021, 2:23 am
#26
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
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But I can 100% guarantee to you that no Brits will be allowed in (without good reason) until the "estado de alarma" is lifted, which is currently due to end on May 9th, but might be extended. There's no way non-Europeans are going to be allowed to enter when Spanish residents are trapped in their own region / comunidad autonoma. They are already receiving a lot of criticism because EU citizens can go to the beach but not people living in Madrid.
Apr 22, 2021, 2:46 am
#27
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 27
I recently returned from a business trip to Spain and was surprised by the levels of checks involved.
It seemed to me that business travel, IS permitted from both the UK and Spanish perspectives; the lists of professions which the UK Government posts are related to those to which there are differences in isolation/quarantine/testing requirements on return.
For what it's worth, based on my experience, some further info:
On the outbound ex T5, I was directed from First Wing to the Iberia desks in the middle to check-in. Substantial wait in Business queue (longer waits for those in Economy) as a lot of cross-checking and 2nd opinions on validity of paperwork (I presume the Iberia team know the local regulations better than the BA FW Team so handle the Spanish flights (and only IB to MAD at present).
In my case this was a letter from the local Spanish entity with whom I was doing business, but to the Op my advice would be to get a letter from a local contact/supplier who can vouch for you (a press card might also help) as this was what the IB check-in team at LHR was examining with care and discussed amongst themselves. Having this in Spanish obviously would be preferable, containing your passport number and dates.
As others note above, PCR tests for entry to Spain and then UK were checked multiple times (4 x on my return journey to LHR)
Passenger Locator form for returning to the UK also checked (as was confirmation of booking for the 2 x Mandatory Tests on return at 2 and 8 days)
The Spanish Health Ministry QR code was checked at LHR check-in and again in MAD connections (to Domestic)
Being in Spain again was a delight, but with restaurants now closing at 8pm, my advice is to make time for a good lunch!
The MAD lounge in T4 was a pleasant surprise (IB lounge in T4S remains closed), and felt relatively normal (limited drinks, but a great G+T from a friendly chap with a trolley) and food decent.
IB flights fair - old tatty 330 out from LHR but very nice 350 back with newer J seat which is very good, IMO. Food on board mixed, as was service.
Note of caution: I was told IB could only serve each PAX 1 x alcoholic drink per pax (that was LHR to MAD).
Good luck and be careful (little practical social distancing in practice on the ground from what I experienced but masks universally worn outside, except when seated/dining).
C
It seemed to me that business travel, IS permitted from both the UK and Spanish perspectives; the lists of professions which the UK Government posts are related to those to which there are differences in isolation/quarantine/testing requirements on return.
For what it's worth, based on my experience, some further info:
On the outbound ex T5, I was directed from First Wing to the Iberia desks in the middle to check-in. Substantial wait in Business queue (longer waits for those in Economy) as a lot of cross-checking and 2nd opinions on validity of paperwork (I presume the Iberia team know the local regulations better than the BA FW Team so handle the Spanish flights (and only IB to MAD at present).
In my case this was a letter from the local Spanish entity with whom I was doing business, but to the Op my advice would be to get a letter from a local contact/supplier who can vouch for you (a press card might also help) as this was what the IB check-in team at LHR was examining with care and discussed amongst themselves. Having this in Spanish obviously would be preferable, containing your passport number and dates.
As others note above, PCR tests for entry to Spain and then UK were checked multiple times (4 x on my return journey to LHR)
Passenger Locator form for returning to the UK also checked (as was confirmation of booking for the 2 x Mandatory Tests on return at 2 and 8 days)
The Spanish Health Ministry QR code was checked at LHR check-in and again in MAD connections (to Domestic)
Being in Spain again was a delight, but with restaurants now closing at 8pm, my advice is to make time for a good lunch!
The MAD lounge in T4 was a pleasant surprise (IB lounge in T4S remains closed), and felt relatively normal (limited drinks, but a great G+T from a friendly chap with a trolley) and food decent.
IB flights fair - old tatty 330 out from LHR but very nice 350 back with newer J seat which is very good, IMO. Food on board mixed, as was service.
Note of caution: I was told IB could only serve each PAX 1 x alcoholic drink per pax (that was LHR to MAD).
Good luck and be careful (little practical social distancing in practice on the ground from what I experienced but masks universally worn outside, except when seated/dining).
C
Apr 22, 2021, 4:19 am
#28
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,381
I recently returned from a business trip to Spain and was surprised by the levels of checks involved.
It seemed to me that business travel, IS permitted from both the UK and Spanish perspectives; the lists of professions which the UK Government posts are related to those to which there are differences in isolation/quarantine/testing requirements on return.
For what it's worth, based on my experience, some further info:
On the outbound ex T5, I was directed from First Wing to the Iberia desks in the middle to check-in. Substantial wait in Business queue (longer waits for those in Economy) as a lot of cross-checking and 2nd opinions on validity of paperwork (I presume the Iberia team know the local regulations better than the BA FW Team so handle the Spanish flights (and only IB to MAD at present).
In my case this was a letter from the local Spanish entity with whom I was doing business, but to the Op my advice would be to get a letter from a local contact/supplier who can vouch for you (a press card might also help) as this was what the IB check-in team at LHR was examining with care and discussed amongst themselves. Having this in Spanish obviously would be preferable, containing your passport number and dates.
As others note above, PCR tests for entry to Spain and then UK were checked multiple times (4 x on my return journey to LHR)
Passenger Locator form for returning to the UK also checked (as was confirmation of booking for the 2 x Mandatory Tests on return at 2 and 8 days)
The Spanish Health Ministry QR code was checked at LHR check-in and again in MAD connections (to Domestic)
Being in Spain again was a delight, but with restaurants now closing at 8pm, my advice is to make time for a good lunch!
The MAD lounge in T4 was a pleasant surprise (IB lounge in T4S remains closed), and felt relatively normal (limited drinks, but a great G+T from a friendly chap with a trolley) and food decent.
IB flights fair - old tatty 330 out from LHR but very nice 350 back with newer J seat which is very good, IMO. Food on board mixed, as was service.
Note of caution: I was told IB could only serve each PAX 1 x alcoholic drink per pax (that was LHR to MAD).
Good luck and be careful (little practical social distancing in practice on the ground from what I experienced but masks universally worn outside, except when seated/dining).
C
It seemed to me that business travel, IS permitted from both the UK and Spanish perspectives; the lists of professions which the UK Government posts are related to those to which there are differences in isolation/quarantine/testing requirements on return.
For what it's worth, based on my experience, some further info:
On the outbound ex T5, I was directed from First Wing to the Iberia desks in the middle to check-in. Substantial wait in Business queue (longer waits for those in Economy) as a lot of cross-checking and 2nd opinions on validity of paperwork (I presume the Iberia team know the local regulations better than the BA FW Team so handle the Spanish flights (and only IB to MAD at present).
In my case this was a letter from the local Spanish entity with whom I was doing business, but to the Op my advice would be to get a letter from a local contact/supplier who can vouch for you (a press card might also help) as this was what the IB check-in team at LHR was examining with care and discussed amongst themselves. Having this in Spanish obviously would be preferable, containing your passport number and dates.
As others note above, PCR tests for entry to Spain and then UK were checked multiple times (4 x on my return journey to LHR)
Passenger Locator form for returning to the UK also checked (as was confirmation of booking for the 2 x Mandatory Tests on return at 2 and 8 days)
The Spanish Health Ministry QR code was checked at LHR check-in and again in MAD connections (to Domestic)
Being in Spain again was a delight, but with restaurants now closing at 8pm, my advice is to make time for a good lunch!
The MAD lounge in T4 was a pleasant surprise (IB lounge in T4S remains closed), and felt relatively normal (limited drinks, but a great G+T from a friendly chap with a trolley) and food decent.
IB flights fair - old tatty 330 out from LHR but very nice 350 back with newer J seat which is very good, IMO. Food on board mixed, as was service.
Note of caution: I was told IB could only serve each PAX 1 x alcoholic drink per pax (that was LHR to MAD).
Good luck and be careful (little practical social distancing in practice on the ground from what I experienced but masks universally worn outside, except when seated/dining).
C