| UPDATED: 18:26, Wed, Dec 30, 2020
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Spain holidays have faced countless chopping and changing travel rules in 2020. This is the time of year when numerous British holidaymakers flock to the Canary Islands for the winter sun the archipelago offers - but, alas, not so this year. First mainland Spain, the Balearics and the Canaries were removed from the travel corridor list, then Spain issued a travel ban on UK flights after a new strain of covid was identified, and now Brexit rules mean imminent change, too.
THE CANARY ISLANDS are normally buzzing with Britons enjoying their holidays at this time of year thanks to the winter sun the Canaries offer. Alas, this year is not the case due to the coronavirus crisis, and today the Foreign Office issued a new update for the archipelago.
Holidays: Spain has not been on the travel corridor for many months (Image: Express) A minimum fine of €3,000 may be issued to anyone who arrives in Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries without adequate evidence of a negative PCR, TMA or LAMP test.
However, the NHS should not be used for covid tests for travel purposes - you should arrange to take a private test.
Following the travel ban news, TUI announced their flights the Canaries were axed. We have currently cancelled Canary Islands holidays from England up to and including January 5 2021, said TUI. We’re in the process of proactively contacting impacted customers by departure date order.
The statement said the entry ban for non-residents had been coordinated with neighbouring Portugal, which announced its decision late on Sunday.
A number of European nations among others have shut off travel ties to Britain after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that the new strain of the coronavirus was a danger to the country.
What is the latest travel advice for Spain?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has now updated its advice for travel to Spain.
It reads: Spain have announced they will be restricting passenger travel from the UK (by air and sea) from 6pm on 22 December until 6pm on 5 January, with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.
Testing and travel: PCR, Lamp and TMA tests explained Simon Calder
Many countries now demand negative Covid-19 test results from incoming travellers.
But there is neither international agreement on the type of test nor the timing requirements. Even within the UK’s favourite foreign country, Spain, travellers are being given conflicting information on acceptable tests.
These are the key questions and answers.
What tests are there?
Covid tests look either for the presence of the virus in the body right now or evidence of a previous response to it by your immune system.
Those that look for current infection are broadly known as