The times are changing and the world is facing the uncertainty that comes with COVID.
After over 3 months under lockdown due to CORONAVIRUS, things are getting better in Madrid. We don’t know when the whole situation will go back to normal. However, Spain’s borders are slowly reopening and flights are coming in and out of Madrid’s airport. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any more COVID cases, but there are way fewer cases than at the beginning of the pandemic, and the number is decreasing every day.
Can I travel to Madrid during COVID?
Since July 1, 2020, tourists from Europe can fly to Madrid. As of the 4th of July Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay are permitted to enter.
There are no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements for these countries, and you can move freely within Spain. Moreover, you won’t need a medical certificate.
To learn more about the restrictions and all the peculiarities traveling to Madrid during COVID, check this site.
If you are travelling to Madrid from the US, odds are you’ll have to wait a little longer. Things are changing fast and they are moving forward, but at the time I am writing this post, July 6th, the borders aren’t open yet.
Considerations before Traveling to Madrid during COVID
There are a few simple steps you need to do before taking your flight.
Fill out your form and get your QR
Go to this page and fill out the form to get your personal QR code. You can either do it on the webpage or through the app. You can start and continue whenever you want, although you can only fill out the health questions 48 hours before you arrive in Spain.
Airport Control
Once in the airport, you’ll have to show the QR code in the health inspection.
During the flight, the airline will provide you the Passenger Location Card (PLC), which is a document where you’ll have to write down your address in Madrid. You’ll have to give your PLC to the health inspectors at Madrid’s airport.
Finally, they’ll check your temperature with a thermographic camera, and you’ll be ready to go.
Safety Measures during COVID
If your country is on the list you can start packing and getting everything ready to go to Madrid. However, during CORONAVIRUS, there are a few extra things to bear in mind:
Use Masks
Masks are mandatory in public places. It might be a good idea to get a few masks. There are many different ones. I use surgical masks.
It gets pretty hot it Madrid and wearing a mask can be a pain. However, it’s mandatory to wear one in public places and in public transportation.
Sanitizer
This is not mandatory but it’s a great precaution to take. I like carrying one and wash my hands every now and then.
You’ll find them in some bars and restaurants, but it’s worth it to carry your own. You can get sanitizers in almost any supermarket in Madrid.
Gloves
There are numerous opinions on whether it is a good idea or not. Personally, I don’t use them. Instead, I try to wash my hands as often as I can.
Life in Madrid during COVID
As I said above, things are slowly getting better. In Madrid most people are aware of the importance of wearing masks in public places. Actually, it is mandatory, and if you don’t follow this rule, you can face a fine up to 100€ .
You don’t need to wear a mask outside, if you can keep the 6 feet distance.
Hotels
After a few months of being closed due to COVID, Madrid hotels are now open to the public.
Hotel staff has the proper equipment and they follow all the safety procedures to ensure your well-being and safety.
If you don’t have any reservations, you can check on booking, and get your accommodation.
Eating out
This is something that has changed over time. Restaurants first opened their terraces at a fraction of their capacity. In July 2020, you can either eat outside or inside without any restrictions.
Some restaurants and bars encourage the use of QR technology so you don’t need to touch the menu. It’s simple, scan the QR with your phone and you’ll get the menu right on your screen.
Shopping
If you are traveling to Madrid during COVID, you’ll find all the stores open. The only difference is that they are not working at full capacity. People line up outside the store waiting to go in.
You might want to check out less busy shopping areas in Madrid.
Museums
Museums opened at the end of June. Reina Sofía, Museo del Prado and Thyssen are all within walking distance. In just these three, you can enjoy some of the best paintings in Spain.
Book your ticket ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in line.
Teaching in Madrid during COVID
If you applied in 2020 to become an English teaching assistant in Madrid, things are still a little unclear.
According to the Autonomous Community of Madrid, classes will start as usual. Therefore, as a teaching assistant, you’ll have to start in October. However, this might change during the next few months since they change their minds quite often.
On the Auxiliares webpage they might post all the updates, stay tuned.
I hope you got some answers after reading this post. If there’s anything you are not certain about, drop it in the comments and I’ll help you the best I can.