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Coronavirus: Spain to 'reopen borders in July' - but British holidaymakers may have to wait

Spain is hoping to open borders to some countries in early July

Spain is preparing to reopen its borders from early July - but Britons may have an extended wait before being able to travel there for holidays.

A reopening of borders, which have been closed since mid-March amid the coronavirus pandemic, could initially be for Schengen countries only, according to Spanish foreign ministry sources.

There are 26 countries in Europe's Schengen area, which ensures relaxed border crossings between members, and does not include the UK.

Speaking to Reuters, one of the sources said travel from these countries could begin in early July as Spain begins to adapt to its "new normal" and looks to restart its economy.

A second source also confirmed to Reuters that borders were not believed to be reopened until this time.

It comes as Spain looks to revive its hard-hit tourism sector but also balance this with avoiding a second spike in new COVID-19 infections.

Austria and Germany, which both enacted lockdowns early in the outbreak, are planning to reopen borders fully on 15 June to try and recover its tourism sector in the summer months.

Switzerland, Lichtenstein and some other eastern European nations are also trialling staggered reopenings, while three Baltic states are preparing to reopen to EU travellers from 15 May.

Spain currently has a procedure in place to quarantine any incoming travellers for 14 days. That policy is due to end later this month - but could be extended.

The Spanish government is also looking into different models of allowing foreign travellers into the country after this period - whether this includes "sanitary corridors" or "medical-testing requirements," one of the sources said.

A sanitary corridor - an idea being encouraged by hoteliers on the Balearic Islands - could see a special opening for people from Germany and other countries where tourists usually travel from.

Every year, Spain's popularity as a holiday destination attracts around 80 million visitors that contribute to a booming tourism industry, and which accounts for around 12% of its gross domestic product.

This is part of a wider €150bn (£133bn) industry across the EU in general over the June-August travelling season.

On Wednesday, the European Commission began urging countries to return to the bloc's prided "unrestricted free movement" should health situations across member states allow.

It is concerned that 6.4 million jobs - which make up more than half the tourism workforce - could be lost as a result of the pandemic.

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The commission also encouraged domestic and intra-EU tourism as something that would "prevail in the short-term", but warned that travel outside the bloc could see further disruption.

In order to avoid a rise in COVID-19 infections between countries, the commission has encouraged airlines and airports to insist passengers wear masks, and to alter check-in and drop-off procedures to limit crowds.

Social distancing procedures should be maintained on cruises and public transport, according to its proposals.

The commission added: "Until a vaccine or treatment is available, the needs and benefits of travel and tourism need to be weighed against the risks of again facilitating the spread of the virus that may result in a resurgence of cases, possibly leading to a reintroduction of confinement measures."