We’ve said it so often that it seems like a cliché. The truth is that you probably have a relative close to you who goes home for Christmas. But what do we need to keep in mind when travelling in the covid era? We take a look at everything you need to know about travelling in the midst of the pandemic.

After a year and a half of confinement, international travel seems to be picking up and many families finally see a chance to see each other again at Christmas without so many restrictions. Even the emergence of the Omicron variant does not seem to have dampened the desire for Christmas reunions. Even so, the reopening of borders has been far from easy, as the world still struggles with inequalities in the pace of vaccination in the midst of economic recovery.

However, on cruise ships, in airports and hotels, the new normal is beginning to look a lot like the pre-pandemic years. However, cleanliness protocols, social distancing measures and face masks are here to stay. But the lack of joint guidelines from the authorities in each country means that users are constantly having to change their habits.

What you need to bear in mind before travelling

Travellers from the rest of the European Union (EU) or associated countries (Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and the United Kingdom), as well as Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco and San Marino are allowed to enter Catalonia with a digital COVID certificate. In any case, depending on the epidemiological situation in the country of origin, different restrictions apply.

Thus, if you are travelling from outside the EU, all passengers, including children under 12 years of age, must fill in a health control form. Once you have filled in the form, you get a QR code that you have to present when boarding the plane and on arrival in Spain. If you come from a country with a low incidence rate, you can travel without a diagnostic test, but with the worldwide spread of the Omicron variant, it is likely that you will need a vaccination certificate, which can be downloaded from La Meva Salut, and a diagnostic test carried out 48 hours before the start of your trip.

In addition, if you are travelling by air or sea, you will need to undergo a health check at the first point of entry at the airport, which includes at least a temperature check, a documentation check and a visual health check. If you are suspected of having covid, then you will have to undergo a medical assessment. 

What can you do once you have arrived?

This Christmas, in Catalonia, it will be compulsory to present the digital COVID certificate to enter restaurants, bars and nightlife venues and celebrations. In addition, it is still recommended to wear a mask in enclosed spaces and to ventilate the home at least every 10 minutes if the room is occupied by more than three people.

In addition, family gatherings of no more than ten people are recommended, unless they are cohabitants, and to keep living groups as stable as possible. Group consumption of food and beverages in public space is also not permitted.

How to organise your return home

To return by plane, it is essential to buy your boarding pass online, as you will have to present it when you board the plane. It is also advisable to arrive in good time because security checks and the check-in process is slower than usual. Also, most airlines have restricted the carriage of hand luggage in the cabin and it is recommended that family farewells take place outside the port facilities. In addition, the destination country is likely to require a travel log. Still, despite the restrictions, Christmas family reunions are welcome.

11Onze is becoming a phenomenon as the first Fintech community in Catalonia. Now, it releases the first version of El Canut, the super app of 11Onze, for Android and Apple. El Canut, the first universal account can be opened in Catalan territory.