The regional government of the Balearic Islands has decided to tighten the existing rules for holidays in Mallorca. In Mallorca and the neighbouring Balearic islands, a compulsory face mask requirement applies from today (13th July 2020), even if the required safety distance of 1.5 metres can be maintained. The obligation to cover your mouth and nose therefore always exists when you are outdoors and could meet other people. With this new measure, the regional government wants to prevent a new increase in new infections due to the increased tourist volume in Mallorca, Ibiza and other Balearic Islands, popular destinations with tourists this summer in spite of the coronavirus.
The regional government of the Balearic Islands is not the only Spanish autonomous community that has introduced a tightened mask requirement. In Catalonia, Andalusia, Extremadura, Aragon, La Rioja and Navarra a mask also has to be worn constantly in order to control the increasing number of new infections and to prevent a second wave of COVID-19.
Do I have to wear a mask in restaurants?
The new mask requirements now also apply in bars and restaurants, but not during meals. This means that your mask does not have to be put back on after every sip or bite, but it is necessary to but it on if you get up to go to the bathroom, for example.
Do I have to wear a mask in hotels, at the pool or on the beach?
There is still no obligation to wear a mask at the hotel pool and on the beach; the same applies to athletes. Events in closed rooms with more than 70 people are also prohibited. The maximum allowed is now 30 people.
Do I have to wear a mask in the car?
If you are travelling alone in the car, you do not have to wear a mask when driving. The same applies if the passengers live in the same household. However, as soon as there is a passenger who does not live with the driver, all occupants must cover their mouth and nose.
What are the fines if I don't wear a mask?
In the first two days of the tightened mask rules in Mallorca, the police still want to be lenient and will only issue warnings. However, from Wednesday 15th July, fines of up to 100 euros are to be imposed.
Can I still cancel my holiday in Mallorca?
This depends on the tour operator and the booking conditions in any case. So far, tour operators and hotels have been quite generous in terms of cancellations due to the general health emergency. However, there is no legal right not to take the trip due to the tightened mask requirement.
Anyone who decides to go on a holiday in Mallorca must prepare for health checks at the airport . A form must be completed before entering the country. This can also be done online; the traveller then is sent a QR code, which is simply scanned on arrival and speeds up entry.
Alternative destinations in Spain
If you are looking for quieter holiday destinations in Spain, but still don't want to do without a beach holiday this summer 2020, here are some less known but certainly no less idyllic beaches, far from the crowds:
