As we enter the Christmas season there is a bit of good news for residents of Ibiza and Formentera. Due to the relatively low incidence of Covid-19 on the islands, Ibiza has been moved to Level 2 (medium risk), while Formentera remains at Level 1 (situation in control). Whereas the restrictions do not change greatly, it is a welcome relief for those of us already here and for anyone returning here to visit family and friends.
There are currently around 280 active cases of the virus on the islands. Hospitalisations remain fairly low and, thankfully, there have been no further fatalities over the past month.
For the key dates over the Christmas period, the curfew has been pushed back to 01:30 on Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) and New Year's Eve (Noche Vieja). Social groups of up to 10 persons are allowed on those days and also on the 25 December and 1 January.
It is now obligatory to provide evidence of a negative PCR test, 72 hours prior to arrival, from your place of origin: whether foreign or from another autonomous region of Spain.
Obviously, the wearing of masks in public places and transport remains obligatory and washing and sanitising of hands is still a priority.
So, if you're planning to visit the islands over the holiday period, or returning home from overseas, these are the key regulations on Ibiza and Formentera to consider:
- The night-time curfew remains from to 00:00 to 06:00.
- Bar and restaurant interior capacity can now range from 40% to 70%, according to the level of ventilation inside - maximum 6 persons per table. Exterior terrace capacity will be increased to 75% - maximum 10 persons per table.
- Smoking is permitted where a secure distance of 2m can be maintained. This still precludes smoking on restaurant and bar terraces.
- Social gatherings in Ibiza remain limited to 10 outside, 6 inside. On Formentera the situation remains considerably better, 20 outside, 10 inside.
- Shopping. The capacity in shops is lifted to 75%.
- Cinemas are allowed 45% capacity and refreshments are allowed to be consumed. Theatres and cultural centres are increased to 75% capacity.
- Sport and excursions in the open air with up to 30 participants in Ibiza and Formentera.
All of these regulations are constantly evolving and may be subject to change at short notice.
Hopefully, when the vaccination programme begins to roll out in the New Year and, with the PCR testing rules in place, the virus will be under complete control here. We believe we can look forward, much more enthusiastically, to an exciting summer season in 2021 and to much happier times ahead. Merry Christmas!
