The Diplomat
Spain is extending controls at the internal land border with Portugal until 1 May due to the covid-19 health crisis, according to a Ministry of the Interior order published yesterday in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
The order states that “the epidemiological situation in Spain and Portugal still advises the maintenance of preventive measures restricting mobility within the territory”. It adds that, after due consultation with the Portuguese authorities, it has been decided to maintain controls at the internal land border between the two countries.
The border closure was established by Spain at the end of January and has been extended since then, as has Portugal, which is maintaining the same measure. The last extension, agreed on 1 April, ended at midnight on Friday, 16 April. The new extension will be in force until midnight on 1 May.
The closure only allows Spanish citizens or residents in the country to enter Spain in exceptional cases for reasons such as family reunification, work, studies, force majeure, a situation of need or humanitarian reasons, among others, as long as they are duly accredited.
Last week the Portuguese Interior Minister, Eduardo Cabrita, pointed out that there is no date set for lifting these controls, as the health situation is evaluated every fortnight.
