These are the quarantine rules for UK tourists returning from Spain - and your rights explained

Thousands of travel plans have been thrown into disarray after the UK Government removed Spain from its list of safe countries to travel to.

Spain was removed from the list of countries exempt from quarantine restrictions on Sunday 26 July, due to a spike in the number of coronavirus cases over the last few days.

Here’s what the change means for UK tourists.

Why did the rules change so suddenly?

The removal of Spain from the government-approved list of low-risk countries came following a “significant change” over the past week in both the level and pace of change in confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, the government said.

Spain had reported more than 900 new daily infections over a period of two days, sparking concerns of the virus spreading among visiting tourists.

The decision to reinstate quarantine restrictions on travellers returning from Spain was made by the UK Government, as well as the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What are the quarantine rules?

As of 26 July, all travellers returning to the UK from Spain will have to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

The quarantine rules apply to people returning to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Travellers entering Spain from the UK will not be required to self-isolate on arrival. However, they will be subject to the following three requirements:

• Provide the Spanish Ministry of Health with mandatory contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19 48 hours prior to travel
• Temperature check
• Undergo a visual health assessment

Where in Spain can I travel to?

From 26 July, the UK