Thanks to some recent tweaks to local Covid-19 travel regulations, the 2021 Surf Cup International is officially cleared for take off.
The good news: We’re just weeks away from the event of a lifetime. Competition from all across the United States and Europe are chomping at the bit to go head to head and find out what they’re made of. Meanwhile, families are beginning to make reservations at world class restaurants and coordinate their trips up and down the Spanish coast.
The bad news: There isn’t any – keep on reading.
The travel regulations have provided new hurdles for all of us, but here’s the kicker: we’re actually pretty dang excited about them. Not only do we have the opportunity to compete this year (unlike the Dana Cup and Gothia Cup I to name a few) but we’ve also been handed a road map on how to host a tournament that’s safe for everyone in attendance.
Now take a knee. Here’s a crash course on everything you need to know before you go.
All travelers from the United States, including children older than 12 years old, must show proof of vaccination. Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for children ages 5 to 11 at one-third the dose used in adolescents and adults, according to a new study from the Pfizer-BioNTech.
According to the United States Embassy, all U.S. citizens travelling from the United States must present a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the “SpTH app” in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age.
Upon returning to the United States, international travelers will require proof of full vaccination before boarding a flight and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure. They will not be required to quarantine upon arrival. The tournament may be able to assist in coordinating testing for any person needing it.
In addition to vaccination requirements, the CDC has issued a contact tracing order that requires all airlines to collect a phone number, email address and other information from US-bound travelers.
Too long, didn’t read: Proof of full vaccinations are required for all travelers, older than 12, heading to Spain. Upon entering Spain, travelers must complete a health screening questionnaire and present a QR code. To return to the United States, travelers are required to present proof of full vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure.
“We feel strongly that the new travel mandates are putting us in a position to have the safest international tournament imaginable,” says Jordi Gomez, Surf Cup International Director. “Our team has an extremely positive outlook on these new travel restrictions, and we realize that tighter guidelines will only make the event safer for athletes, coaches, and families.” Your safety is our number one priority. Our team is working diligently to ensure that we are in compliance with all local guidelines.
By the way, did we mention European competition on a pitch just meters away from one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches?
Brackets will be revealed on Monday November 1st!