Spain reopens its borders and ends state of emergency.

Brazil Agency - Passengers wearing masks and carrying wheeled suitcases arrived at Madrid's main airport, while the French crossed the border to buy alcohol and tobacco at a cheaper price today (21), after Spain has already opened its borders to most European countries and will end the state of emergency imposed to contain the new coronavirus.

Spain's borders are now open to all European Union countries except Portugal, as well as to members of the Schengen Area outside the region and the United Kingdom, in a much-needed boost to the country's tourism industry, which accounts for more than 12% of its economy.

British tourists will be able to enter without having to quarantine, the government's Foreign Secretary announced on Saturday (20), although they will still be subject to 14 days of isolation after their return.

Spaniards have also been allowed to move freely around the country starting today, and many are expected to visit friends, family, and second homes in other regions. Since March 14, the Spanish population has been required to remain within their home states.

People will still need to wear masks in public spaces when social distancing measures cannot be respected.

At Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport, there was a palpable sense of relief among the passengers, many of whom were traveling to see loved ones after months apart.

"My situation is a bit complicated because my wife lives in Italy and I live in Spain, so we haven't seen each other for four months," said Alberto Bos, who was traveling to Milan.

All arriving passengers will have their temperature taken, they will be asked to indicate where they are coming from and to report their whereabouts in Spain, should they need to be located.

Spain's border with neighboring Portugal will reopen on July 1st.

"It's very strange, because we're not used to traveling anymore," said Martina, an Italian tourist who was one of the first to arrive in Spain on a flight from Bergamo.

Stickers on the floor of the arrival hall ensured that those waiting for passengers complied with social distancing measures.