COVID-19 INFORMATION
We look forward to welcoming you to Barcelona for the 35th EACTS Annual Meeting. There is great enthusiasm from the cardiothoracic community to reconnect in person. To ensure the safety of all those attending, we are aligning our health and safety measures with Barcelona’s latest COVID-19 regulations. However, it is important that you take personal responsibility to travel safely and keep abreast of the regulations in your own country, as well as in Barcelona.
Before you travel
Before you travel to Barcelona, please check the applicable entry requirements for the country you are travelling from along with any regulations for your return travel. You can check requirements via Spain’s official tourism website here. You should also check the regulations your airline or transport provider may have in place in relation to pre travel Covid-19 testing and mask etiquette.
You can fill out Spain’s new health control form and obtain your QR code for arrival in Spain by accessing Spain’s Travel Health portal.
Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination will be required for all in-person entry to this year’s Annual Meeting. Documentation will be required to be uploaded before the event. If proof of vaccination is unavailable, proof of a Negative PCR test will be required. A facial recognition system will be in use for the first time this year in Barcelona, which will ensure that delegates are able to register independently and more efficiently.
When you arrive
All travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others. Be aware that safety measures in place may change quickly to control the virus.
Currently, it is not mandatory to wear a mask in outdoor spaces if a safety distance of 1.5 meters can be maintained. In indoor settings across Spain, masks must be worn.
At the venue
Your health and safety whilst on site in Barcelona is our primary concern. The Centre Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB), our conference venue, has been awarded the international “Safe Travels” seal recognised from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for its protocol against Covid-19 and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
The CCIB Congress Centre, in partnership with QUIRON SALUD, will be offering on-site PCR and Antigen testing during this year’s Annual Meeting for delegates who need proof of a negative test for their return travel. Testing will be available from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 October. No pre-booking required.
Please find here a list of other laboratories offering testing close to the CCIB and in the city centre.
A number of other safety and prevention protocols will be set in place for the event including:
Personal shielding – wearing of face masks will be compulsory
Hand sanitiser stations will be available throughout the building
Increased cleaning and disinfection in all areas
Visible signage on safety and hygiene measures
Adapted catering provision will be in place to allow for appropriate distancing
Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination or negative testing will be required for all participants
Facial recognition will be in place to enable participants to register independently and safely
Further safety protocol documentation can be found here.
Before you leave
Please check the healthcare and documentation requirements of the country you are travelling back to.
We look forward to seeing you for four days of world-class science in the wonderful city of Barcelona. Register your place today
