Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief
The GSMA and Ministry of the Interior of the Government of Spain have announced details of an agreement to allow all #MWC2021 Barcelona registrants – including exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and partners – to enter Spain to attend the in-person event.
Whilst there is a current denial of entry to Spain for any national from a country outside the EU, exceptions apply to specific groups of people, including ‘highly qualified workers’. The decision from the Spanish government now includes Mobile World Congress Barcelona registrants in this category.
John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd, said “The health and safety of everyone involved in MWC Barcelona, both in Spain and beyond, continues to be our utmost priority as we navigate rapidly shifting circumstances. This decision is a resounding vote of confidence in the careful planning undertaken to date, and our strong partnership with the Host City Parties. We will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience.”
The GSMA will share details of MWC21 Barcelona registrants with Spanish authorities to facilitate entry into the country. This shift allows entry to those registrants who are currently denied entry, including those from China and the USA, to enter Spain for the purposes of attending and doing business at the event.
If you ever wanted to create a super spreader event then this is definitely the way to do it.
Here’s how the GSMA will adapt its registration process, to accommodate this international business travel policy (all individuals participating in the event from outside the European Union and Schengen Area must follow this process to facilitate entry into Spain)” –
- Complete your online registration for the event using the MWC21 Barcelona Registration System
- All individuals seeking entry to Spain must be fully registered for MWC21 Barcelona
- After completing registration, the GSMA will provide relevant information to the Spanish government for visa and border control purposes
- On completion of registration, you will receive a MWC Barcelona 2021 Attendance Confirmation. Please have this to hand when contacting your consulate or visa issuing authority and with you when you travel to attend the event
We are told that the registration system will be updated in the coming weeks to reflect the updated process. Anyone already registered will be contacted and advised when to complete this additional information.
Persons still not invited are: –
- Those seeking to enter Spain as tourists or for any reason other than participation in MWC Barcelona 2021
- Individuals residing in high risk Covid-19 countries, as determined by the Spanish government
- Individuals who are otherwise prohibited or restricted from entering Spain
The press release said that “This decision on international travel is part of a multi-layered plan to ensure a safe on-site environment for all attendees”.
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