The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has agreed to allow all MWC21 Barcelona registrants, exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and partners to enter Spain to attend the in-person event.
This allows entry to those registrants who are currently denied entry, including those from China and the USA, to enter Spain to attend and do business at MWC21.
There is a current denial of entry to Spain for any national from a country outside the EU. Exceptions apply to ‘highly qualified workers’. This now includes MWC21 Barcelona registrants.
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. A streamlined registration process will facilitate this international business travel policy.
All individuals participating in the event from outside of the European Union and Schengen Area must follow this process to get entry to Spain.
People registering for MWC will receive a MWC Barcelona 2021 Attendance Confirmation which they will need when entering Spain.
Entry will still be barred to anyone entering Spain as a tourist or for any reason other than participation in MWC Barcelona 2021.
People from high-risk Covid-19 countries will not be able to enter Spain.
This decision on international travel is part of a multi-layered plan to ensure a safe on-site environment for all attendees. Other measures include on-site testing, crowd control, social distancing, and
MWC21 Barcelona will be a hybrid event for the first time with a virtual experience on offer in parallel to the onsite activities.
Online, pass holders will have access to virtual exhibitions and network with global decision-makers via video, before, during and after the show.
Keynote speeches, conference sessions, partner programmes and summits will be live-streamed and available on-demand, across every time zone. The portal also enables attendees to directly interact with each other as well as exhibitors in real-time.
