Open borders for Mobile attendees

The GSMA and the Government have reached an agreement to facilitate the arrival of attendees from outside Spain to the Mobile World Congress (MWC), scheduled for June 28. This overcomes one of the main obstacles that could affect participation in the fair, taking into account that borders are closed for citizens from countries outside the European Union (EU). With the constant rumor of a trickle of cancellations from attending companies, the announcement gives a glimmer of hope to the event, which expects to gather some 50,000 attendees at this year's celebration, far from the record figures of other years.

Exhibitors, sponsors, and congress participants who wish to attend the Mobile in person will be considered highly qualified workers in order to reach Barcelona, one of the current exceptions for entering Spain. Through prior registration, the GSMA will provide information on international attendees to the Government so that they can take it into account when issuing visas and passing border controls. This exception will not apply to citizens of countries considered high-risk due to the level of incidence of covid-19. Currently, this would affect those from Brazil and South Africa.

"The health and safety of everyone involved in MWC Barcelona, both in Spain and beyond, continues to be our top priority as we navigate rapidly changing circumstances," says GSMA CEO John Hoffman. "This decision is a resounding vote of confidence in the careful planning carried out to date and in our strong collaboration with the different political parties of the host city. We will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience," he explains.

The authorization of international travel for MWC 2021 is in addition to other measures taken to ensure a safe in-person celebration. Congress participants will have to take a rapid coronavirus test every 72 hours to access the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona. Likewise, the facilities will be reorganized to maintain distances and avoid physical contact. Specifically, interactions that were previously physical, such as accreditation control for access or payment in restaurants, have been digitized, and entrances and exits have been doubled, with one-way traffic flows.