Spain has reopened to unvaccinated tourists outside the EU, the government confirmed on Saturday.
Holidaymakers from the UK still need to show a negative Covid test to enter the country, but the relaxed rules are “excellent news” for the tourism industry according to Spanish minister Reyes Maroto.
With its sunny beaches, rich architectural heritage and delicious food, there are plenty of reasons why the Mediterranean nation was the world’s second-most visited country pre-pandemic. And, of course, the long-running favourite of British holidaymakers.
Unlike a number of other European nations, Spain has not scrapped its travel restrictions entirely. But, Ms Maroto explained, the “new phase of the pandemic” means the country is ready to relax the rules by treating non-EU travellers the same as those from the Schengen area.
As the world adjusts to international travel in the continuing age of Covid, the Spanish tourism sector is expected to reach nearly 90 per cent of its 2019 size.
What are the latest entry requirements for Spain?
Tourists from within the EU need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test through the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) or another valid document.
If you don’t have the certificate (or another EU equivalent) you can fill in Spain’s Health Control Form with these details, receiving a QR code to get through the airports.
Either a PCR or rapid antigen test – taken within 72 or 48 hours before arrival, respectively – are accepted.
Previously, there were extra measures for those coming from a European country where COVID is more widespread. But there are currently no countries on Spain’s ‘risk’ list.
What counts as fully vaccinated in Spain?
In order to be considered fully vaccinated by the Spanish government, all travellers must have received their second jab at least 14 days prior to their trip.
You must be vaccinated with a complete course of a vaccine approved by the WHO or EMA.
And, in line with other EU countries, Spain has set an expiration date of 270 days on vaccine passports. This means booster jabs will be required if your second jab was more than nine months ago.
But there is no requirement for 14 days to have passed since getting any further booster jabs and entering Spain; and there is currently no expiration date for booster jabs.
Are masks required in Spain?
After 700 days, Spain finally dropped its indoor mask wearing rule on 20 April. By royal decree, masks are no longer mandatory in the vast majority of settings – from bars and cafes to museums and cinemas.
Public transport is one key exception, however, as face coverings are still required on airplanes, buses, trains, metros, taxis – as well as ferries if a 1.5 metre distance can’t be maintained indoors.
It follows the scrapping of Spain’s strict outdoor mask wearing rule earlier this year.
Domestic rules can vary from region to region however, so it’s important to check the exact requirements for where you’re headed. The Spanish Tourist Board’s Travel Safe website has more guidance on this, with a breakdown of rules for each of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions on its interactive map.
More detail available on EuroNews.com
