Jetting off on a foreign holiday from the UK is possible under a traffic light system, with countries classified as green, amber or red and prescribed restrictions to match based on the risk of arrivals importing new Covid-19 infections.
There are still myriad hoops travellers must jump through, including pre-departure and post-arrival coronavirus tests taken within a certain timeframe.
Spain and its islands have long been a favourite destination for Britons, with more than 18 million holidaymakers visiting this Mediterranean hotspot in a normal year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the travel industry.
But how likely is a Spanish getaway this summer – and what are the current rules on travel? Here’s everything you need to know.
Are British holidaymakers allowed to travel to Spain this summer?
Yes, and Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, had originally said the nation would be “more than delighted” to welcome back British tourists without any restrictions - there were previously no testing, quarantine or vaccination requirements for UK arrivals.
To sign up to Simon Calder’s free weekly travel newsletter click here
However, due to transmission of the Delta variant, British holidaymakers must now present either a negative Covid test (PCR, TMA, LAMP or NEAR) taken within 72 hours of arrival, or proof of full vaccination at least 14 days prior, in order to gain entry to the country as of 2 July. Spain will accept an NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination status.
Antigen tests are only accepted in “certain limited circumstances”, but not for tourism.
Before travel to Spain, passengers must also complete and sign an online Health Control Form no more than 48 hours prior to travel, declaring any known history of exposure to Covid-19 and giving contact details.
Anyone who has not completed this form electronically via the Spain Travel Health website or app may submit it in paper format prior to boarding.
Is Spain on the amber list?
Mainland Spain, as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands, remains on the government’s “amber” list.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps revealed the latest reshuffle of the traffic light lists for international travel on 4 August, when it transpired Spain and its territories remained stuck on the amber list.
The next review is due to take place on or around 25 August, with any changes taking effect the following week.
Will Spain join the green list in the next review?
Nothing is ever certain in the ongoing game of traffic-light travel roulette. The next review of the lists is expected in three weeks’ time.
But asked on Sky News whether Spain could be put on the red list in future, the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, replied: “With coronavirus you can never say there is zero chance.”
What does travel to an amber list country entail?
Holidaymakers travelling home from a destination on the amber list will need to take a pre-departure test - which can be a lateral flow or rapid antigen test, as well as a PCR test - with proof of a negative result.
However, in the latest government travel update, the Department for Transport added on a special note for travellers from Spain, advising them to take a PCR, rather than the cheaper, quicker, lateral flow as their pre-departure test. This is currently advice, rather a legal requirement.
Upon arrival to the UK from an amber list country, travellers who have not been fully vaccinated must self-isolate at home for 10 days, plus have pre-booked and paid to take two PCR tests: one on day two and one on day eight.
Returning travellers in England can opt to pay for a further test on day five and end self-isolation early if it’s negative.
Britons who have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine and those under the age of 18, plus travellers who’ve been double-jabbed in the US or EU, will not have to self-isolate upon returning, but still have to book and take a day two PCR test.
Will I need to have been vaccinated to visit Spain?
No - although if you haven’t been double jabbed at least 14 days prior to entering Spain, you must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
What restrictions are in place in Spain?
Rising Covid-19 infection rates have seen the reintroduction of restrictions in Catalonia and Valencia.
Health emergency chief Fernando Simon called the situation “really dramatic”, adding: “We are still in a situation where we have to reduce risks.”
The Catalan regional government announced last month that all activities, including bars, would have to shut at 12.30am, that social gatherings would be capped at ten people, and eating or drinking in public areas would be banned. A 1am curfew was extended to 176 municipalities in Catalonia on Thursday and social gatherings remain capped at 10 people.
Night curfews have also been imposed in more than 30 towns in neighbouring Valencia and tourism hotspot Benicassim.
The use of face coverings continues to be mandatory for anyone over the age of six years old on all forms of public transport in Spain, in any enclosed space open to the public, and outdoors where social distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be observed.
Specific rules on the use of face masks may vary between regions. You should refer to local authorities for specific information on face-covering requirements and any exceptions where you are.
Penalties may be imposed if you do not comply.
