Spain holiday entry requirements, testing and Covid and face mask rules

Booking a holiday at the moment can be stressful as people try to navigate the different Covid rules and requirements for each country.

From face-covering rules to where and how to get tested there's a lot of hurdles to jump through to enjoy your time in the sun.

Spain is one of the most popular holiday locations for Brits and those who have been fully vaccinated will be able to travel to the mainland from July 19 without having to quarantine on their return - despite it currently being on the amber list.

And the government no longer advises against all but essential travel to the country.

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There are however still strict entry requirements into Spain which differ depending on which area of the country you are travelling to.

It's important to remember that Covid-19 situations can change in Spain and new restrictions can be implemented from the Spanish government.

Always check the conditions of travel before booking your holiday as failing any of the requirements could lead to you being turned away at the airport or even getting trapped in a hotel.

General rules will usually require holidaymakers to be fully vaccinated and receive a negative Covid-19 result close to arriving at the airport.

Here's what you need to know about the current rules, entry requirements and how what you need to do about testing.

Current covid and social distancing rules

Face covering and social distance rules are applicable to anyone over the age of 6.

Social distancing rules should be observed wherever possible in Spain.

Official guidelines in the country state a minimum of 1.5 metres should be observed between people.

Any safety measures implemented by shops, bars, hotels and restaurants should be followed at all times to reduce the risk and spread of covid-19.

Hands should be washed frequently alongside the regular use of hand sanitizer, especially where water and soap are not available.

Testing, vaccination and entry requirements for Spain

Currently, all arrivals to Spain from the UK will need to present proof of either a negative Covid-19 test or full vaccination - children under the age of 12 are excluded from this requirement.

Documentation of these must be issued within 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

Antigen tests are not currently accepted for the majority of travellers - a PCR test or negative lateral flow test are the most common ones issued by providers which can be accepted.

Proof of vaccination must have been issued at least 14 days prior to arriving in Spain.

The vaccine must be approved by the European Medicines Agency or World Health Organisation - AstraZeneca and Pfizer are both approved under these rules.

If you live in England, Spain will accept proof of vaccination from the NHS app or an NHS letter confirming your vaccination status.

There are further requirements and restrictions if certain details apply to you.

Firstly, if you have travelled from an 'at-risk country' in the past 14 days prior to arrival in Spain, you will have to have the prior mentioned documents with the addition of a medial certificate confirming you have recovered from Covid-19 6 months prior to travel.

Secondly, if you are travelling from mainland Spain to the Balearic or Canary Islands, you should refer to your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements- tourist accommodation will require the previous mentioned documents.

Thirdly, if you are travelling overland by road or rail from France, previous restrictions apply.

Travellers should always follow guidance from local authorities in Spain to restrict the spread of Covid-19.

All passengers entering Spain are still required to complete a pre-travel declaration form.

Up until July 19 travellers returning from Spain must quarantine at home for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8.

From July 19 fully vaccinated travellers will not need to quarantine on arrival in England or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Face Covering Rules

Local health authorities in Spain have stated that face coverings must be worn outside if a social distance of 1.5 metres cannot be observed.

When indoors, a facemask must be worn at all times including when visiting social service centres.

It is also mandatory to carry a face covering with you at all times in order to prevent people forgetting to put a face mask on when required.

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