Spain has lifted its coronavirus entry requirements for visitors travelling within the EU - but it's bad news for Brits.
The Spanish Health Ministry has said that it has lifted the restrictions in the EU due to its high rates of vaccination coverage. However, as the UK is no longer part of the EU the rules do not apply here.
The Spanish Health Ministry said: "In Spain, due to the high rates of vaccination coverage, above the European Union average, and the favourable situation of the health system, it is considered appropriate to also eliminate travel restrictions for people from countries belonging to the European Union or with the consideration of associated Schengen countries."
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Spain has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations for British holidaymakers, and it is not hard to see why. The country offers a lot, from delicious food and drink to exciting nightlife and culture. This means it is often the destination of choice for everyone, from stag groups to family holidays.
That said, getting into the country in the current phase of the Covid-19 pandemic has not been without impediments. While they are not as stringent as during the height of the pandemic, Spain still enforces some rules to combat the spread of the virus.
However, Spain's Covid-19 entry requirements are still in place for third countries (that are non-EU), which includes the UK. With the school holidays rapidly approaching, many prospective travellers are looking into the entry requirements for Spain.
What are Spain's entry rules for UK travellers?
If you are travelling to Spain for tourism, the Gov.uk website currently lists these entry requirements:
- Being fully vaccinated. Your vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities' validity period requirements. See 'If you're fully vaccinated'.
- A negative Covid-19 test: either a PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure. See 'If you're not fully vaccinated'.
- Having recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months. You can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your Covid-19 status on entry to Spain. See 'If you've had COVID-19 in the past year'.
It goes on to state: "Travellers from the UK who can either show proof of being fully vaccinated, or of having recovered from prior Covid-19 infection in the last six months, or who are aged under 12 years old, do not need to complete Spain's Travel Health Control form. Everyone else must complete Spain's Travel Health Control form no more than 48 hours before travel to Spain."
There are no exemptions for these conditions, but they do not ap
ply to children under 12. Complete guidance for entering Spain is available on the Gov.UK website and should be consulted before any trip.
