Spanish authorities have announced that the country will lift the mask requirement on April 20th.
Spain also reversed its decision on removing Covid travel restrictions for unvaccinated passengers.
The move has come as Spanish authorities are preparing for an influx of tourists around the Easter period, and want to avoid an increase in Covid cases.
Read more: Spain travel: New tourist tax for one region moves step closer as Irish holidaymakers dealt blow
The Spanish government backtracked on rules for unvaccinated passengers from the UK.
If you are planning a trip to Spain over the coming weeks, here’s what you should know about the current rules around travel from Ireland.
Do I need an EU Digital Covid cert?
Yes, you still need to show a valid EU Digital Covid Cert.
In order to enter Spain, all passengers must either:
Present a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC)
Complete the Spain Travel Health (SpTH) Health Control Form, containing the details of your vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test certificate.
You can do so through the Spain Travel Health portal or Android apps or iOS.
When you have filled in the form (no more than 48 hours before your arrival in Spain), you will receive a QR code which you will have to present (on paper or via your mobile phone) both when boarding and when you arrive in Spain.
It’s mandatory that EU travellers coming from a location with high Covid numbers provide extra information through their EU cert.
Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Spain?
Vaccinated travellers must use the EUDCC to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
For pre-departure tests, you can either take a PCR test up to 72 hours before arrival or an antigen one within 24 hours.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs: “Covid vaccination certificates are valid from 14 days after the administration of the last dose of the primary vaccination schedule.
“Vaccination certificates are valid for no more than 270 days from the date of the last dose of the primary vaccination schedule.
“For any period in excess of this, vaccination certificates must reflect the administration of a booster dose in order to be valid.”
What are the rules for children and young adults?
Passengers under the age of 12 or who are in transit are not required to present an EU DCC or complete the SpTH Health Control form signed on their behalf.
Since February children aged 12 to 17 no longer need to be fully vaccinated and can enter Spain with a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival.
Do I need to wear a mask on holiday?
The mask mandate will be lifted on April 20th and mean the removal of mask-wearing in most public spaces.
An official notice will be published by the Spanish government on April 19 and is expected to come into force the next day.
This will include venues such as cinemas, bars and restaurants but will remain in the likes of hospitals and nursing homes.
The Spanish government has already scrapped the rule to wear masks outdoors, including on beaches, seaside promenades and around swimming pools, bringing relief to holidaymakers.
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