Unvaccinated Scots holidaymakers will be banned from entering Spain unless they show evidence of a negative ‘gold standard’ PCR test.
The move was announced by Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez yesterday amid a “worrying” rise in the numbers of coronavirus infections across the UK.
It came just days before the Balearic Islands are due to be added to the Scottish Government’s green list on travel - meaning that Scots will not need to self-isolate on their return back to Scotland.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says that the changes are likely to come into effect from July 1.
Further details are expected to be announced on the rules later today.
But there has been some confusion over the definition of a ‘gold standard’ PCR test that is required to gain entry into the country.
The official Spanish travel health page appears to show the ‘gold standard’ as any PCR test, which is different to the regular lateral flow test that we do at home.
PCR tests, which are seen as more accurate than the rapid lateral flow devices, detect the genetic material of the virus.
They are also sent to a lab for a more extensive examination to find out if the person is infected or not.
NHS Scotland currently offers PCR tests for Scots who have symptoms for the virus. Officials have ordered Scots not take these tests before jetting off abroad.
PCR tests can be ordered privately before heading off to the airport - but the price of these range from cheap to quite expensive.
TUI has teamed up with a government-authorised provider to offer customers ‘affordable’ testing packages for all of its package holiday customers.
They can be snapped up from just £20 per person with delivery and return costs included in the price.
Boots also offer their own PCR testing service for £85, while some others can be as high as £200.
Passengers who have arrived to Spain from a so-called ‘risk country’ must show evidence of a negative PCR test 48 hours prior to travel under the rules.
