HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

During the Coronavirus pandemic, Spain has continued to impose restrictions on international travellers entering the country.

Below we provide you with the latest information and updates for those wishing to enter Spain during the pandemic.

We aim to update the page as official information becomes available.

LATEST NEWS

From June 30, visitors from the United Kingdom will need to provide a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival and proof of being fully vaccinated - Further details here.

Spain Removes US From Restriction-Free Travel List - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1217-spain-removes-us-from-restriction-free-travel-list.html

Spain has a list of 'at-risk' countries that are frequently updated. You can find the list here.

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Important - Please note you must not travel if you have recent-onset COVID-19 and related symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or you have had close contact with a confirmed case in the last two weeks.

Health Control Form

From July 1, 2020, all visitors to Spain must complete a Health Control Form (FCS) which can be found here. The form must be completed within 48 hours of travel to Spain.

A health control form must be completed for all travellers including children. The form must also be completed for every trip to Spain.

Once completed, you will receive a QR code which will need to be shown to the airport authorities on arrival.

Ther is also an Android/IOS app you can download to complete the health control form. Search 'Spain Travel Health-SpTH'.

Negative PCR/TMA/LAMP COVID-19 Test

From November 23, 2020, all travellers from high-risk countries (see section below) must present a negative pre-departure PCR result (COVID-19 RT-PCR), which must be taken within 72 hours before arrival in Spain.

From December 10, 2020, TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) and RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification), have been included and are accepted diagnostic tests in addition to the PCR.

Also, from this date, children under 6 years old are exempt from diagnostic testing, in order to enter Spain.

From March 30, the same requirement is imposed on travellers crossing the land border between France and Spain. Only those working in transportation and cross-border workers will be exempt, along with those who live in the border zone (as long as they remain within a 30-kilometre radius of their home).

All supporting certificates and documents must be originals and must be presented in either Spanish, English, French or German in paper or electronic format.

An official translation of any documents into Spanish is acceptable if it is not possible to provide the originals in these languages.

The document must contain the following at the very minimum.

• Travellers name
• Passport or ID number
• Test date
• Identification and contact details of the test centre
• The technique used
• The result of the test

The personal identification number (passport/ID number) that you use to get your QR code must be the same as the identification number that appears on the negative PCR/TMA certificate.

Source: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

RISK COUNTRIES

Below you can see the current list of countries where travellers from these countries will need to present a negative Coronavirus test on arrival.

All passengers arriving in Spain from a country/zone of risk by air or sea must have a valid health certificate to enter Spain, which can be:

• A COVID19 vaccination certificate
• A certificate of SARSCoV2 diagnostic test with a negative result carried out within 48 hours before arrival in Spain
• A COVID-19 recovery certificate

These certificates can be added to the SpTH health control form application, during the process of obtaining the QR code.

EU Countries

Passengers who have been completely vaccinated with vaccines approved by the European Union (European Medicines Agency) and WHO at least 14 days before arriving in Spain, will not need to provide any additional diagnostic test. However, it is possible that they may be subjected to a diagnostic test upon arrival if the health authority deems it necessary.

If you are from another EU country and have an EU Digital COVID Certificate, you can attach this online when completing the health control form. This will then facilitate faster processing at ports and airports.

Third-Countries

ALL travellers from third countries are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test on entry.

Exceptions

The following third countries are currently exempt from providing a negative test.

Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine.

Note: Those from the United Kingdom will from June 30 need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and proof of full vaccination.

Source: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/documentos/AnnexIIriskcountriesandareas_between12042021-and-25042021.pdf

CANARY ISLANDS SPECIFIC RULES

All travellers to the Canary Islands are also subject to the requirement of producing a negative pre-departure negative COVID-19 test. This must be taken within 72 hours of arrival. A PCR or rapid antigen test are both acceptable.

Passengers arriving by air or sea may also be required to undergo a temperature check which must be below 37.5 degrees Celsius.

ACTIVE MEASURES

Curfew - There is currently a national curfew in place which runs from 11 pm to 6 am (Canary Islands excluded). Autonomous regions have the power to adjust these times as they see fit.

Face Masks - The use of face masks is currently mandatory in all public spaces, indoors or outside. This is not a requirement at the beach or when eating at a restaurant.

Their use on public transport is also mandatory as well as in private vehicles if the occupants are not from the same household. Children under 6, those with disabilities or respiratory illnesses are exempt.

Social Distancing - Everyone (except those under 6) must maintain social distancing of at least 1.5 metres.

Social Gatherings - Outdoor social gatherings are now limited to six people with social distancing measures adhered to. Regional variations of this policy may apply.

Shops - Non-essential shops are open, however, sanitisation and social distancing rules must be applied. Special attention is required in commercial areas and street markets. Restrictions may vary throughout the Autonomous regions.

Catering Establishments (Open with Limitations) - Many restaurants, bars and cafes have limited opening hours. Social distancing of 1.5 metres is currently in place including at the bar and between tables. For restaurants, a maximum of 10 people are permitted per table. Stricter limits may be in force.

It is forbidden to smoke outside where a distance of two metres cannot be applied.

Outdoor areas and beaches - Beaches are generally open, although some local governments may apply certain restrictions to ensure social distancing. In some regions, the wearing of masks on the beach may be compulsory.

Tourist Accommodations (Open with Limitations) - Some hotels may be open but will be limited, especially at reception and common areas. In-house catering services must comply with social distancing regulations along with restricted opening times. Local measures and restrictions may differ depending on the regional situation.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

Please visit the following websites and apps for the latest travel advice for Spain.

Re-Open EU (Includes App) - https://reopen.europa.eu/en

Ministry of Health Travel Information - https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

Health Control Form (FCS) - https://www.spth.gob.es/

Spanish Government Safety Guidelines - https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/ciudadania.htm

Spain National Tourist Information - https://www.spain.info/es