TRAVEL: Spain Eases Travel Restrictions For Unvaccinated Travellers In Boost To Tourism Sector
Spain News
Published: 23 May 2022 16:19 CET
Spain confirmed on Saturday that unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter the country with immediate effect in a welcome boost to the country’s tourism sector in the run-up to the peak summer season.
As a result, unvaccinated travellers from non-EU countries, including those from the UK, may now enter Spain, under the same conditions as EU nationals.
However, they will still be required to show a negative Covid test result.
It follows an announcement last week from Spain's Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto who hinted that the restrictions which were due to end on June 15 would be lifted in a “matter of days” - a sign that the Spanish authorities were preparing to welcome back British and other non-EU holidaymakers.
Reyes Maroto said that "the new phase of the pandemic allows us to make the health requirements for entry into Spain more flexible, bringing non-EU travellers into line with those of the EU and associated Schengen countries.
“This excellent news, long awaited by the tourism sector, will make it easier for tourists from outside Europe to visit us this high season and guarantees safe mobility.
“Spain is emerging as one of the world's most desirable destinations, as shown by the demand indicators that month-on-month are approaching pre-pandemic levels, and this measure will accelerate the recovery of the sector by facilitating the entry of international travellers."
The UK’s largest travel association ABTA was also upbeat about the announcements. A spokesperson said, “Spain is the most popular holiday destination for UK holidaymakers, so it’s great that this relaxation of its travel rules will enable all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to enjoy a break there this summer.
“There are still Covid-19 entry requirements in place, so we’d encourage anyone who is thinking of booking a trip to Spain to book with an Abta travel agent or tour operator who can help them get their documentation together.”
What are the requirements for travellers entering Spain?
Following the publication of the order in the country’s Official State Gazette (BOE) travellers entering Spain by air or sea, regardless of their origin, will need to produce one of three certificates at the Spanish border.
- A valid vaccination certificate which meets with the Spanish health ministry requirements.
- A negative Covid test. This can be a NAAT type (PCR or similar) which must have been carried out within 72 hours of departure. Alternatively, an antigen test which must have been taken within 24 hours of departure.
- A recovery certificate issued at least 11 days after confirmation of COVID infection by PCR or antigen test. Certificates must be valid for 180 days.
Travellers under the age of 12 are exempt from having to present any form of certificate.
Holders of the EU Covid Digital Certificate or equivalent which is recognised by the European Commission, no longer need to complete the SPTH health check form.
Source
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/gobierno/news/Paginas/2022/20220521_non-eu-travellers.aspx
https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/spain-finally-eases-covid-entry-rules-ahead-of-summer-peak
