What are the travel requirements for Spain from the UK?

Madrid skyline — Travel to Spain is back on (Picture: Getty Images)

The past couple of years has seen overseas travel curtailed in the wake of Covid-19 – but following the vaccine rollout, the world is opening up again, meaning that holidays are back on.

Fully vaccinated travellers have been exempt from having to take a Covid-19 test or quarantine before or after they arrive in England for several weeks now – and the rules are about to change again.

After two years of living in a pandemic, many Brits are in need of a relaxing holiday in the Spanish sun.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Spain any time soon, just what are the travel requirements for those flying in from the UK?

What are the travel requirements for Spain from the UK?

If you are fully jabbed with a vaccine recognised by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organisation (this includes AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna), you can enter Spain without having to present a negative test result or self-isolate on arrival.

This applies to all travellers aged 12 and over – children under 12 do not have to present proof of vaccination.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”VideoObject”,”name”:”Metro.co.uk”,”duration”:”T1M28S”,”thumbnailUrl”:”https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/05/16/52579177-0-image-m-16_1641398408906.jpg”,”uploadDate”:”2022-01-05T16:00:00+0000″,”description”:”No need for pre-departure test from Jan 7.”,”contentUrl”:”https://videos.metro.co.uk/video/met/2022/01/05/2634481999868113813/480x270_MP4_2634481999868113813.mp4″,”height”:270,”width”:480}

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

The rules state that you must have had either both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one of a single-dose vaccine more than 14 days before your arrival in the country – and the final dose must have been given within 270 days (nine months) of your trip.

If the time since your vaccine is longer than nine months you will need to show proof of a booster jab upon entry.

Your NHS Covid-19 pass can be used as proof of vaccination when arriving in Spain.

Children aged 12-15 can now also order a digital Covid-19 pass showing details of their vaccines, but this needs to be ordered via the NHS website for those aged 12 due to the age restrictions on the NHS App. Those aged 13 and over can order their pass via the app.

Prior to leaving for Spain all travellers, including children under 12, must fill in and submit a Health Control Form. If you cannot submit this online you can also supply a paper copy prior to boarding your flight.

Ibiza island — You may still need to present a PCR test for some of the islands (Picture: Getty Images)

After filling this in you will be given a QR code either electronically or on paper, and you will need to present this on arrival in Spain.

The rules around the Balearic and Canary Islands may vary, and you may also be required to show a negative PCR test result on arrival.

You should check with your travel operator for exact requirements around this.

What are the rules for unvaccinated travellers to Spain?

Barcelona Beach view — Breaks to Barcelona are back on (Picture: Getty Images)

Those over the age of 12 who are not fully vaccinated can travel to Spain for tourist purposes if they have recovered from Covid in the past six months.

You will need to provide proof of this in order to enter Spain, in the form of a medical certificate or recovery record.

Alternatively, those aged 12-17 present a negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours before travel, upon arrival.

You can also present alternative documentation to the vaccine certificate if you fall into one of the exemption categories.

These categories include the following:

Residents of Spain
EU citizens and accompanying family members
Health professionals
Transport and maritime workers
Highly skilled workers whose work cannot be done remotely, including those taking part in high-level sporting events
Diplomats, members of the military and humanitarian workers carrying out essential duties
Students studying in the Member States or Schengen Associated States who have the associated permit for long-term stay
People travelling for humanitarian or imperative family reasons

Further details of these exemptions are available at the Spanish Health Ministry website.

If your trip falls into one of these categories, you will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, or a medical certificate confirming you have recovered from Covid-19 within the past six months.

Before you travel

Tourist admiring Masca village at sunset. — No travel is currently risk-free (Picture: Getty Images)

If you are planning to go anywhere at all at the moment you should remember that the situation is fast-moving and fluid – and the travel rules could change at any time.

This means that countries could be put back on the ‘red list’ at short notice in the event of a new Covid-19 variant or a sudden spike in cases in a particular place.

While no countries are currently on the red list, should that happen you would be subject to red list rules – quarantining in a hotel at your own expense for 10 nights, regardless of vaccination status – upon your arrival in England, if you did not arrive in the country before the new rules were enforced.

You should also be aware that if you do test positive for Covid-19 while you are away you will be subject to your host country’s rules around self-isolation, which could mean you having to extend your trip.

You should ensure before setting off that you have comprehensive travel insurance with Covid-19 cover, in case you do need to stay for longer, or should you become seriously ill and need hospital treatment.