Spain is Britain’s favorite holiday destination, attracting many tourists to its Canary and Balearic Islands, popular Costa del Sol beaches and bustling cities, from bustling Barcelona to foodie paradise San Sebastian .
Unlike other European countries, it continues to meet its Covid-related entry requirements for travellers.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Do I need proof of vaccination or a test to visit Spain?
Yes. Travelers aged 12 and over must show valid proof of one of the following:
- be fully vaccinated
- a negative Covid test: either a PCR carried out within 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test carried out within 24 hours before departure
- have recovered from Covid within the past six months. You can use a medical certificate or recovery file to prove your Covid status when entering Spain
The definition of “fully immunized” will depend on your age and the time since your last dose. If you have received a booster shot, you are considered fully vaccinated to enter Spain, regardless of when it was administered.
However, persons 18 years of age or older who have not received a booster but have received two doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine schedule are only considered fully vaccinated. if the second vaccine was administered for a maximum of 270 days. before entering Spain. The second dose must also have been received at least 14 days before.
12 to 17 year olds do not need to have received a booster, just two doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine. They continue to qualify as fully vaccinated more than 270 days after their last dose.
Children under 12 do not need to show proof of full vaccination on entry to Spain, nor do they need to take a test.
Do I need to complete a passenger locator form for Spain?
It depends on your vaccination status.
Travelers from the UK who can show proof of being fully vaccinated or having recovered from Covid within the past six months, and those under the age of 12, do not need to complete the form Spanish Travel Health Check.
All others must complete Spain Traveler Health Screening Form no more than 48 hours before the trip to Spain.
Should I wear a mask while on vacation in Spain?
Wearing a face covering is compulsory for anyone over the age of six in the following situations:
- In public transports
- visiting a hospital or medical center (including other health care facilities such as dentists, opticians, pharmacies, etc.)
- visit a retirement or nursing home
In addition to the mandatory use of face masks in the above situations, the Spanish government recommends that you use them responsibly in the following circumstances:
- enclosed public spaces such as shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants
- at major events (e.g. concerts, sporting events)
- when in the company of people considered clinically vulnerable or at high risk and social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed
- at family reunions
- in any other enclosed common area open to the public
Has Brexit changed the rules for visiting Spain?
The rule changes that could trip you up when visiting Spain in 2022 are more likely to be Brexit-related than Covid-related. Since the UK left the European Union, there are new rules regarding the duration and frequency of visits to Schengen countries (including Spain), as well as rules regarding stamps and validity of passports.
To visit an EU country after Brexit, your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date of entry into the country (check the “date of issue”)
- valid for at least 3 months after your scheduled day of departure (check the “expiration date”)
There is also now a time limit on how long and how often you can visit Spain, without a visa. The Foreign Office advises: “You can travel to Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day visa-free period.
“To stay longer, to work or study, for business or for other reasons, you will need to meet the entry requirements of the Spanish government.”
You must also have your passport stamped upon entering and leaving the country. Make sure this takes place at passport control to avoid any confusion about your length of stay.
You may also need to show a return or onward ticket to indicate when you are leaving Spain, and you may be asked to prove that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your stay.