Spain to drop face mask rules ahead of summer in huge holiday boost for Brits

Spain is relaxing its face mask rules including restaurants and bars in a huge boost for Brits planning summer holidays in hotspots like Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands

Brits planning Spain holidays in the coming weeks will no longer be required to wear face masks, as the country is set to axe its rules on face coverings.

The Spanish Ministry of Health confirmed this week that from April 20, masks will no longer be mandatory in indoor spaces. (Rules had already previously been eased for outdoor spaces).

It will mark the first time since 2020 that face masks will no longer be required indoors. There will be a handful of exceptions; masks and coverings will still be required when accessing healthcare services, or on public transport.

Meanwhile, face masks will continue to be mandatory for passengers on flights to Spain.

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Until then, face coverings continue to be mandatory for anyone aged six and over when on public transport or in indoor spaces.

While restrictions were relaxed for outdoor settings, they may still be required at large standing and seated events where social distancing cannot be maintained.

It’s not the only easing of rules to come as a boost ahead of the peak holidays season.

Earlier this month, sun-seekers were able to enjoy Benidorm beaches going back to normal’ for the first time in two years. Restrictions including socially distanced plots for sunbathers, time restrictions and a pre-booking system have all been scrapped, with amenities like sunbeds being brought back.

There’s more good news for those hoping to make the most of the brilliant food and drink that Spain is renowned for, thanks to a new law issued by Spanish authorities.

From April 11, meals out could be that extra bit cheaper as all bars and restaurants in Spain are now legally required to offer customers the option of free tap water, as an alternative to bottled water which you need to buy.

As reported by GlasgowLive, new regulations have come in stating: “Establishments in the hotel and restaurant sector will always have to offer consumers, customers or users of their services the possibility of consuming unpackaged water free of charge and complementary to the offer of the same establishment.”

If you are planning a holiday to Spain, you’ll need to meet the country’s current Covid entry requirements.

To visit the holiday, you’ll need to be either fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from Covid.

To be considered as fully vaccinated you’ll need to have completed a full vaccination course at least 14 days before travel. If you completed this over 270 days (nine months) before travelling to Spain, you’ll need a booster jab to qualify as fully vaccinated.

Although the rules apply to anyone aged 12 or over, Spain has eased its restrictions for unvaccinated teens aged 12-17, who can visit if they have proof of a negative Covid test taken before travel.

Are you planning a holiday abroad or will you wait last-minute to see how restrictions pan out? Let us know in the comments below.