The past couple of years has seen overseas travel curtailed in the wake of the Covid pandemic – but following the vaccine rollout, the world is slowly starting to open up again.
In this country, the travel rules are changing once again – from February 11 fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to take a Covid test either before or after they arrive in England, and will not have to quarantine for any length of time either.
That applies to England, of course – but other countries have their own sets of rules when it comes to UK travellers visiting them for business or pleasure.
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 vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organisation, 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.
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 of your trip.
If the time since your vaccine is longer than 270 days you will need to show proof of a booster jab upon entry.
Your NHS Covid pass can be used as proof of vaccination when arriving in Spain.
Children aged 12-15 can now also order a digital Covid 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.
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?
Those over the age of 12 who are not fully vaccinated cannot currently enter Spain for tourism purposes – but can travel there if their trip is classed as ‘essential’ and they fall into one of the exempt categories.
A full list of exemptions is available under the ‘entry requirements from third party countries on the Spanish Health Ministry’s website, but they include:
- 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 within the past six months.
Before you travel
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 variant or a sudden spike in cases in a particular place.
You should also be aware that if you do test positive for Covid 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 cover, in case you do need to stay for longer, or should you become seriously ill and need hospital treatment.
MORE : Check out these huge savings on package holidays to Spain, Antigua and Dubai
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