Spain entry requirements reversed and unvaccinated still unable to enter

The Spanish tourist office announced that Spain was to relax its entry requirements for visitors, as of Wednesday 6 April, but has since said that the changes were a misinterpretation of a government bulletin and that Spain would continue to allow only fully vaccinated arrivals.

Pedro Medina, deputy director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK issued an apology, saying “we apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.”

Although the changes were to commence in time for the Easter holidays, they would be too late for many who had chosen less restrictive destinations. Spain has long been the top destination for British holidaymakers.

Late on Wednesday the tourist office announced that unvaccinated arrivals would still be unable to visit Spain, and that a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, or a negative rapid antigen or lateral flow test taken no more than 24 hours before travel would not be accepted (unless for unvaccinated 12-17 year olds accompanying vaccinated parents).

Proof of recent recovery can be used for entry, for infections between 11 and 180 days before the date of travel.

The only confirmed change to entry requirements is that under-12s and arrivals with an EU Covid Passport or equivalent – such as the NHS Covid Pass – no longer have to fill out Spain’s Health Control Form in advance of travel.

Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to take a Covid-19 test, but must have proof of their vaccination status – using the NHS Covid Pass – that demonstrates administration of a booster if their second shot was more than 270 days prior to the date of arrival.

Do you have a question about travel? Email us: [email protected]