Instructions for British citizens planning a trip to Spain, including details on mandatory Covid tests
When the Covid restrictions are lifted in 2022, will British tourists once again be welcome in Spain? If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Spain soon, here are the entry requirements and Covid tests you’ll need to know.
Please let me take a vacation to Spain.
Yes. There will be fewer restrictions on travel in 2022, making vacations easier than in either of the previous two years, but most visitors to Spain and its islands will still need vaccinations.
There is no examination required for your subsequent return to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has eliminated all Covid travel rules as of March 18, 2022, meaning that visitors from Spain are no longer required to submit to testing or quarantine before returning to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
How restricted is Covid’s access to Spain?
The Spanish government now requires all international travellers entering the country through its air or sea ports to present either a valid vaccination certificate, a negative test certificate (PCR performed within 72 hours prior to departure or antigen performed within 24 hours prior to departure), or a medical certificate or recovery record stating recovery from the virus within the previous six months.
The latter requires waiting 11 days after the initial positive result, and the recovery certificate is only good for 180 days after that initial positive test.
Visitors from the United Kingdom who are 12 years old or younger, or who can provide documentation showing they have received a full course of vaccinations or have recovered from a previous coronavirus infection within the past 6 months, are exempt from filling out Spain’s Travel Health Control form. Everyone else needs to fill out the form no more than 48 hours before they leave for Spain. Consult the Spanish Ministry of Health’s overseas tourism pages for further information.
Up to 48 hours after arriving in Spain, passengers may be contacted and asked to take a test.
The 20th of April 2022 marked the end of mandatory mask use indoors in Spain, with the exception of public transportation and healthcare facilities. If the number of reported cases remains high throughout the summer, the Spanish government has threatened to reinstate mask use in public places.
No, you don’t need vaccinations to visit Spain.
Those who have not received the recommended two-dose course of the Covid vaccine but who can show proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure or a negative antigen test taken 24 hours prior to departure will be allowed entry into Spain.
As of right now, you don’t need to show proof of a booster jab to enter Spain, provided your second vaccination was more than 270 days ago. Those who between the ages of 12 and 17 are exempt from the vaccination requirement, but they must show proof of a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before arrival in Spain, or proof of recovery from Covid within the last six months. No testing or vaccination is required for children under the age of 12.
Minors need not present any proof of immunisation because a negative PCR test is sufficient if they were not double-jabbed.
Where can I find information on the Canary Islands’ entry requirements?
The aforementioned requirements for entering mainland Spain also apply to the Canary Islands. The ‘dancing ban,’ which had restricted dancing in bars, clubs, and restaurants, was lifted on Thursday, March 24, 2022, along with many other Covid restrictions within the Canary Islands.
Should I go to Spain now?
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office says it’s safe to travel to Spain at the moment, but recommends purchasing travel insurance beforehand. As regulations are subject to change any time, it is wise to double-check with the relevant authorities before setting out on a trip.
Where to stay depends on whether you want a quiet place to recover from the lockdown or a lively vacation in the big city. Both are available in Spain, making the decision that much more difficult after being away from home for an extended period of time. Get your vacation started in Barcelona at the swanky Nobu Hotel so you can see all the sights and learn about the city’s history, and then jet over to Mallorca and stay at the El Llorenç Parc de la Mar to enjoy the island’s stunning rooftop views and crystal clear waters.
We advise renting a car and exploring Mallorca’s coastal roads while eating only tapas. Visit Es Pontàs, a natural arch in the island’s south-east, just before sundown.
What is known about Spain?
Spain is known for its food, Flamenco music and dance, siesta, bullfights, horses, arts and literature, architecture, a Moorish heritage, its islands, Mediterranean beaches, wines, fruits and vegetables, and football (soccer).