MADRID – Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands breathe a sigh of relief as Grant Shapps announces the traffic light system UK update.
Shapps confirmed the updated information regarding international travel from the UK yesterday evening. And as expected, there have been very few changes to the travel list this time around.
No changes
Mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands all remain on the amber list. While seven countries have been added to the green list and a couple has been moved to the red list. So, for now, there are no changes to the travel restrictions between the UK and Spain.
Therefore, holidaymakers can continue to enjoy their vacations in Spain as they are currently.
Shapps tweeted the update with a link to the officialUK government website.
We've updated our travel lists further cautiously easing international travel. You can view the full list on https://t.co/vFhJND6yV2, with changes coming into force from Monday 30 August at 4am.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) August 26, 2021
What does this mean for travellers visiting Spain?
The Spanish government requires all arrivals to Spain from the UK to present on entry a pre-travel declaration form and one of the following: a negative COVID-19 test; or proof of vaccination. See Testing and vaccination requirements for arrivals from the UK for details.
All travellers
Rules state that before returning to the UK, all travellers must take a Covid-19 test in the three days before they are due to depart. For Spain, it is now “advised”, that this “must” be a PCR test. However, it seems antigen tests are also accepted.
Before you travel to England you must:
- take a COVID-19 test – you must take the test in the 3 days before you travel to England
- book and pay for COVID-19 tests – to be taken after arrival in England
- complete a passenger locator form
You must do these things whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
Fully vaccinated travellers
After you arrive in the UK you must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2. This should be paid for and prebooked before leaving Spain.
This applies if you’re fully vaccinated under either:
- the UK vaccination programme
- the UK vaccine programme overseas
- an approved vaccination programme in Europe or the USA – not all are recognised in England
Not fully vaccinated
If you do not qualify under the fully vaccinated rules, on arrival in the UK you must:
- quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
- take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8
There may be an “early-release” option available prior to day 8.
