MADRID – On June 2, the latest change was published in the Spanish Official Gazette in the standard regarding the health checks to be carried out at points of entry into Spain. This is with regard to the most up to date covid measures and requirements when travelling to Spain.
The change was approved by the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, it introduced health checks for people arriving in Spain by air or sea from non-European Union or non-Schengen countries. Therefore, travellers from these areas will no longer have to present documents. Travellers from non-EU countries or countries not belonging to the Schengen area can enter Spain with a negative Covid-19 test.
Covid measures and requirements to enter Spain this summer
People arriving in Spain by air or sea from countries not belonging to the European Union or the non-Schengen countries may be subject to a health check at the first point of entry. This could include a temperature reading, a document check, and a visual check on the passenger’s physical condition.
The epidemiological situation of the pandemic in recent months has improved. Therefore, many EU Member States no longer require travellers within the European Union to impose Covid certificates or other travel restrictions.
With Spain´s high vaccination coverage (which is above the European Union average) and the (still) favourable situation in hospitals and health centres, it is considered appropriate to also lift travel restrictions for people from countries falling under the European Union or the Schengen area. Even though the incidence is rising again, there are still no indications for a return of measures.
Certificates to present
Travellers entering Spain through air or sea borders from third countries that do not belong to the Schengen area must therefore present one of the following three certificates:
- Vaccination certificate that meets the requirements set by the Ministry of Health.
- A negative SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test certificate. NAAT type tests (PCR or equivalent) performed in the 72 hours before departure to Spain or an antigen test performed in the 24 hours before departure to Spain are valid.
- A recovery certificate is issued by the competent authority or by a medical service at least 11 days after the confirmation of the COVID infection by a PCR or antigen test. These certificates are valid for 180 days.
Proof of vaccination no longer required
So Spain no longer requires proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from non-EU and Schengen tourists. According to the government, this is “good news” for the tourism sector. It makes travelling to Spain much easier in high season. People who have not been fully vaccinated and who do not belong to the EU or Schengen countries, need only submit a negative test certificate. In this way “safe mobility is guaranteed”.
In addition, children under the age of 12, wherever they come from, are exempt from presenting any type of certificate. Passengers from third countries and non-Schengen countries with a digital EU Covid certificate need not complete a sanitary control form.
Spain as the main European holiday destination
Based on bookings and reservations, Spain once again proves to be one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The numbers are already pointing to pre-pandemic levels. Bureau Rebold concludes in a study (Deciphering the travel sector 2022) that Spain is again the most important European destination for both international and Spanish travellers.
Where else to wear a facemask in Spain?
Once you are in Spain, you must still wear a facemask in pharmacies, health centres, and hospitals. It must also be worn on all types of public transport. This also means a facemask must be worn on aircraft of Spanish airlines such as Iberia, Vueling, and Air Europa. As soon as you get off the plane, the mask can be removed. Unless, of course, a bus takes you to the arrivals hall.
Also read: Increase in tourists to the Canary Islands
