Earlier in June, the EU opened its borders to vaccinated US citizens for the purpose of leisure travel. InSpain.news brings you a summary of the requirements for entry into Spain.
From 7th June, 2021, vaccinated US citizens and their minor children can travel from the United States to Spain.
Spain is no longer in a State of Alarm and the country is lifting restrictions gradually. From 26th June, there will be no requirement to wear face masks in the open-air.
If you’re ready to visit this fascinating country, below are the requirements for entry into Spain.
Which documents do I need?
As an American citizen travelling from the US, you need to present the following documents upon arrival in Spain:
- QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal. Either enter your details through the Spain Travel Health website or download the SpTH app in Google Play or App Store for each traveller.
- Vaccination certificate showing you have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 more than 14 days before the flight to Spain (up to one year after the date of vaccination) with one of the European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines or the WHO approved vaccines.
The Spain Travel Health portal (FAQs) has details about which vaccine certificates allow entry into Spain.
Minors under 12 do not require vaccination
Children under the age of 12, travelling with their vaccinated parents, do not need to present a vaccination certificate.
They can enter Spain without proof of vaccination/diagnostic test/recovery certificate but must present the QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health website.
Children aged 12 and over DO need a vaccination certificate.
Which vaccination certificates are valid?
Vaccine certificates, such as those provided by the CDC, are acceptable for entry of U.S. citizens into Spain.
The Spain Travel Health website states the vaccination certificate must be “valid from 14 days after the complete vaccination schedule, up to 1 year after the date of vaccination”.
The vaccine must be one of the European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines or the WHO approved vaccines.
If the Spanish border police deem any of the submitted documents invalid, health authorities may require an antigen test taken at the airport or a PCR test after arrival. The passenger may also be denied entry into Spain.
Unvaccinated US citizens cannot enter Spain for tourism
Unvaccinated travellers can only enter Spain if they have special permission from the Government of Spain or meet very specific requirements.
Travellers who meet the requirements or have special permission from the Government of Spain will need to show a negative COVID test result taken with 48 hours of arrival to Spain or a medical certificate showing recovery from COVID and complete a Health Control Form and generate a QR code.
Returning to the US
U.S. citizens and LPRs can return to the United States from Spain. The DHS website has further details.
All travellers (age 2 and older) including U.S. citizens and residents, must present a negative viral COVID-19 test taken within 3 days prior to departure on their U.S.-bound flight itinerary.
The CDC provides information here, on which tests are approved.
The information above is correct as at 23rd June, 2021. Please refer to the Spain Travel Health FAQs and the US Embassy in Madrid for further information.
