tui travel to spain covid

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family. A carta de invitation completed by your hosts is one of the options available.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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What do I need to travel to Spain? Latest documents and entry requirements explained for your holiday

Everything you need to know to make sure your trip goes smoothly, article bookmarked.

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The Alhambra, a Moorish palace in Granada

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Whether discovering the capital in Madrid or relaxing on a sun lounger in the Balearics, Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brits.

Before the pandemic, over 18 million Britons visited Spain each year. In 2017, the number of UK tourists flocking to the Iberian country hit a 10-year high of 18.81 million.

Spain was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with the seventh-highest number of confirmed cases on the Continent.

Since Covid, the number of British holidaymakers has steadily climbed, from 4.3 million in 2021 to 15.1 million last year. With arrivals in 2023 likely to climb closer to – if not above – pre-Covid levels, potential visitors to Spain should be aware of any entry restrictions that the Spanish government has in place.

We’ve rounded up all the necessary information for anyone travelling to the country, so that you can make sure your next trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Recommended

• Independent Traveller guide to best hotels and short breaks
• Best UK hotels 2022
• Best hotels in Paris for 2023

Can you travel to Spain unvaccinated?

Despite stringent rules in 2021 and throughout much of last year, Spain has lifted all Covid-related travel restrictions, according to the UK government website. This means you can enter the country even if you haven’t received a single dose of the vaccine. Spain does not require a negative PCR test result or proof of recovery.

The rules are the same for those transiting through Spain and entering through a land border.

Read more on Spain travel :

• The ultimate Spain travel guide: Everything you need to know
• Why Spain makes for the perfect flight-free destination
• Spain’s best holiday destinations to visit in 2023

Do you need a booster to travel to Spain?

While boosters were originally needed towards the end of the pandemic, the lifting of restrictions means that you do not require proof of a vaccine or a booster when entering Spain. There are also no specific requirements for children and young people.

What documents do I need to travel to Spain?

While Covid restrictions may have been removed, Brexit-related issues means there are several other important things to know before your trip abroad.

As alwasy, you need a passport to visit Spain, but the validity rules have changed post-Brexit. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date on which you are entering Spain, so check the ‘date of issue’ before travel.

In addition, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the EU. Check the expiry date before travel.

You can stay in Spain – and any other country within the Schengen Zone – without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To stay longer, for example for work or study reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Spanish Consulate in London .

When entering and exiting the Schengen Zone through Spain, make sure that your passport is stamped by border guards, as these stamps are used to keep track of the time you’ve spent in the country. Relevant evidence for proving when you entered and exited the country includes boarding passes or flight tickets.

Additional documents you may need for travel to Spain

Sometimes, visitors to Spain will need to provide other documents at the border. Most commonly, guards may ask you for your reasons for entering the country and how long you plan on staying (and if relevant, what your plans are for an onward journey). You may need to show a valid onward ticket or a return ticket.

You may also be asked to prove that you have enough money for your stay. The required amount is roughly €108 per person per day with a minimum of €900 in total. Anyone asked can use cash, cheques, traveller’s cheques or bank account statements as proof of funds.

The Spanish border force might also ask to see proof of the accommodation for your stay. This could be a confirmation of your hotel booking, or proof of address if visiting a property that belongs to you or a friend or relative.

Read more of our reviews of the  best Spanish hotels

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Spain tightens travel restrictions amid concerns over omicron coronavirus variant

Visitors from the united kingdom who are not eu residents will now only be able to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated, while those from ‘high-risk’ areas will need to provide a negative covid test in addition to proof of vaccination.

The Spanish government has tightened entry requirements to the country due to concerns over the new variant of the coronavirus , named omicron by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Under the new rules, published Saturday in the Official State Gazette (BOE), travelers from “high-risk” countries will need to present proof of being fully vaccinated, or of having recovered from Covid-19, as well as a “diagnostic certificate of an active Covid-19 infection with a negative result.”

According to the BOE, seven countries are currently classified as high-risk: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Travelers from these countries will need to present a negative Covid-19 test – for example, a PCR test taken within 78 hours – regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from the disease. Travelers from these seven countries will also be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine, according to a separate order published Monday by the Spanish Health Ministry.

The European Union on Friday proposed suspending all flights to and from these seven nations in southern Africa, while the European Commission indicated that it will establish new entry requirements for visitors from high-risk areas. The Spanish government on Friday also announced plans to restrict flights from South Africa and Botswana at its next Cabinet meeting, which will take place on Tuesday. Spain does not have any direct commercial flights between South Africa or Botswana, but passengers can travel to the country from these countries via connecting flights, cargo planes or private planes.

The entry requirements, released by Spain’s Interior Ministry on Saturday, also contained new rules for non-essential visits from the United Kingdom. Starting December 1, passengers from these areas will only be able to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Up until now, visitors from the UK had been able to enter Spain if they could show proof they had been fully vaccinated or had a negative PCR test result taken up to 72 hours before arriving. According to detailed information released by the Spanish embassy in London (and which can be viewed in English here ), this change does not apply to those under 12 years old, Spanish citizens, or EU citizens and their family members.

The information states that British and other third-country citizens coming from a risk area or country – which includes the United Kingdom – can travel to Spain for an “essential trip” if they are “duly accredited long-term residents in the EU, Schengen Associate States, Andorra, Monaco, The Holy See or San Marino, in transit to their country of residence.” They can do so on presentation of “a vaccination certificate, negative PCR, LAMP, TMA or antigen test certificate, or a certificate of recovery.” British or other third country citizens coming from a risk country – including the UK – for tourism or other non-essential reasons require a vaccination certificate if aged over 12.

📢Attention travellers to 🇪🇸: please read carefully the following guidance❗️ pic.twitter.com/H4aK62ngG6 — Embassy of Spain UK (@EmbSpainUK) November 30, 2021

The order in the BOE explained: “The appearance of new variants causing [coronavirus] obliges an increase in restrictions.”

The UK is likewise tightening travel restrictions due to the emergence of the omicron variant. Starting November 30, fully vaccinated travelers returning to England and Scotland from Spain must self-isolate and take a PCR test before the end of the second day of their arrival. Travellers will be able to break quarantine on receipt of a negative result from said test. Wales has announced similar plans, according to the BBC , as has Northern Ireland, according to a statement released by the Northern Irish Department of Health on Saturday .

Omicron variant

Sources from the Spanish Health Ministry confirmed on Friday that no cases of the omicron variant have so far been detected in Spain. Despite this, there are still concerns over the strain as it is considered more contagious and more likely to evade the current Covid-19 vaccines .

“In the last few days, a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases was detected in a province of South Africa, which has led to the identification of a new variant that has numerous mutations related to a possible rise in transmissibility and a drop in the neutralizing capacity of antibodies [from the vaccines],” the order on the new entry requirements explained.

On Monday, Portugal announced that it had detected 13 cases of omicron.

A resolution approved by the Health Ministry added that the new variant “highlights the need to have an agile mechanism that allows additional health measures to be adopted for people from high-risk countries due to their worsening epidemiological situation or in which especially worrying variants have been detected.” These measures would be applied via a list of at-risk and high-risk countries. “More than concern, what is needed is action,” sources from the Health Ministry told EL PAÍS.

On Monday, the WHO said that the new variant poses a “very high” global risk. This statement comes just days after the health organization elevated the risk level for omicron as “ a variant of concern ” on Friday. This is the fifth strain to receive this classification since the beginning of the pandemic. The new variant has 30 mutations, and there are fears that this could make it spread faster than other strains.

“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs [variants of concern],” explained the press release from the WHO on Friday.

Although it is common for a virus to mutate as it spreads among the population, these mutations become “worrying” when there are signs that they make the virus more transmissible, trigger more serious illness or enable infections to escape the protection offered by vaccines or the antibodies produced naturally following recovery from the disease.

More information

Spain joins other EU countries with plans to restrict flights from southern Africa over fears of new coronavirus variant

Covid passports in Spain: A region-by-region breakdown of where they are required, and for which activities

• Francés online
• Inglés online
• Italiano online
• Alemán online
• Crucigramas & Juegos

Spain has loosened restrictions on UK and US travelers

May 26, 2022 • 3 min read

Spain has loosened restrictions on UK and US travelers ©Shutterstock

Spain has loosened restrictions on unvaccinated arrivals from the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and other non-EU nations, allowing them to enter for the first time in two years.

Previously people from outside the European Union and Schengen Zone who were not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated were banned from entering Spain for non-essential reasons.

That changed this week when officials agreed that unvaccinated tourists and other visitors from outside the EU can travel to Spain if they show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test.

What test is required to travel to Spain?

Spain accepts either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure to Spain or a laboratory-produced rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours. Tests are required from any visitor over the age of 12 who is unvaccinated. The same rule that has applied to EU residents and citizens for months now applies to non-EU residents including British and American travelers.

What qualifies as 'fully vaccinated' to travel to Spain?

Generally, people will need to show proof of two vaccines, or one in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, those over the age of 18 must show proof of a third or booster dose if more than 270 days have passed since the person received their second shot (or first and only Johnson & Johnson shot) to bypass testing requirements.

Spain accepts all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization.

What are the rules for traveling to Spain from the EU?

Travelers over the age of 12 from the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) can enter Spain without restriction as long as they fulfil one of three requirements.

Holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent may enter the country, providing they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine in the previous nine months or have received a booster shot.

Otherwise travelers must hold a recovery pass, proving they have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months.

The third way of entering is by producing a test certificate, confirming that the traveler has received a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR or rapid antigen test within 72 hours or 48 hours before travel to Spain, respectively.

Madrid vs Barcelona? I live in both cities but my heart loves this one

What are the rules for traveling to Spain from a non-EU country?

As of May 21, visitors from outside the EU are now subject to the same rules as visitors from the EU. They can show their vaccination certificates or take a PCR/antigen test to enter the country.

Spain and Italy keeping face covering on flights, despite Europe dropping mask mandate

What other documentation do I need before flying?

Travelers must complete a health control form before departure, manually entering the details of  vaccination, recovery or — if coming from an EU/EEA country or territory — diagnostic test certificate. You can do it through the Spain Travel Health website or its app for Android devices or iOS. Once completed, you will obtain a QR code that you will have to present both at the time of boarding and upon arrival in Spain.

8 unmissable cities to visit in Spain

Do children face restrictions when traveling to Spain?

No, children under 12 years old are exempt from the testing or quarantine requirements.

How to explore Seville with kids

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Spain?

Many countries, including the US, require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home from an international trip. Antigen tests cost about €30, while PCR tests cost about €120 from a private medical facility. Tests are widely available at clinics and hospitals throughout Spain. They are also often available at local airports.

Is mask-wearing mandatory in Spain?

Spain lifted its mask requirement on April 20, meaning that travelers and residents are no longer required to wear a face mask when accessing public places and events there. However, masks are still required on flights and in airports.

This article was first published May 2020 and updated May 2022

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Spain holidays: Entry requirements, vaccine and boosters, passport validity and new drinking rules explained

Spain still has some Covid-19 rules and regulations in place

• 12:36, 17 MAY 2022
• Updated 15:24, 17 MAY 2022

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As the summer begins, many of us are counting down the days till we can jet off for two weeks in the sunshine abroad. One of the most popular countries for British tourists each summer is Spain with millions of us flying out every year to stunning mainland Spain or its gorgeous islands like Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza.

But holidays in Spain in 2022 are vastly different to how they were pre-pandemic, or even last year, with new vaccination rules, passport rules and drinking laws now in-place. According to the UK Government, public health measures to reduce the transmission of Covid remain in force across Spain but can vary by region. The UK Foreign Office says new rules can be introduced with short notice, so holidaymakers are advised to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements and guidance.

Plus, Spain has introduced new rules for people on all-inclusive holidays in some popular clubland areas on its islands - limiting the number of alcoholic drinks holidaymakers can claim during their holiday.

Read more: TUI cancels all holidays to Sri Lanka as Foreign Office issues urgent warning to Brits not to go

Here is the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the time of publication. It’s always worth checking the latest updates before you travel.

Wearing a mask in Spain and other coronavirus rules

Some airlines flying from the UK to Spain are asking holidaymakers to wear a face covering throughout their flight - but not all airlines require this. Also in Spain and on Spanish islands, face-coverings are mandatory in pharmacies, medical centres and healthcare environments (including but not limited to dentists, opticians etc) and care-homes. People are also still being asked to wear face coverings on buses, coaches and in taxis.

Whilst many EU countries are in the process of ditching Covid-19 travel rules, Spain does have some requirements still in place. Most travellers have to be fully vaccinated to enter Spain - this means vaccinations one and two (AND the booster jab) - but exceptions can be made for those who can show proof of having Covid-19 (and fully recovering from it) in the six months before they travel. Alternatively, if you haven't had your booster jab but your second jab was more than two weeks before your trip, but less than 270 days ago, you are still permitted to enter the country.

The foreign office explains: "The documentation you must present on entry when travelling from the UK to Spain is determined by your reason for travel. If you are traveling to Spain for tourism you must show valid proof of one of the following:

being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain (date(s) of vaccination must be specified)

having recovered from Covid-19 in the last 6 months. You can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your COVID-19 status on entry to Spain.

"You may also be subject to additional checks at the point of entry including a temperature check, visual health assessment, or testing on arrival. Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a Covid-19 nucleic acid amplification test - NAAT (PCR or similar) at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.

"If you’re fully vaccinated and travelling from the UK, you can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel. Your vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities’ validity period requirements.

"At least 14 days must have passed since being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine) before arrival in Spain. Your date(s) of vaccination must be specified and your final dose must have been administered within 270 days prior to travel to Spain.

"If you completed your vaccination (with both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine) more than 270 days prior to travel to Spain, you must be able to show proof of having received a booster jab. There is no requirement for 14 days to have passed between receiving your booster jab and entering Spain. Booster jabs can be administered at any time prior to travel to Spain. There is currently no expiry date for booster jabs."

On arrival to Spain, holidaymakers should be prepared that they may be asked to show a Covid pass (either printed out or on your smartphone) to airport staff, and some airports will scan the QR code on the document to check it's valid.

Passport validity rules

All British passports have an expiry date. Usually, an under-18's passport lasts for five years and an over-18's passport last for 10 years. But, depending on how many months were left on your passport when you renewed it, some people's passports have an expiry date slightly later than 10 years after the issue date. But unfortunately, these "extra months" aren't always valid, as reported by MyLondon.

According to the Foreign Office, people travelling to Spain must have a passport that has been:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the "date of issue")
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the "expiry date")

"You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date," the Foreign Office website explains.

You can travel to Spain - and other countries in "The Schengen area" - for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you're travelling as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sport events or for short-term studies or training.

If you want to travelling to Spain or another Schengen country for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a visa. You also need a visa if you'd like to work or study for longer than 90 days in Spain.

Drinking rules

The Balearic Government, the Government overseeing Spain's Ballearic Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza) has introduced new drinking rules, designed to combat excessing drinking on the islands.

In certain areas of the islands, holidaymakers on all-inclusive holidays have a maximum limit of alcoholic drinks they can consume each day - and shops are only able to sell alcohol at certain times too.

Explaining the new alcohol limit, understood to have been introduced during the pandemic, Thomas Cook said: "Please be advised that a decree has been issued by the Balearic Government on a new restriction for All Inclusive meal option. There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner (three each).

"Please be aware that Magalluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, there is new restriction on All Inclusive."

The drinking limit is not currently in place in any other resorts than those listed above. Nonetheless, further restrictions are in place in those resorts including the ban of alcohol sales in shops between 9.30pm and 8am and some areas are no longer permitted to advertise "party boats" or offer discount drinks deals.

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Entry requirements to Spain for travellers updated: What's new at the border

TRAVELLERS from European Union member States entering Spain no longer need to show a 'Covid certificate' or complete a passenger locator form, starting today (Thursday, June 1), although some basic requirements remain in place for non-EU nations.

The national government has announced that entering the country will not be subject to a valid vaccine certificate, proof of having had Covid-19 within the past six months, or a negative PCR or antigen test taken not more than 72 and 24 hours before arrival respectively – provided the person arriving has not come from, or crossed through, any territory outside the EEA.

As well as EU member States, the exemption applies to travellers from Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, whether or not the country in question forms part of the passport-free Schengen zone.

Passing through a non-EEA nation via a connecting flight does not count as having been outside the bloc, unless the passenger has left the international 'holding' terminal of the airport.

The European Commission recommended in April that all 27 member States drop the requirement for a 'Covid passport' for travel within the bloc, and has reportedly been in touch with Spain's health minister, Carolina Darías, to find out whether, and when, she planned to do so.

Greece was the first to remove the 'Covid passport' regulation for EU nations and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, on May 1, and Spain has followed a month later.

Covid-related entry requirements to Spain for travellers from outside the EU (including UK)

For non-EU countries – including the UK – either a valid vaccine certificate, proof of having had Covid within the past six months, through the results of an NAAT-type test such as a PCR, or a negative PCR result less than 72 hours before entry or negative antigen no more than 24 hours before entering Spain must still be shown, but travellers from these countries do not need to complete a passenger locator form.

These forms are, however, necessary for anyone who is not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all, or has not had and recovered from Covid within the past six months, when entering Spain from a non-EU nation.

A form is also necessary where a person is vaccinated or has had Covid recently, but is coming from a country without a 'certificate' system or where this document is not recognised by the EU.

Covid certificates must be in either Spanish, English, French or German, meaning a vaccine passport issued by a third country in a different language from any of these would not be accepted without a passenger locator form.

They must be completed no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Forms are found on the Spanish government website, Spth.gob.es, and upon completion, the traveller will receive a QR code which must either be printed, or be downloaded onto a mobile phone screen, so it can be scanned upon arrival.

UK vaccine confirmation certificates are accepted throughout the EU.

Children under 12 are exempt from all these entry requirements, irrespective of where they have come from.

For adults, or children aged 12 and over, if they have had Covid within the past six months, their first positive NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), such as a PCR, must have been a minimum of 11 days prior to travel.

The assumption is that, after these 11 days, the infection would have passed.

'Recovery certificates' are valid for 180 days from the date of the first positive test.

How long vaccine proof is valid for travel from outside the EU

Travellers from non-EU countries who are fully vaccinated – both doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of the single-jab Janssen formula – but who have not had a third injection as a booster or, in the case of the Janssen, second jab, will only be able to use their 'Covid passport' for entry to Spain if their most recent dose was more than 14 days, but not more than 270 days, prior to arrival.

Anyone who has had a third, or booster, dose, or a second dose for those who originally had the Janssen, is considered as 'fully vaccinated' for the purposes of entry into Spain with, at present, no time limit.

At the moment, booster injections do not have an expiry date, and it has not yet been confirmed at European level whether repeat doses will be rolled out to the population annually or similar.

Those who downloaded a Covid passport after their final dose but have since had a booster will need to acquire a fresh one if 270 days or more have passed since the jab before this, if they wish to travel outside the EU, or are based in a third country and wish to travel to the bloc.

No other requirements, but random health checks may be ordered

For visitors from non-member States, proof of vaccine, test, or recovery as detailed is the only condition to entry to Spain above and beyond the usual non-Covid-related requirements.

This said, arrivals from outside the EU may be called for random health checks at the border, which might just be their temperature taken but could extend to medical examinations, visual assessment, interview, or even a test.

Spain's land borders are not currently subject to testing or vaccine requirements, but countries a person may have to pass through to get to them may still have extra conditions in place, and these should be consulted before travel.

The last remaining Covid-linked conditions for entry to Spain from beyond the EEA apply to everyone, including residents, Spanish or otherwise, who have been on short trips out of the country and are coming home.

If you live in Spain but are not an EU national, don't forget your residence certificate

Under any circumstances, residents in Spain who do not hold nationality from an EU or EEA country should proactively show their 'green certificate' or TIE photo card at the same time as their passports.

This has always been the case, but UK nationals living in Spain will now need to 'retrain themselves' to produce their 'green certificate' – which is still valid as long as it does not have an expiry date and this has not passed – or their new TIE foreigners' identity card when they show their passports.

Residents in Spain with British nationality do not have to have their passports stamped, but non-resident British visitors do, even if travelling to a holiday home they own, or to visit family.

If a resident has had his or her passport stamped 'by mistake', they must subsequently show proof of their permanent dwelling status in Spain for this to be annulled. 

The 'stamp' enables border authorities to ensure Brits and other non-EU nationals who do not live in a member State adhere to the maximum stay requirements – 90 days in any 180 days anywhere within the Schengen zone.

Masks still required on Spanish flights and in other, limited situations

Even though the European Commission has recommended member States cease to oblige travellers to wear masks on airlines, they are still mandatory for flights to and from Spain at present.

In Spain, masks are a legal necessity in any healthcare setting – including nursing homes, fertility clinics and pharmacies – and on public transport, which includes planes.

They are not obligatory anywhere else, but strongly recommended in indoor areas, or outdoors when in close proximity to the general public.

Workplaces in Spain set their own requirements for mask-wearing among staff, meaning they may still be mandatory in certain employment situations, but if they are not, the workforce may usually continue to wear them voluntarily if they wish.

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• Entry requirements to Spain for travellers updated: What's new at the border

Spain entry requirements: All Covid-related travel restrictions axed ahead of October half-term holiday

British holidaymakers aged 12 and over were previously required to show proof of full vaccination, a negative test or recovery from covid.

Spain has become the last country in Europe to drop all Covid-related entry rules, meaning British holidaymakers aged 12 or over will no longer need to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or recovery from Covid within the previous six months to enter the country.

The rules were updated on Thursday 20 October, with many schools in England breaking up for the half-term holiday today. Spain is the favourite holiday destination among Britons.

“All Covid-19 travel restrictions for travellers to Spain have been lifted. The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply,” states the official advice.

The website of the Spanish tourism board confirms that all restrictions have been dropped.

“Effective October 21, 2022, restrictions regarding Covid-19 test and vaccination certificate will be lifted,” it reads.

In September, Spain announced that it was extending its Covid-related entry rules until 15 November .

These rules only applied to non-EU travellers, which, since Brexit, includes UK passport holders.

This meant that British travellers over 12 who were not considered fully vaccinated under Spain’s rules were required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test or show evidence that they had recovered from Covid within the past six months.

More on Family Holidays

Spain only considered over-18s fully vaccinated if they had received the final dose of a vaccine course within the 270 days or had official proof of recovery from Covid within the past six months.

Those aged 12–17 who had not received a booster must have had two doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine approved for use by Spain, then at least 14 days must have passed since their last dose to qualify as fully vaccinated. Otherwise, they had to present a negative test or proof of recovery.

Spain had dropped the requirement for non-EU visitors to complete a health control form for travel to the country on 20 September.

British holidaymakers heading to Spain for half term should be aware of passport requirements as third-country nationals when travelling to EU countries.

Friday marks the first time in around two and a half years that Britons have been able to travel to Spain free of Covid-related entry rules.

Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you enter an EU or Schengen area country (check the date of issue) and should be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave (expiry date).

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Spain Travel Restrictions

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Open for vaccinated visitors

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Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

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Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Spain entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Spain from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain.

Can I travel to Spain if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Spain without restrictions.

Can I travel to Spain without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Spain without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Spain?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Spain.

Can I travel to Spain without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Spain?

Mask usage in Spain is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Spain?

Restaurants in Spain are open. Bars in Spain are .

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Oxygen for flying UK to Spain - Air Travel Forum

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Oxygen for flying UK to Spain

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The airline state they will accept oxygen cylinders up to 5 kg each but I can’t find anyone to supply the oxygen.

2 replies to this topic

Thank you for your suggestions, I will read the disabilities section. We are contacting the doctor today thank you ☺️

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