Entry Requirements From Non/EU Schengen Countries
You will also be pleased to know if you are travelling to Spain from a non/EU Schengen country all the Covid 19 restrictions have also been lifted.
Travelling to Spain From The UK
The entry rules for UK citizens into Spain are the same as other EU and NON-EU citizens as far as the COVID-19 regulations are concerned, from the 21st of October 2022 you are not required to:
- Show proof of being fully vaccinated
- Show proof of a negative COVID-19 test
- Show proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months.
- No need to complete a health control form prior to travel.
Additional Required Documents
On entering Spain as a tourist you may be required to show further documents if requested such as:
- A valid return or onward ticket.
- You have enough money for your stay ( currently around 100€ per day per person )
- A hotel booking confirmation.
- Proof of address if you have a second home.
- An invitation of proof of address from a third party, family member or friend.
Are There Any Restrictions For Entering The Canary Islands?
Those travelling to the Canary Islands (which include hotspots Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife) are subject to the same restrictions as those travelling to mainland Spain.
It is also important to check with your travel provider to ensure you are aware of any additional restrictions that may apply to your travel plans just in case they change at any time due to an increase in infections.
Are The Rules For The Balearic Islands Any Different?
No, there are also no restrictions. The rules for entering the Balearics (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera) are the same as mainland Spain.
Can I Travel To Other EU Countries After Arrival In Spain?
Yes once you have entered Spain you would be able to freely visit other EU member states without any restrictions.
What Are The Rules And Restrictions Once In Spain
As of June 2023, the wearing of face masks is no longer obligatory.
Only in certain cases would you need to wear a facemask, this could include high-risk areas of a hospital such as where immune-compromised patients are located, ICU, operating rooms and oncology wards.
Procedure If You Test Positive For Covid Once In Spain
Should you feel ill and test positive for Covid 19 during your holiday you should self-isolate and inform your immediate contacts that may have travelled with you.
If you do have to go outside in public it is advisable to wear a mask and avoid crowded spaces.
If the symptoms persist you should contact your local health authority and/or your travel insurance company.
The EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate
The EU Digital Covid Certificate is proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or received a negative test result or have recovered from COVID-19.
If you are travelling to Spain by air or sea from an EU Schengen Area Country ( see list below ) you will also no longer be required to present a COVID-19 Certificate.
These are the current EU-Schengen Countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Poland
- Portugal
Possible Future Members Include:
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Romania
Obtaining An EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate
The EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate can be obtained free of charge via the national Ministry of Health website in each country. For UK citizens this would be via the NHS - National Health Service website
To date, 49 EU countries are able to issue COVID-19 certificates.
Key Features Of The COVID-19 Digital Certificate:
The certificate is issued in digital and/or paper format and will contain the following:
- Your full name and date of birth
- It will have a QR code
- It will be in your national language and English
- Details on the issuing authority
- All details of the number of tests taken
- Full details of the type of vaccination
Types Of Vaccination Certificates
Vaccination certificates are issued by the Member State where the vaccination has been administered.
Test certificates are issued by the Member State where the test has taken place.
Recovery certificates are issued by the Member State where the recovered person is located.
Non-EU Citizens Travelling To Spain
Non-EU travellers who are vaccinated with an EU or WHO-approved vaccine are allowed to travel to and enter the EU.
If you have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days prior to travelling to the EU you will need to prove your recovery with an EU Digital COVID Certificate or a non-EU certificate equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Non-EU Schengen Countries
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Croatia - Possible Future Member
- Cyprus - Possible Future Member
- Romania - Possible Future Member
- Bulgaria - Possible Future Member
- All other European countries not in the EU (e.g. Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Turkey)
- All countries in Africa
- All countries in Asia
- All countries in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- All countries in South America
- Australia
- New Zealand
New ETIAS Visa Waiver System
This is separate from any Covid-19 regulations that may be in force at the time you want to travel to Spain.
The ETIAS visa waiver scheme is a new initiative from the European Union to enhance the security of the Schengen Zone and will change your Spain travel requirements.
ETIAS is not a visa, but rather a visa waiver permit or travel authorisation for all current visa-free countries that is proposed to come into effect in early 2025 ( to be confirmed by the E.U )
There are currently around 50 eligible nationalities that will be able to apply for ETIAS when it comes online, these include the United Kingdom and The United States of America.
It is designed to streamline the process of citizens of the United Kingdom entering the Schengen Area from outside the EU.
The ETIAS visa waiver is a short-term travel authorization that allows citizens to travel to and within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa. The authorization is valid for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
It is important to note that you are still subject to the immigration rules of each individual country you visit. For more information, you can visit the official website of the European Union.
Conclusion
In short then, if you are travelling to Spain from the UK you are no longer required to show proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 on entering the country.
However, it is advisable that you carry with you or have a hard copy on your PC or mobile phone, a copy of your EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate just in case the situation changes whilst you are travelling.
Useful Resources:
Travelling to Spain from the UK
Travelling to Spain - The Ultimate Holiday Planner
UK Gov Latest Entry Requirements
Spanish Government Latest Entry Conditions
US State Department