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TRAVEL: What Covid-19 entry requirements does Spain still have?

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TRAVEL: What Covid-19 entry requirements does Spain still have?
All non-EU travellers should keep in mind that, technically speaking, Spain's rules still state that arrivals from outside of the EU/Schengen Area by air or sea must have proof of vaccination, testing or recovery, so make sure you carry this with you.  (Photo by JAIME REINA / AFP)

The pandemic no longer dominates daily life and travel, but do Spanish authorities still have restrictions in place for international travellers arriving during the summer of 2022?

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Spain’s tourism industry is in full swing again after two difficult years, with more than 38 million international visitors in the first half of 2022. 

All domestic restrictions have ended (with the exception of mask wearing in hospitals, other health-related centres, care homes and on public transport). 

But how about Covid-19 travel restrictions? Are the tests, form-filling and proof of vaccination that made travel to Spain in 2020 and 2021 more complicated still in place?

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EU/Schengen Area countries

Passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea from EU and/or Schengen countries are not required to show proof of their Covid-19 status through a certificate (vaccination, testing or recovery) nor fill in the SpTH health control form that was previously needed.

For travellers who live in EU/Schengen nations, travel to Spain is now practically the same as it was in 2019 before the pandemic began, except that they will be required to wear a mask on the plane or inside the ferry (mask wearing on the latter depends on certain conditions).

Non-EU/Schengen countries

For UK nationals, Americans, Indians, Australians and all other third-country nationals who don't reside in Spain/EU and arrive in Spain by air or sea, the pre-existing Covid-19 requirements are technically (more on this further down) still in place.

Therefore, non-EU/Schengen travellers arriving in Spain should be able to prove either that they’re:

  • Fully vaccinated. Your vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities’ validity period requirements. If more than 270 days have passed since your initial vaccination, you need to show proof of a booster shot.
  • Had a Covid-19 test which came back negative. This should be either a PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure. 
  • Recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months. You can use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your Covid-19 status on entry to Spain. 

The easiest way to show proof of one of the above is by showing your Covid-19 digital or paper certificate issued by the relevant authority of your country. So far, 48 non-EU countries (and territories) have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate equivalence system, which you can check out here

If the country where you were issued a vaccination, testing or recovery certificate isn’t on the list, then you will have to fill in Spain’s health control form before travel to Spain. 

It’s worth noting that the above requirements do not apply to children under the age of 12.

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Is Spain really still asking non-EU travellers to show a Covid-19 certificate?

This really depends on the airport, the airport official and any other number of factors.

It is clear that Covid-19 and the seriousness with which Spain’s Health Ministry and therefore airport border officials treat the pandemic has fallen considerably in recent months.

Many non-EU travellers have commented on Twitter about the fact that they were not asked to show any proof of Covid vaccination, testing or recovery upon arrival in Spain. 

Others who have visited the country during the summer of 2022 have said that they were asked to provide proof of their Covid status.

Therefore, even though for those who go to the trouble of paying for a Covid-19 test which then doesn’t get checked it can seem like a waste of money, it is better to be safe than sorry.

All non-EU travellers who don't live in Spain or the EU/Schengen Area should therefore keep in mind that, technically speaking, Spain's rules still state that arrivals from outside of the EU/Schengen Area by air or sea must have proof of vaccination, testing or recovery, so make sure you carry this with you. 

 

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Anonymous 2022/08/29 21:04
I am so confused. We are from the USA but will be in Italy for a while and traveling to Spain from Italy, on an airplane. I have been told that since we are entering Spain from a Schengen county, we will not be required to fill out the health form or show our covid vaccination cards. We are fully vaccinated - so not worried about that aspect but trying to figure out if I need to fill out the health forms or not. Thanks for any guidance.
Anonymous 2022/08/24 11:36
If you live in Spain your should have your Covid certificate showing your have had your 3 vaccines. Have this as a hard copy, on your phone or attach it to your boarding pass in case when you land in Spain they require to see it at the airport. Better to be safe than sorry.
Anonymous 2022/08/17 19:00
I thought you didn't need to show proof of Covid status if you are a resident in Spain. Can someone clarify this?
Anonymous 2022/08/17 18:37
If one is resident of Spain, but arriving from the UK, does one need to present proof or vaccination/negative test result/recovery proof?

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