Spain: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related entry requirements for travelers from UK as of June 28 /update 54

Event

Authorities have announced that arrivals from the UK must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within the previous 72 hours or proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It is unclear when the measures will come into effect, though government sources suggest they could begin as early as June 29.

Nonessential travel to Spain is currently permitted for travelers from EU/EEA- associated states, Albania, Australia, China, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, and the US. As of June 28, nonessential travel is also permitted from all countries other than Brazil, India, and South Africa for individuals who possess a certificate of vaccination confirming they have completed a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) no less than 14 days prior to entry.

Non-vaccinated travelers from countries designated as high-risk by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival or evidence of recovery from COVID-19 between 11 and 180 days ago. Document submission can be in either electronic or paper format and must be in Spanish, English, French, or German; other languages are allowed if accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. Travel providers may prohibit passengers who attempt to travel without this documentation from boarding. The list of high-risk countries valid as of June 28 is available here. Travelers from designated "safe countries," including Albania, Australia, China, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US, may enter Spain without these requirements. All arrivals must fill out a Health Control Form before entry; for more information regarding the form and the associated program, click here.

The government has banned flights connecting with Brazil and South Africa until July 6 due to variant strains of COVID-19 in those countries. Flights may operate only for citizens and permanent residents of Spain and Andorra. Freight transporters, aircrews, and persons in transit whose final destination is a non-Schengen country are exempt. Individuals arriving from India must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. Individuals who test negative for COVID-19 on the seventh day can undergo a shorter self-isolation period.

Domestic Restrictions
Regional authorities are responsible for setting localized restrictions, though they must petition local courts for authority to impose curfews and travel restrictions. Many regions continue to impose localized lockdowns for areas with particularly high rates of infection. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces in most of the country, though in most areas are no longer necessary outdoors where social distancing guidelines can be followed.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Ministry of Health