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New travel rules for Spain: what documents you need and other Covid requirements this summer

foreign new travel rules to spain latest covid rules practical guidance entry requirements uk 2022 holidays abroad 2022 advice documents paperwork restrictions - Andrea Comi/Getty
foreign new travel rules to spain latest covid rules practical guidance entry requirements uk 2022 holidays abroad 2022 advice documents paperwork restrictions - Andrea Comi/Getty

Spain continues to enforce Covid-related entry rules, despite an ever-increasing number of countries scrapping all restrictions.

Arrivals must prove they have either been vaccinated against Covid, have recently recovered from the virus or show evidence of a negative test.

On the ground, face masks are now only required on public transport or in healthcare settings. However, there have been calls to reinstate them in indoor public settings amid rising infection rates. Last month, Spanish health minister Carolina Darias recommended people wear face masks inside and similar announcements have been made by local authorities in Catalonia and Madrid.

And it's not just Covid regulations which have the potential to confuse travellers in the coming months. A new Brexit quirk has emerged which suggests UK travellers to Spain must be able to show evidence that they have enough money – £85 a day – to support themselves during their visit. However, it seems unlikely travellers will actually be forced to prove this. Find out more, here.

Can I travel to Spain?

Yes, but there are still Covid-related entry requirements. Travellers need to provide one of the following:

1. A certificate of full vaccination: Proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since your second dose, proof of a booster vaccination is also required, except for teenagers aged 12 to 17.

2. A certificate of recovery: Proof of recent recovery from Covid. Recovery certificates issued by the official authorities will be valid at least 11 days after the first NAAT diagnostic test or positive antigen screening test, carried out by qualified personnel. The certificate shall be valid for 180 days after the date of the first positive diagnostic test result.

3. A negative test certificate (this can either be a PCR taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken no longer than 24 hours prior to departure).

Children under 12 are exempt from these requirements.

Do I need to take a test before travel to Spain?

Fully vaccinated travellers (administered at least 14 days prior to arrival) are not required to take a test.

Unvaccinated travellers can show proof of a recent negative test or a certificate of recovery (dated within the last six months).

Children under 12 are exempt from these requirements.

Do I need to fill in any forms?

It depends. Children under 12, those travelling to Spain with an EU COVID passport or equivalent (including NHS COVID travel pass) or proof of recent recovery from Covid no longer need to complete the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) prior to arrival.

However, those who aren't fully vaccinated and can't show proof of recent recovery must fill in the Health Control Form.

What are the rules for children?

Double-jabbed children can show a proof of vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 12 to 17 can enter the country with a negative PCR or Antigen test, or proof of recent recovery. Children under the age of 12 years old are not subject to any restrictions.


Essential tick-list: What do I need to travel to Spain?

Make sure you have the right paperwork and documents for your trip.

For fully vaccinated travellers:

  • Proof of vaccination

  • Any additional non-Covid related visa/entry documents.

For travellers who are not fully vaccinated:

  • Proof of a recent negative Covid test (a PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure) or a certificate of recovery (dated within the last six months).

  • To fill in a Health Control Form before departure (those who show proof of recent recovery to not need to fill in the form)

  • Any additional non-Covid related visa/entry documents.

Children under 12 are not subject to these requirements.

Returning to the UK:

There are no Covid-related requirements for travellers returning to the UK.


Are flights operating?

Yes, airlines are operating a large number of flights between the UK and Spain. However, passengers should be aware that ongoing problems in the airline industry mean some flights, including those on popular Spanish routes, are being cancelled at short notice. Read our guide on what to do if your flight is cancelled for more information.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

Face masks are no longer mandatory in most public indoor spaces in Spain. Since April 20 they have only been required on public transport and in healthcare settings. However, there have been recent calls to reinstate face masks rules in enclosed spaces amid rising infections rates.

What are the rules in bars and restaurants?

All regions have scrapped the requirement to show a Covid pass to enter bars and restaurants.

In all hospitality situations, you no longer need to wear a mask indoors.

What are the rules on public transport?

You still have to wear a mask on buses, metro systems, trams and trains.

Reader Service: Planning on travelling to the continent? Make sure you book European travel insurance before you go.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.