The new Spain travel rules explained

Travel in 2022 is easier than it has been in a while as Covid restrictions ease, but what does this mean for holidays to Spain, and are British travelers allowed to enter? Here’s what you need to know about the entry rules and Covid tests required if you’re planning a trip to Spain now.

Can I go to Spain on holiday?

Yes. Travel rules have been significantly lifted in 2022, making holidays far simpler than during the previous two years – but most people will need to be vaccinated to enter Spain and its islands.

For your return to the UK afterwards, there is no need to take a test. Since 18 March 2022, all people traveling from Spain to the UK do not need to take any tests or quarantine when returning to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland as the UK has now dropped all Covid travel rules.

What are the Spain travel restrictions for Covid?

Currently, all visitors entering Spain at air or sea borders, must provide either a vaccination certificate meeting the government’s requirements, a negative test certificate (PCR carried out in the 72 hours prior to departure or antigen carried out in the 24 hours prior to departure) , or a medical certificate or recovery record declaring recovery from the virus in the last six months.

For the latter, 11 days must have passed since the first positive result, and the recovery certificate will continue to be valid for 180 days from the day of the first positive test.

UK travelers who can either show proof of being fully vaccinated, or of having recovered from prior coronavirus infection in the last 6 months, or who are under 12, do not need to complete Spain’s Travel Health Control form. Everyone else must complete the form no more than 48 hours before travel to Spain. Find out more details on Spain’s Ministry of Health travel pages.

Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.

Since 20 April 2022, face masks are no longer a requirement inside in Spain, apart from on public transport and in hospitals and retirement homes. The Spanish government has stated that, if cases continue to rise during the summer months, masks may be reintroduced in more areas of daily life.

Can you travel to Spain unvaccinated?

Yes, travelers without both doses of an approved Covid vaccine are able to enter Spain, but they must show proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure, or a negative antigen test taken 24 hours before departure, on arrival in the country.

As it currently stands, you do not need proof of a booster jab to enter Spain, unless your second vaccination was more than 270 days ago. Those aged 12-17 do not need to be vaccinated to enter the country, but must be able to show proof of a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain, or proof of recovery from Covid in the last six months . Children under 12 do not need to be vaccinated or take a test.