Editor’s note – Coronavirus cases are streaming across the world. Health officials warn that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you are fully immunized. Below is information on what to know if you’re still planning to travel, last updated on September 17.
The basics
This has now been lifted, but some regional restrictions remain – see more below.
What’s on offer
One of Europe’s biggest hitters for good reason, Spain attracts millions of tourists with its warm climate, laid-back atmosphere, and excellent food and wine. In addition, of course, there are some of the best resorts, mountains and cultural cities in Europe such as Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
Who can go
Anyone who has been fully vaccinated can enter Spain for a vacation without proof of a negative Covid test, even if they arrive from destinations classified as “at risk” areas.
This list of exempt countries is updated weekly – and the United States was on this list until recently, but September 6 has been removed. Americans over 12 now have to prove that they have been fully vaccinated if they are to enter Spain. See more below.
What are the restrictions?
Fully vaccinated travelers from anywhere in the world can enter Spain and the Canary Islands without having to provide proof of a negative Covid test.
This rule applies even if travelers arrive from destinations classified as “at risk†countries.
If you have not been vaccinated and are traveling from a country that is not part of the EU or the Schengen zone, or one of the exempt countries listed above, you can only do so if your trip is considered essential.
Travelers arriving from these “at risk†countries who have not been fully vaccinated must perform a PCR test within 72 hours of departure and prove a negative result on entry.
Health assessments take place on arrival in Spain, with temperature control and visual examination as standard.
What is the situation of the Covid?
The country has recorded more than 4.9 million Covid infections and more than 85,700 deaths as of September 17, 2021.
A month later, case rates were down, but the number rose again in late March and early April, with authorities calling for caution over fears of a third wave hitting Europe.
Rates then stabilized again, but more recently there are growing concerns about the Delta Covid variant, although cases are now on the decline.
Over the past week, 23,303 new cases of Covid have been reported.
As of September 17, more than 68.9 million doses of vaccine had been administered in Spain and more than 75.8% of the population had been fully immunized.
What can visitors expect?
Even before the state of emergency was lifted, the exact details of the restrictions varied by region.
Travel between Spanish regions is now allowed.
Useful links
Our last blanket
Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley and Francesca Street contributed to this report
