Spain Extends COVID Restrictions For Non-EU Travelers

Just when you think COVID -19 regulations are in the rearview mirror, along comes Spain, extending its restrictions for visitors from non-EU nations. Basically, travelers from third countries, including the UK, will need to show one of a number of documents to be able to enter. Meanwhile, the Spanish government has extended the restrictions until at least November 15, 2022.

Spain extends COVID-19 restrictions for non-EU travelers

The extension of the COVID restrictions was published on Thursday, September 15 in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE). Basically, travelers from non-EU countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK and the US, who don’t reside in Spain will still need to produce one of three documents to enter the country:

1. COVID-19 vaccination certificate

The traveler’s vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities’ validity period requirements. Should more than 270 days have passed since the initial vaccination, proof of a booster shot is required.

2. Negative COVID-19 test

Proof of a negative PCR test, taken within three days of departure can be provided, Alternatively, an antigen test, taken within 24 hours of departure is required.

3. Recovery certificate

A recovery certificate, that must be dated within the last six months can be provided. This can be in the form of a medical certificate or a recovery record to prove the traveler’s COVID-19 status.

Proof of any of these documents can be shown as a digital or paper certificate, issued by the relevant authorities of the traveler’s country.

At this stage, 48 non-EU countries and territories have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate equivalence system, which readers can see here. Should the traveler’s country, where the documents were issued, not be on the list, the traveler will then be required to complete Spain’s health control form prior to travel.

For instance, the UK is on the list, so British travelers do not need to complete the health control form. However, travelers from Australia, Canada and the US will still be required to do so.

It should be noted, however, that none of the requirements relate to children under the age of 12.

Also, the regulation applies to mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

How the extension affects British travelers

The extension will particularly affect travelers from the UK, planning to take a half-term break in Spain during October.

It is interesting to note that, despite Brexit, Spain has remained the top vacation destination for the British in 2022. According to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) in Spain, the first seven months of this year saw 8.4 million British travelers visiting Spain.

Meanwhile, a range of other EU citizens has also been crowding the coastal resorts of Spain, including German, French, Dutch, Swedish, Danish and other EU nationalities.

Other COVID-19 restrictions in Spain

Apart from the need for paperwork to enter the country, all other COVID-19 restrictions have been dropped in Spain. The only exception is the mandatory use of masks on public transport, in hospitals, pharmacies and care homes.

On another note, visitors should be aware that smoking has been banned on Spanish beaches. In fact, heavy fines can be levied on anyone breaking the rules.