Things are warming up in Spain right now, with spring well and truly started. Summer will soon be here and travelers are looking forward to their vacations. However, while many countries in Europe and elsewhere have dropped their strict rules, Spain is still hanging on to some. Read on to find out what you need to know if planning a summer vacation in Spain.

Latest entry restrictions for Spain

Schengen Visa Info reports that the Spanish government is extending its COVID-19 entry restrictions until June 15, 2022.

Among the restrictions is the need to wear a face mask on flights into the country, something that has been relaxed by other EU nations from May 16. If you are on a European tour, be aware that entry restrictions vary. All passengers are still subject to the entry rules when visiting Spain. In the current world, it is always safest to have a mask in your pocket, wherever you are going.

Traveling from the EU

Anyone over the age of 12, traveling from the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) can enter Spain, as long as they meet one of these three requirements.

1. Anyone with an EU Digital COVID Certificate or similar can enter Spain, as long as they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine. The vaccine must have been administered within the previous nine months. Alternatively, the traveler should have received a booster jab.
2. Travelers who have recovered from the virus in the previous six months can enter the country, provided they have an official recovery pass,
3. Anyone who is unvaccinated can produce a negative test result from a PCR or rapid antigen test, taken within 3 days, or 2 days respectively prior to travel.

Traveling from a non-EU country

Anyone third-country travelers on summer vacation in Spain will face stricter rules. This is defined as a country that is not an EU member or a country or territory whose citizens do not have the right to EU free movement.

In this case, travelers are only allowed to enter Spain if they have a valid digital vaccination or recovery certificate. Travelers can check if their vaccine certificate is valid on the Spain Travel Health website. Alternatively, they can check out Spain’s SpTH app for Android and iOS.

However, visitors from third countries between the age of 12 and 18 can enter the country by producing a negative PCR test result. Meanwhile, children under the age of 12 are exempt from testing requirements

Travelers without a digital certificate

Should travelers not have an EU Digital COVID Certificate or its equivalent, they must manually complete a health control form prior to departure. Here they will enter the details of their vaccination, recovery, or, if coming from an EU/EEA country, a diagnostic test certificate.

This can also be done through the Spain Travel Health website or the app for Android or iOS devices. A QR code will be given once the form is submitted and this must be presented when boarding the flight and on arrival in Spain.

Which vaccines are recognized by Spain?

Spain accepts Astra-Zeneca, Jansen/Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer-Biontech, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.

COVID-19 testing in Spain

Many countries require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home. In Spain, antigen tests cost around €30 ($32), while PCR tests cost around €120 ($127) at a private medical facility. Meanwhile, they are widely available at clinics and hospitals throughout the country and often at local airports.

Face mask rules

Spain lifted its mask requirement on April 20 for most public places and events, both indoor and outdoor.  However, as noted by Travel Safe Spain, there are still some places where a mask is required, as follows:

1. Traveling by plane, bus or train and other public transport.
2. On ships or boats where the 1.5-meter (5-foot) safety distance cannot be guaranteed. Meanwhile, masks are not required inside cabins, if shared with members of the same family or group.
3. Visiting pharmacies, hospitals, care homes and health centers.

Enjoy your summer vacation in Spain, but always be aware of the latest rules and regulations.