Spain has extended its current Covid pandemic restrictions for third-country nationals, including British passport-holders, until 15 November – meaning they will remain in place for the October half-term break.
The most popular holiday destination for British travellers, Spain has seen arrivals soar this year as previous pandemic restrictions have loosened.
Tourism minister Reyes Maroto said that so far in 2022, tourists have been spending more and staying longer, with visitor numbers reaching 85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
The country is aiming to make its tourism sector more sustainable by favouring a higher-value and lower-impact model, moving away from the historic high-density traditions of its coastal resorts.
According to official estimates, more than 30 million international visitors were welcomed in Spain in the first six months of 2022 – a sixfold increase from the same period in 2021.
Spain relaxed entry rules for third-country nationals in May when it lifted its ban on unvaccinated arrivals. A month later, it scrapped all Covid entry restrictions for EU residents.
Many had hoped that it would extend this to all arrivals, so the recent extension will come as a disappointment.
Elsewhere in Europe, only Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovakia maintain Covid entry restrictions.
Here is all you need to know about the current restrictions faced by UK travellers heading to Spain.
All arrivals aged 12 and over must show proof of being fully vaccinated (including a booster), or a negative Covid test (a PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure).
Proof of recent infection (with an officially recorded PCR test) is also accepted. Spain accepts the NHS Pass as proof of Covid status.
For visitors aged 12 to 17 who have not received a booster, but have received two doses of a two-dose vaccine, or one dose of a single-dose vaccine, approved by Spain, at least 14 days must have passed since their last dose for them to qualify as fully vaccinated.
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