Everything you need to know ahead of traveling to Spain

As you've probably already heard, Spain recently dropped their travel ban for unvaccinated travelers entering the country - making a trip to the popular destination much more accessible for holidaymakers this summer.

With that in mind, we thought it would be a great time to provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Spain's rules and requirements ahead of your summer travels.

What has changed?

Until now, Spain had a strict rule which meant that unvaccinated travelers were not allowed to visit Spain, except for a few provisions such as 12-17 year olds, however they would need a test. 

So what's now changed, you may ask. Travelers can now enter Spain, regardless of vaccination status. The caveat being that all unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated people aged 12 and over must show a negative Covid-19 test result to enter. Those under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination and do not need to provide a negative test.

What is considered 'fully-vaccinated'?

Spain defines fully vaccinated as having two jabs (or one jab in the case of single-dose vaccines such as the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine) within the last 270 days. Your dates of vaccination must be specified and you need to have had a vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency or by the World Health Organisation.

So, do I need a booster jab to travel to Spain?

If your last jab was administered more than 270 days ago - which as of writing would be September 16 or earlier - then you'll need evidence of a booster jab. If 270 days have passed and you have not had your booster vaccine, then you are no longer considered fully-vaccinated. 

For travelers aged 12-17, the 270-day expiry date does not apply, therefore no proof of booster is needed.

I'm unvaccinated, what test do I have to take?

If you're aged 12 or older and are unvaccinated, you will need to provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.

You can book your antigen test with Qured, for just £9.95. This will provide you with 2-hour results and certification, as well as free delivery!

Does my child need a test to travel to Spain?

To clarify, children aged 11 and under do not need to provide a negative test result. Those aged 12-17 will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result - the same rule as adults.

The only difference is that vaccinated 12-17-year-olds will continue to be considered fully-vaccinated even after the 270-day period elapses - they do not need to provide evidence of a booster vaccination.

What if I have recently tested positive for Covid-19?

If you're traveling to Spain for tourism purposes and have recovered from Covid-19 in the last 6 months, you can use a recovery certificate issued by a relevant health authority or medical service to certify your Covid-19 status.

Do I have to provide a travel form?

Fully vaccinated travelers only need to present documentation showing their status to travel to Spain. Travelers who are not jabbed – or whose vaccinations have lapsed – must complete Spain's Travel Health Control form no more than 48 hours before departure. Successful applicants will be sent a QR code which, along with a certified test result, will allow you to board your plane for Spain.

Will you be traveling to Spain this summer? Book your test with Qured today.