British families with holiday bookings to Spain over the coming half-term may have trouble entering the country after Spanish authorities rejected EU plans for new travel regulations. The EU’s plans allow COVID recovery certificates, enabling single-jabbed children who have recovered from the virus to travel. However, Spain maintains that only fully vaccinated visitors can enter the country.
British holidaymakers Spanish plans in doubt
Thousands of British families have booked trips to Spain over the half-term (February 14th – February 21st), but their holidays may now be in jeopardy. Spain recently rejected EU proposals that would allow recovery status certification, insisting that all visitors to the country must be fully vaccinated.
Spain’s official travel website said,
“From February 1, 2022, in order to travel to Spain with a vaccination certificate, the certificate must have been issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin at least 14 days after the date of administration of the last dose of the full course of vaccination, as long as the final dose of that course of vaccination was no more than 270 days ago.”
This would prohibit recovered single-jabbed travelers from entering the country, a move that disproportionately affects children who are more likely to have only received one jab. Under the EU’s new travel proposals, single-jabbed individuals would be able to present proof of COVID recovery to travel.
Travelers to Spain must now be at least double-jabbed, with their last vaccine dose received no more than 270 days ago. Any travelers recently receiving booster jabs will need to wait 14 days before traveling.
Be advised that all visitors to Spain must complete an online Health Control Form before traveling. Upon arrival, you will need to show a QR code, hard copy or digital, which you will receive after completing the form.
Essential travel only for unvaccinated
Under current Spanish regulations, unvaccinated travelers are not permitted to enter the country for tourism purposes. Only unvaccinated individuals visiting for “essential” purposes, including Spanish residents or EU citizens, will be allowed to enter Spain.
For those that qualify for essential travel, you will need to take a PCR or antigen test before your departure. Spain updated its regulations on antigen tests, with travelers now required to take tests up to 24 hours before traveling. Previously the timeframe was set at 48 hours. For PCR tests, the timeframe remains up to 72 hours before traveling.
The Spanish Tourist Office in the UK said,
“Spain is in discussions with the EU and its partners about a possible review of the entry requirements for tourists from third countries with a view to making the current measures more flexible. The situation could change in the near future.”
UK relaxes restrictions for vaccinated travelers
From February 11th, fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the UK will no longer need to take a pre-departure COVID test or a Day Two test upon arrival.
Additionally, unvaccinated travelers won’t have to self-isolate upon arrival or take a Day Eight test, but they will still need a valid pre-departure test from their port of origin.
Do you have a holiday booked in Spain over the half term? What are your thoughts on Spain’s refusal to adopt the EU’s proposals? Let us know in the comments.
