Spain Lifts Restrictions On Unvaccinated Teens Entering The Country In Boost To Travel Sector
Spain News
Published: 11 February 2022 14:13 CET
Spain announced on Thursday that it will be lifting the restriction on unvaccinated teens entering the country in a boost to the country’s tourism industry.
Under the new measures, anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 years from outside of the EU and Schengen Areas will be able to enter the country even if they have not been vaccinated for Covid.
However, they will still need to show proof that they are Covid free by producing a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival.
The decision followed recent calls by regional governments and travel groups to lift the restriction for British teens so as not to impact the peak summer period which traditionally sees many British families visiting the country.
The country’s Ministry of Health said the change in policy was in recognition that many of those under the age of 18 have still not had their full course of vaccines.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Spanish tourism sector which accounts for around 12% of the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) has been one of the hardest hit following a spate of international travel restrictions.
Under the current rules, unvaccinated teens are not permitted to enter Spain meaning many British families would miss out on a summer break with thousands having to cancel their bookings as a result.
As reported by the country’s Ministry of Health via a press release, the new rules were published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Friday and will come into effect from midnight on February 14.
The official press release confirmed the move saying, “From 00:00 hours on February 14, travellers between 12 and 17 years of age from these countries and who are not in possession of a valid vaccination certificate, will be able to present a molecular nucleic acid amplification test. NAAT (RT-PCR or similar) of SARS-CoV-2 with a negative result, performed 72 hours before arrival in our country.”
It is important to note that the new measures do not affect those under the age of 12 who are not required to prove their vaccination status. However, they must still complete a Health Control Form which remains a requirement for all passengers entering Spain.
The announcement followed negotiations between the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union and was signed off by Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
Source
https://www.sanidad.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=5660
https://boe.es/boe/dias/2022/02/11/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-2176.pdf
https://www.thelocal.es/20220211/travel-spain-to-allow-unvaccinated-uk-teens-to-enter-with-pcr/
https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/4955228/0/el-gobierno-flexibiliza-los-requisitos-para-entrar-en-espana-para-los-menores-de-12-a-17-anos-de-paises-sin-acceso-vacunal/
Image Credit: La Moncloa, Flickr
