Spain Removes Covid Entry Restrictions For All Non-EU Arrivals
Spain News
Published: 21 October 2022 16:39 CET
Spanish authorities have finally decided to remove all Covid travel restrictions for non-EU arrivals, including those travelling from the UK and the US.
From October 21, 2022, visitors and non-residents from outside of the EU/EEA will no longer be required to show a test result or vaccination record when arriving at airports and seaports in Spain. This rule also applies to Spanish nationals and residents who are travelling directly to Spain from a non-EU country.
The welcomed news was published in Spain’s BOE state bulletin on Thursday, it said that given “Spain’s and the world’s epidemiological situation and with the aim of favouring the normalisation of international mobility, the restrictions that have been in place for more than two years are no longer necessary.”
This news comes just as the half-term holidays begin and as Spain is one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, many will be pleased to hear that the country has made it easier for them to visit.
The travel update which was published on the official UK government website states that “The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply:
- you are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated
- you are no longer required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test
- you are no longer required to show proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months.
- you are no longer required to complete a health control form prior to travel.”
Throughout the entirety of the pandemic, Spain has been known for its staunch restrictions and approach to public safety. Since the start of the Covid pandemic, visitors and holidaymakers travelling to Spain from outside of the EU have faced tougher restrictions than their EU counterparts. Spain only recently stopped asking international travellers to complete the Health Control form and it reportedly no longer carries out visual or temperature checks on non-EU arrivals.
In contrast, visitors from inside the bloc have not needed to show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination, testing or recovery for some months now.
Following Luxembourg’s decision to lift their restrictions back in late September and until now, Spain was the last EU country with strict entry requirements still in place for non-EU visitors.
The Ministry of the Interior confirmed the change of rules on its official Twitter page saying “As of October 21, the health control measures for passengers from non-EU or Schengen associated countries are without effect.”
Travel experts have been airing their joy of the news with Simon Calder taking to Twitter saying “Spain drops all Covid rules. Requirement for jab or test will be abandoned.” Whilst Donal Kane, a travel restrictions expert tweeted “Finally, the silly situation where they removed enforcement but you had to comply with the rules that they ‘might’ check has ended.”
Although this is fantastic news, when travelling to Spain it is still vital that you carry a face mask with you as it is still a requirement to wear one on public transport, in pharmacies, medical centres and care homes. One must also be worn inside planes, but not in airports, ports or stations.
Source
https://www.thelocal.es/20221020/travel-spain-scraps-covid-19-restrictions-for-non-eu-arrivals/
https://murciatoday.com/spain_finally_scraps_covid_entry_requirements_for_non_eu_citizens_1865966-a.html
https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1685777/spain-holiday-covid-rules-entry-requirements
Photo by Martijn Vonk on Unsplash
