Spain travel: UK visitors permitted from 24 May as Covid restrictions ease – but is it on the green list?

Spain is to lift its restrictions on travellers from the United Kingdom beginning on Monday (24 May), saying British tourists play a key role in the Spanish economy.

Despite a Spanish foreign minister saying earlier in the week that the spread of the Indian variant in the UK had complicated discussions over allowing vaccinated Britons to holiday without the need for a quarantine period, the Spanish government has opted to relax measures, saying British tourists play a key role in the economy.

It has also been reported that lockdown restrictions will be eased in popular Spanish tourist spots like Magaluf and Ibiza, allowing visitors to visit bars and restaurants both indoors and outdoors again.

Here is everything you need to know about it.

Is Spain on the ‘green list’?

No, at the time of writing, Spain is on the UK Government’s amber list of countries.

What’s going on with travel?

If you’re feeling confused by the UK Government's travel guidance, you aren't the only one.

Despite the European Union announcing it will give fully vaccinated tourists the green light to visit resorts, British ministers have insisted holidays in amber list countries like Spain and France remain off limits.

While travel is allowed to amber list nations, it is not encouraged, and high ranking politicians have urged the public to think twice before booking trips to such destinations.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street press conference this week: “We have been absolutely crystal clear that you should not go to an amber or red list country on holiday, you should only go in exceptional circumstances.”

This week Environment Secretary George Eustice said people could go to amber-listed countries to visit family or friends as long as they observed quarantine rules on their return.

If you do choose to travel to an amber destination for your holiday, you will be going against government advice and additional Covid checks will be required.

Anyone who has visited or transited through an amber country will have to:

- fill out a passenger locator form

- provide a valid notification of a negative Covid test prior to travel

- quarantine at home for 10 days on their return

If you do choose to travel to an amber destination for your holiday, you will be going against government advice and additional Covid checks will be required.

Anyone who has visited or transited through an amber country will have to:

- fill out a passenger locator form

- provide a valid notification of a negative Covid test prior to travel

- quarantine at home for 10 days on their return

What’s the current Covid-19 situation in Spain?

While the nationwide State of Emergency declared by the Spanish government on 25 October 2020 ended on 9 May, some restrictions and curfews remain in force and may vary between regions.

The obligatory use of face masks in public spaces for anyone over the age of six years old, social distancing and hygiene and air ventilation rules remain and must continue to be observed at all times.

If you need to travel during the hours of a regional curfew, you should carry evidence of your reason for travel such as a certificate from your employer, proof of medical appointment, or proof of onward journey such as train or flight tickets.

Entry restrictions and testing requirements continue to apply for travel to Spain.

Some travel restrictions and testing requirements are in place for international transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK.

Since 23 November 2020, pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements have been in place for those travelling by air and sea from ‘risk’ countries.

For more information on travelling to Spain, head to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) website

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