Spain travel: what are the entry requirements for travelling to Spain from UK - and could it move to red list?

For those travelling to the popular tourist destination of Spain, there are a variety of rules which must be adhered to before entry to the country is permitted.

But what are the travel requirements for those heading to Spain?

Here’s what you need to know.

What are the entry requirements for travellers going to Spain?

If you’re jetting off to Spain then there are a few steps you need to take before you are permitted to enter the country.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) explains that the Spanish government requires all arrivals to Spain from the UK to present on entry one of the following:

- a negative Covid-19 test

- proof of vaccination

Further requirements and entry restrictions may also apply if:

- you have travelled to a ‘risk country’ within 14 days prior to arrival in Spain

- you are travelling from mainland Spain to the Balearic or Canary Islands, or you are staying in tourist accommodation in the Canary Islands

- you are travelling overland (by road or rail) from France

All passengers entering Spain are still required to complete a pre-travel declaration form.

The Spanish government also requires all arrivals to Spain from the UK (excluding children under the age of 12 years old) to present on entry one of the following:

- documentation certifying that you have undertaken a Covid-19 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT - e.g. PCR, TMA, LAMP or NEAR) within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain and tested negative. Antigen tests are only accepted in certain limited circumstances

- proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain with a vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency or by the World Health Organisation

If you live in England, Spain will accept the NHS COVID Pass or your NHS letter to demonstrate your Covid-19 vaccination status. If you live in Scotland or Wales, Spain will accept your respective NHS letter to demonstrate your Covid-19 vaccination status.

Spain, including the Canary Islands, is currently on the UK’s amber list, with the Balearic Islands also moving to the amber list from 19 July.

There are currently no plans to move Spain to the UK’s red list, but the Department for Transport (DFT) explains that “if conditions change in a country or territory, it can be moved from the amber list to the red list.”

A country or territory may also be moved between lists without warning if there is a sudden change in conditions.

What rules are in place in Spain?

Local and regional restrictions may be introduced at short notice so you should check the travel advice before you travel, including that from the local authorities in your destination.

The use of face coverings also continues to be mandatory for anyone over the age of six on all forms of public transport in Spain, in any enclosed space open to the public, and outdoors where social distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be observed.

Social distancing measures and other safety precautions should continue to be observed at all times, as well as abiding by any safety measures put in place by establishments such as hotels, bars, shops and restaurants to reduce the risk of Covid-19.