Spain rolls back entry rules for non-fully vaccinated arrivals

Spain’s Covid entry rules were placed in the spotlight after the country’s tourism office on Wednesday (6 April) said non-fully vaccinated people would, with immediate effect, be able to enter the country with proof of a negative PCR test for Covid-19 taken up to 72 hours prior to departure or a negative antigen test for Covid-19 taken up to 24 hours prior to departure.

The update appeared to confirm an entry that was published in the country’s official gazette on Wednesday setting out changes to the country’s entry rules.

However, the tourist office later issued an update statement stating the entry had been misinterpreted and that non-fully vaccinated arrivals would continue to have to present evidence of a valid vaccine or recovery certificate to enter Spain.

Pedro Medina, deputy director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, said: “We apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication earlier today which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.”

UK travellers aged 12 and above are still required to show proof of full vaccination, or a certificate of recovery for infections dating from 11 to 180 days before the date of travel.

There is an exception for those aged 12 to 17, who can show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of arrival. All arrivals must fill out Spain’s Health Control Form before travel.