As summer is around the corner, many of us will be packing our bags and jetting off to sunnier pastures.
Covid entry requirements have been scrapped in the UK and eased for many parts of Europe, but Spain and its islands still are refusing entry to some hopeful holidaymakers.
There was some confusion after Spanish officials suggested they would allow unvaccinated travellers in, but quickly U-turned on the decision.
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Before booking flights, travellers are urged to make sure their passports are valid and make themselves aware of each region's entry requirements and covid rules.
Holidaymakers are also being made aware that delays could be had at the airports in Spain as those entering and exiting Europe back to the UK currently need to get their passport stamped.
Gov.uk warns: "Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit."
Here are the entry requirements for Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
Spain
In the latest update from the Foreign Office, those who can prove digitally they are fully vaccinated no longer need to fill out a Health Control Form.
For everyone aged 18 and over to enter Spain you need one of the following:
- Proof of being fully vaccinated with a QR code. This means being double jabbed and if it's been 270 days since the second, then a booster is needed at least 14 days.
- Medical proof of being fully recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months.
Those aged 12-17, can enter by showing proof of being fully vaccinated (two doses and booster if applicable) or a negative PCR test (not NHS) taken within 72 hours, antigen tests won't be accepted, or a proof of recovery from covid in the last six months.
If teenagers haven't been fully vaccinated then they will need to complete a Health Control Form.
Children under the age of 12 years old do not need to:
- Complete an online Health Control Form before travel
- Show proof of being fully vaccinated on entry to Spain
- Take diagnostic tests prior to arrival
- Show proof of having recovered from prior covid infection in the last six months
- Meet the requirements outlined in the Spanish Ministry of Health ‘Travel and COVID-19’ page, even if they have visited a ‘risk country’ in the previous 14 days
If you are unvaccinated and cannot provide proof of recovery, then you will not be allowed into Spain unless your reason falls under the ' essential ' guidelines.
Canary Island
Like Spain, those unvaccinated are not permitted entry unless they can show proof of being recovered.
- Those travelling to the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) may be required to show a negative Covid-19 test on entry. PCR and antigen tests are accepted.
- All travellers need to complete a control from no matter what their vaccination status or certificate of recovery.
- Proof of vaccine certificate and being fully vaccinated - children under 12 are exempt.
- Those aged 12 years or older and under 18 years can submit a negative PCR test, performed 72 hours prior to arrival, if they are not properly vaccinated.
The Foreign Office travel advice notes: "To travel to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may need to show a negative covid test depending on the region you are travelling from. Check with your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements."
You can see more information at hellocanaryislands.com
Balearic Island
To gain entry to the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera) from the UK, travellers need to do the following.
All travellers need to complete a Health Check form.
Provide one of the following:
- Vaccination certificate proving you are fully vaccinated.
- Negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival or lateral flow test 24 hours prior.
- Medical proof of recovery corresponding to a test within a period not exceeding 180 days after the date of the first positive result of an active infection diagnostic test (NAAT) and no earlier than 11 days day following the date of that positive result.
You can see more information on the Balearic Island travel board.
