The Spanish government has decided to change its entry requirements for any passengers entering the country if they have been in China.
Although the rules have not changed for European passengers, it is understood that officials are looking to do the same “at a European level”.
Just months ago, health bosses across Europe dropped most Covid restrictions in relation to travel in a bid to reboot the industry heading into the summer months.
READ MORE: 'We weren't prepared for that' - RTE radio boss recalls moment he found out Pat Kenny quit station
According to Liverpool Echo, since May, fully-vaccinated travellers have been able to enter the country without need to test prior to their flight.
Previously, those who were not fully-vaccinated were unable to visit Spain but in May the rules changed for this group also, meaning that people who fell into this category just had to show a negative test on arrival.
Speaking on Friday, health minister Carolina Darias told reporters that Spain would now require all air passengers coming from China to have negative Covid-19 tests or proof of vaccination.
This comes as the number of cases begins to surge once again in the East Asian country - where the virus is known to have spread from.
Ms. Darias did not specify when the new requirement will take effect but Spain made the announcement just days after Italy said it would require Covid tests for airline passengers arriving in from China.
Health officials from the 27-member European Union have promised to continue talks on finding a common approach but have so far held back on imposing restrictions.
Ms. Darias said: "There exists a shared concern internationally and nationally over the evolution of cases in China and the difficulty to make a correct evaluation of the Covid-19 situation given the scant information that we have available".
She then said that China would be lifting travel restrictions from January 8 and there was likely to be a major increase in people travelling abroad.
She said the main concern for them was the possible emergence of new Covid variants and that it was important to act fast this time around.
The United States announced new Covid-19 testing requirements on Wednesday for travellers from China, joining some Asian nations that had imposed restrictions.
Meanwhile, in Japan officials announced that they would begin requiring tests for passengers arriving from China.
READ NEXT :
Grieving family of murder victim reveal torment of keeping killer behind bars
Man rushed to hospital with critical injuries after being hit by car in Co Tyrone
Celebrities attend wedding of Shay Given's sister and Dublin publican in Clare
UK crime agency declares caging of Kinahan lieutenant a major 2022 success
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
