Thousands of Irish families will be travelling to Spain over the coming months as the summer holidays approach.
There was widespread confusion around the current entry rules for Spain after a misunderstanding left some being refused entry on arrival.
According to recent reports, the Spanish government had published updated advice suggesting that unvaccinated passengers could enter without a Covid test.
Just hours later, officials reissued the updates to clarify that vaccination was still one of the requirements for entry, however, those ages 12-17 that are unvaccinated can enter with just a negative PCR test.
Today, officials have issued clear advice for entry to Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic islands to ensure absolute clarity ahead of an influx of tourists.
Mainland Spain
In order to be granted entry to Spain, you will need to show proof of either being fully vaccinated or of having recently recovered from coronavirus in the past six months.
To be considered as fully vaccinated you need to have received your final dose of the primary vaccination course at least 14 days before travel.
If your final dose is over 270 days (or nine months) before travelling to Spain, you will need a booster jab to qualify as fully vaccinated.
Spain has eased its restrictions for unvaccinated teens, so anyone aged 12 to 17, can visit as long as they can show proof of a negative Covid test taken before travel.
If you are entering without vaccination, but have proof of recovery, or are an unvaccinated teen that is aged 12 to 17, you will need to fill out a pre-travel online form no more than 48 hours before travel.
At this point, unvaccinated Irish passengers are not able to enter at their leisure unless they can show proof of recovery.
Canaries
If you’re headed to one of the beautiful Canary Islands, the rules are similar to Spain for entry.
You need to be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery in order to be allowed entry from Ireland.
The same rules also apply to unvaccinated teens aged 12 to 17 - they can visit provided they have proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours before travel.
All passengers should check with their accommodation as many require proof of a negative Covid test to be allowed to stay on the premises.
Slightly differing to Spain’s entry rules, all travellers headed to the Canary Islands will need to fill out a pre-travel online form before boarding their plane.
On the bright side for Irish passengers, the Canaries have called an end to their local coronavirus restrictions. There is no capacity limit for venues such as bars and restaurants, and dancing is allowed to resume in nightclubs.
Balearic Islands
If you’re heading to the Balearic Islands from Ireland, you will first of all need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 if the purpose of your travel is for leisure.
The local Tourism Board website currently states that proof of recent recovery or a negative coronavirus test will not be accepted for travellers arriving from Ireland.
As well as this, anyone entering the Balearic Islands will need to fill out a pre-travel health check form online before boarding their flight.
Children under 12 years of age are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements.
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