With covid restrictions now easing across the board, many people are jumping at the chance to head abroad - likely for the first time in two or three years thanks to covid.
There are many destinations people will want to hit first with Spain being one of them.
And if Spain does hold a place in your heart, you'll be glad to know that Easyjet are launching new flights to Barcelona from Glasgow Airport with up to three flights a week headed to the capital of Spain's Catalonia region.
READ MORE - Easyjet launches new flight to Barcelona from Glasgow Airport
The budget airline announced its latest service to the the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region – taking off up to three times a week. Find out more on the easyJet website.
A lot has changed recently in the Spanish country where covid is concerned as they have now ditched the need to isolate if you test positive for the virus.
Although the same rules apply in England, you still need to isolate if you test positive in Scotland.
Spain's decision makes them on of the first EU countries scrap testing and mandatory self-isolation for all suspected Covid-19 cases.
This means that from today (March 28) anyone experiencing mild symptoms will not have to take a test and instead, Spanish public health officials are recommending that people reduce their social interactions, avoiding contact with vulnerable groups and wearing a face mask at all times while outside.
Face masks will also remain compulsory in indoor public spaces.
These rules may change however shall remain as long as the number of patients admitted to hospitals with the virus remains below five per cent.
But if you want to travel to Spain soon, what are the rules you have to follow before and during your stay?
Covid travel rules if you're flying from the UK to Spain
If you're wanting to head to Spain you'll want to be aware that as above, the rules regarding isolation have changed.
Covid rules for all travellers
Before you get on the plane however, everyone - including children under 12 years old - travelling by air or sea must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form.
On arrival into Spanish ports and airports you must show the QR code (hardcopy or digital) issued when you completed the online Health Control Form before travel.
The additional documentation you must present on entry when travelling from the UK to Spain is determined by your reason for travel:
Tourism: You must show valid proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain and the date of vaccination must be specified.
If you are traveling from the UK to Spain for tourism purposes, are not fully vaccinated but have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months, you can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your COVID-19 status on entry to Spain.
Citizen and family members: EU citizens and accompanying family members of an EU citizen (including those travelling for tourism purposes), residents of Spain, or those covered by one of the other exemptions listed may present alternative documentation to the vaccine certificate.
You may also be subject to additional checks at the point of entry including a temperature check, visual health assessment, or testing on arrival. Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test - NAAT (PCR or similar) at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.
If you’re fully vaccinated
If you’re fully vaccinated you can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel.
Your vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities’ validity period requirements.
This means:
- At least 14 days must have passed since being fully vaccinated
- Your final dose must have been administered within 270 days prior to travel to Spain.
- If you completed your vaccination more than 270 days prior to travel to Spain, you must be able to show proof of having received a booster jab.
- There is no requirement for 14 days to have passed between receiving your booster jab and entering Spain.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
Under the Spanish government's current measures, you can only enter Spain from the UK for tourism purposes.
Children and young people
Travellers of any age - including children under 12 years old - travelling by air or sea must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form no more than 48 hours before travel.
Children under the age of 12 years old do not need to:
- Show proof of being fully vaccinated on entry to Spain
- Take diagnostic tests prior to arrival
- Show proof of having recovered from prior COVID-19 infection in the last 6 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
The Gov.uk website states: "Travellers from the UK aged 12 to 17 inclusive can enter Spain by presenting documentation certifying that they have undertaken a COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test - NAAT (PCR or similar) within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.
"Antigen tests will not be accepted.
"Alternatively, travellers aged 12 to 17 can still enter Spain with a full vaccination certificate or a recovery certificate. Spain defines someone as being fully vaccinated if they have had two vaccine doses or one dose of a one-dose vaccine."
