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Spain changes antigen time validity for travellers who need to take Covid tests

Latest:  Coronavirus in Spain figures (11 Feb)

Those travellers to Spain who are still required to show a negative Covid-19 test result to enter the country will now have to get tested within 24 hours before their arrival rather than 48 hours, if they choose a  rapid antigen test  ( RAT ). The new ruling has been published in the Boletín Official del Estado ( BOE ) and came into effect from Tuesday 1 February .

The new requirement follows a recent European Council recommendation for a ‘negative rapid antigen test obtained no more than 24 hours before travel’.

From Tuesday 1 February, ‘only negative Covid tests obtained within the 24 hours prior to arrival in Spain will be considered valid and provided that they are tests included in the list common rapid antigen detection test for Covid-19, published by the European Commission and based on Council Recommendation 2021/C 24/01’, Spain’s Health Ministry said in a statement.

Negative PCR test results are not affected by the new ruling. They remain valid if the PCR test was taken up to 72 hours before travelling to Spain.

Travellers who currently still need to show negative test results on arrival include unvaccinated travellers from EU/EEA nations as well as Spanish residents and nationals who haven’t had any Covid-19 vaccine doses, and several third-country categories relating to essential travel. Unvaccinated travellers from the majority of non-EU/EEA countries cannot currently visit Spain.

Before travelling to Spain, everyone (including children under 12 years old) travelling by air or sea, must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form . If you do not complete the form electronically, you may submit it in paper format before boarding. 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.

For fully vaccinated travellers

Also from 1 February onwards, at least 14 days must have passed since being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine) before arrival in Spain. Your date(s) of vaccination must be specified and your final dose must have been administered within 270 days prior to travel to Spain. If you completed your vaccination (with both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine) more than 270 days prior to travel to Spain, you must be able to show proof of having received a booster jab .

Click here for full details in English on the Spanish Health Ministry’s Travel Health page for all the requirements for travelling to and arriving in Spain, by plane or ferry .

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Covid19 - Entry requirements in Spain

Beginning on October 21, 2022,  the following travelers can enter Spain without showing any sort of covid-19 document/certificate:

• Spaniards and EU citizens.
• Duly registered family members of Spanish and EU citizens.
• Foreigners residing in the European Union or associated Schengen countries (it is necessary to have a valid residence card).
• Foreigners who have a valid long-term visa (no type C visas).
• Foreign students who have the required visa and insurance.
• Foreigners who are highly qualified workers, business people, elite sportspeople, health professionals and health researchers, transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel and diplomatic, consular representatives, personnel of international organization, military personnel and members of civil protection organizations traveling to Spain for professional matters.
• Foreigners traveling for urgent humanitarian or family reasons, to be justified case by case.

These travelers can enter Spain normally, as it was before the pandemic started.

The rest of the travelers to Spain, even if the covid-19 border checkpoints have been dismantled, they must have one of the three following certificates: ​

• Proof of vaccination: Documentation from the issuing countries' relevant authorities will be accepted starting 14 days after the final dose is administered, as long as more than 270 days have not passed since the administration of the final dose of the vaccine. For those under 18 years of age, proof of vaccination has no expiration date.
• Negative COVID test: A negative Nucleic Acid Amplification test (PCR, TMA, LAMP, NEAR, etc.) taken within 72 hours of departure for Spain, or a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 24 of departure for Spain, will be accepted.
• Proof of recovery from COVID: Documentation issued by relevant government authorities or by a physician a minimum of 11 days after the initial positive result via NAAT or rapid antigen test. This documentation will remain valid for 180 days following the date of the initial positive test result.

Those under the age of 12 do not need to present any COVID-related documentation to enter Spain.

​Spain Travel Health –SpTH– and the associated form are no longer needed.

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Update: Important information

To travel to Spain if you have an EU DCC, or equivalent EU it is not necessary to complete the SpTH health control form.

On the homepage you can find more information about the vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test DCCs that are valid for travelling to Spain.

Spain Travel Health

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Are you travelling to Spain? Update on Covid entry requirements for residents of Spain from February 1, 2022 who are not vaccinated nor can provide a Covid Certificate can now enter with an antigen or NAAT test:

Diagnostic Certificate. Diagnostic test certificates for active COVID-19 infection with a negative result belonging to any of the following types will be accepted as valid: 1. Molecular nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), whose sample has been obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain. 2. Antigen detection test included in the common list of rapid antigen detection tests for COVID-19, published by the European Commission based on Council Recommendation 2021/C 24/01, whose sample has been obtained within the 24 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

The diagnostic test certificate must include, at least, the following information: 1. Name and surname of the holder. 2. Date of sample collection. 3. Type of test performed. 4. Issuing country.»

Second. Effectiveness. This resolution will take effect from February 1, 2022. High risk countries from February 1, 2022 (includes visitors from the U.K)as published in December:

Applies to:

Entry requirements may vary if your reason for travel to Spain falls into one of the categories listed as ‘essential’ – section ‘a’ to ‘i’ – on the Spanish Ministry of Health Travel and COVID-19 page. This includes residents of Spain. If you are an EU citizen, an accompanying family member of an EU citizen, including UK citizens and other non-EU citizens who are travelling with EU family members (including for tourism), a resident of Spain, or if one of the other exemptions listed applies to you, you will be required to present one of the following on entry:

documentation certifying that you have undertaken a COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) test (e.g. PCR, TMA, LAMP or NEAR) within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival, and tested negative a medical certificate certifying that you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months prior to travel

Vaccination certificate.

Vaccination certificates issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin from 14 days after the date of administration of the last dose of the complete vaccine schedule (primary vaccination) will be accepted as valid, provided that no more than 270 days from the date of administration of the last dose of said regimen. From that moment on, the vaccination certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin must reflect the administration of a booster dose.

Complete vaccination guidelines (primary vaccination) are defined as those established in the Vaccination Strategy against COVID-19 in Spain.

The vaccination certificate must include, at least, the following information:

1. Name and surname of the holder.

2. Date of vaccination, indicating the date of the last dose administered.

3. Type or types of vaccine administered.

4. Number of doses administered/complete regimen.

5. Issuing country.

6. Identification of the issuing body of the vaccination certificate.»

Second. Effectiveness.

This resolution will be effective as of December 30, 2021, except as regards the modification of section Six, which will be applicable as of February 1, 2022.

Does not apply to:

Important update to come into effect from December 1.  Does not apply to legal residents of Spain.

Information from the UK government.

Rules effective from 1 december 2021. please note the relevant passage about vaccinations. first paragraph under heading “rules effective from 1 december 2021 relevant..

Information

Latest information from the French Government

List of pressing grounds from “Orange” countries

Click on the map to check the applicable entry requirements for the country you are travelling from and the restrictions for your return home.

You can also find out what measures are in place for each region you are visiting during your stay in Spain.

For travel from Spain to other countries not on the list, click on Latest News before posting questions.

Use this interactive map if your country is on the list.

Travelling within Spain and the Islands.

Regions and islands Map

Unfortunately the link cannot be picked up so go to for example United Kingdom. Click on:

Ten click on:

Further Information on the Spain Health Travel Site Update on certificates and tests in force from July 14.

First. Modification of the validity of the diagnostic certificate.

The Seventh section of the Resolution of June 4, 2021 is modified, which is worded as follows:

“Seventh. Diagnostic Certificate.

Diagnostic test certificates for active COVID-19 infection with a negative result belonging to one of the following types will be accepted as valid:

1. Molecular nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), the sample of which has been obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

2. Antigen detection test included in the common list of rapid antigen detection tests for COVID-19, published by the European Commission based on Council Recommendation 2021 / C 24/01, whose sample has been obtained within the 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

The diagnostic test certificate must include, at least, the following information:

1. Name and surname of the owner.

2. Date of sample collection.

3. Type of test performed.

4. Issuing country. »

This resolution will take effect from July 14, 2021.

Travelling overland. Thank you to the UK governor this information:

Testing requirements for overland travellers All overland travellers (excluding children under the age of 6 years old) who wish to enter Spain by road or rail from France, are required to present a negative PCR, TMA or LAMP test taken within 72 hours prior to entry. The following groups are exempt from this requirement:

Residents and antigen tests:

Haulage workers Frontier workers Residents of border regions within a radius of 30 km While these testing requirements don’t apply to overland travellers from Portugal, Andorra and Gibraltar, travel into Spain from all locations is limited.

Balearic Islands Canary Islands

, Antigen Tests for residents of Spain

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Entry requirements to Spain for travellers updated: What's new at the border

TRAVELLERS from European Union member States entering Spain no longer need to show a 'Covid certificate' or complete a passenger locator form, starting today (Thursday, June 1), although some basic requirements remain in place for non-EU nations.

The national government has announced that entering the country will not be subject to a valid vaccine certificate, proof of having had Covid-19 within the past six months, or a negative PCR or antigen test taken not more than 72 and 24 hours before arrival respectively – provided the person arriving has not come from, or crossed through, any territory outside the EEA.

As well as EU member States, the exemption applies to travellers from Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, whether or not the country in question forms part of the passport-free Schengen zone.

Passing through a non-EEA nation via a connecting flight does not count as having been outside the bloc, unless the passenger has left the international 'holding' terminal of the airport.

The European Commission recommended in April that all 27 member States drop the requirement for a 'Covid passport' for travel within the bloc, and has reportedly been in touch with Spain's health minister, Carolina Darías, to find out whether, and when, she planned to do so.

Greece was the first to remove the 'Covid passport' regulation for EU nations and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, on May 1, and Spain has followed a month later.

Covid-related entry requirements to Spain for travellers from outside the EU (including UK)

For non-EU countries – including the UK – either a valid vaccine certificate, proof of having had Covid within the past six months, through the results of an NAAT-type test such as a PCR, or a negative PCR result less than 72 hours before entry or negative antigen no more than 24 hours before entering Spain must still be shown, but travellers from these countries do not need to complete a passenger locator form.

These forms are, however, necessary for anyone who is not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all, or has not had and recovered from Covid within the past six months, when entering Spain from a non-EU nation.

A form is also necessary where a person is vaccinated or has had Covid recently, but is coming from a country without a 'certificate' system or where this document is not recognised by the EU.

Covid certificates must be in either Spanish, English, French or German, meaning a vaccine passport issued by a third country in a different language from any of these would not be accepted without a passenger locator form.

They must be completed no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Forms are found on the Spanish government website, Spth.gob.es, and upon completion, the traveller will receive a QR code which must either be printed, or be downloaded onto a mobile phone screen, so it can be scanned upon arrival.

UK vaccine confirmation certificates are accepted throughout the EU.

Children under 12 are exempt from all these entry requirements, irrespective of where they have come from.

For adults, or children aged 12 and over, if they have had Covid within the past six months, their first positive NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), such as a PCR, must have been a minimum of 11 days prior to travel.

The assumption is that, after these 11 days, the infection would have passed.

'Recovery certificates' are valid for 180 days from the date of the first positive test.

How long vaccine proof is valid for travel from outside the EU

Travellers from non-EU countries who are fully vaccinated – both doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of the single-jab Janssen formula – but who have not had a third injection as a booster or, in the case of the Janssen, second jab, will only be able to use their 'Covid passport' for entry to Spain if their most recent dose was more than 14 days, but not more than 270 days, prior to arrival.

Anyone who has had a third, or booster, dose, or a second dose for those who originally had the Janssen, is considered as 'fully vaccinated' for the purposes of entry into Spain with, at present, no time limit.

At the moment, booster injections do not have an expiry date, and it has not yet been confirmed at European level whether repeat doses will be rolled out to the population annually or similar.

Those who downloaded a Covid passport after their final dose but have since had a booster will need to acquire a fresh one if 270 days or more have passed since the jab before this, if they wish to travel outside the EU, or are based in a third country and wish to travel to the bloc.

No other requirements, but random health checks may be ordered

For visitors from non-member States, proof of vaccine, test, or recovery as detailed is the only condition to entry to Spain above and beyond the usual non-Covid-related requirements.

This said, arrivals from outside the EU may be called for random health checks at the border, which might just be their temperature taken but could extend to medical examinations, visual assessment, interview, or even a test.

Spain's land borders are not currently subject to testing or vaccine requirements, but countries a person may have to pass through to get to them may still have extra conditions in place, and these should be consulted before travel.

The last remaining Covid-linked conditions for entry to Spain from beyond the EEA apply to everyone, including residents, Spanish or otherwise, who have been on short trips out of the country and are coming home.

If you live in Spain but are not an EU national, don't forget your residence certificate

Under any circumstances, residents in Spain who do not hold nationality from an EU or EEA country should proactively show their 'green certificate' or TIE photo card at the same time as their passports.

This has always been the case, but UK nationals living in Spain will now need to 'retrain themselves' to produce their 'green certificate' – which is still valid as long as it does not have an expiry date and this has not passed – or their new TIE foreigners' identity card when they show their passports.

Residents in Spain with British nationality do not have to have their passports stamped, but non-resident British visitors do, even if travelling to a holiday home they own, or to visit family.

If a resident has had his or her passport stamped 'by mistake', they must subsequently show proof of their permanent dwelling status in Spain for this to be annulled. 

The 'stamp' enables border authorities to ensure Brits and other non-EU nationals who do not live in a member State adhere to the maximum stay requirements – 90 days in any 180 days anywhere within the Schengen zone.

Masks still required on Spanish flights and in other, limited situations

Even though the European Commission has recommended member States cease to oblige travellers to wear masks on airlines, they are still mandatory for flights to and from Spain at present.

In Spain, masks are a legal necessity in any healthcare setting – including nursing homes, fertility clinics and pharmacies – and on public transport, which includes planes.

They are not obligatory anywhere else, but strongly recommended in indoor areas, or outdoors when in close proximity to the general public.

Workplaces in Spain set their own requirements for mask-wearing among staff, meaning they may still be mandatory in certain employment situations, but if they are not, the workforce may usually continue to wear them voluntarily if they wish.

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• Entry requirements to Spain for travellers updated: What's new at the border

Spain reopens to global tourists, provided they can prove they have been vaccinated against Covid-19

Antigen tests are now accepted instead of pcrs for travelers from countries on the list of risk zones such as france and germany while no tests are required of visitors from low-incidence areas.

The Spanish government has published the new requisites for travellers arriving in the country from outside the European Union and countries associated with the Schengen free-travel area. As was expected, the text released in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Saturday states that from today, passengers from risk zones will be permitted to enter Spain if they have been administered the full doses of a Covid-19 vaccine approved by either the World Health Organization (WHO) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA), more than 14 days prior to arrival.

No proof of vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test will be required from tourists from low-risk zones, said the government in a release, although everyone will still have to fill out the travel form available on Spain Travel Health (SpTH). Once the European Union’s Digital Covid pass goes into effect on July 1, this will also enable travelers to prove their immunity to the coronavirus if they are required to.

“At ports and airports there will be two control points. Whoever comes from countries or zones not included on the list of risk zones will have access to a quick control with the QR code obtained from SpTH. And once the EU Digital Covid certificate goes into effect, whoever has this document will also have access to this quick control,” says the government statement .

For travelers from EU areas that are not included in the Health Ministry’s risk zones, no proof of vaccination, immunity or diagnostic test will be required, said the government

“Those who come from areas included on the list of risk countries will have to undergo a random document check that will look at their departure point and its incidence rate,” adds the statement, noting that for people showing a vaccination certificate, Spain will only accept the vaccines that are accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Janssen , Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac.

Currently, there are exceptions for travelers from India, Brazil and South Africa, due to the coronavirus variants of concern that are circulating there. Travel to Spain from these countries is prohibited even for those who are fully vaccinated .

According to the BOE, minors will also be permitted to enter Spanish territory when accompanying people who have been fully vaccinated. Travelers who until now were permitted to enter on presentation of a negative coronavirus test can now opt for a cheaper antigen test rather than the more expensive PCR.

The fact that non-EU travelers can now return to Spain after a prohibition of more than a year is good news for the country’s key tourism sector. But an even better development is the switch to antigen tests from PCR tests. The sector has long been lobbying for this change given that they are cheaper and offer almost instantaneous results. Citizens from any country where a coronavirus test is required before entry into Spain may now opt for an antigen test during the 48 hours prior to arrival.

Currently, residents of France and Germany must present a negative test on arrival in Spain. Given that these two countries are key markets for the Spanish tourism sector the fact that visitors can opt for antigen tests rather than PCRs will be a boost. Visitors from the United Kingdom , meanwhile, do not currently need to present any coronavirus test results given the low incidence of the virus in that country thanks to its advanced vaccination campaign. That said, Spain is on the UK’s “amber list” of countries, meaning that arrivals to the UK from Spain must quarantine for 10 days on arrival, as well as taking a PCR test before travel and two home tests once quarantining.

The European Commission called on Friday for caution with regard to the relaxation of coronavirus travel restrictions

Under the changes that have gone into force today, all tourists from the Schengen free-travel area will be able to enter Spain if they meet with the same requirements as the EU’s Digital Covid Certificate, which will go into use on July 1. That document will state whether the bearer has been vaccinated, if they have taken a PCR or antigen test , or whether they have recovered from a coronavirus infection. Proof of one of these three conditions will be considered valid until then.

For travelers from EU areas that are not included in the Health Ministry’s risk zones, no proof of vaccination, immunity or diagnostic test will be required, said the government. The same applies to tourists from non-EU countries that are on Spain’s low-risk zones. The list of risk zones is available here . The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) offers updated coronavirus maps here.

The BOE also includes details for students. If they are studying in EU member states or associated Schengen states, “and they have the corresponding permission or visa for a long-term stay, provided that they are traveling to the country where they are going to study, and that they enter once the academic term has begun or 15 days previously,” they are allowed to enter. “If the destination is Spain and the duration of the stay is up to 90 days, they must accredit that their studies will take place in an authorized academic center in Spain,” the text continues.

These changes are being viewed with certain mistrust in Europe. The European Commission called on Friday for caution with regard to the relaxation of coronavirus travel restrictions. “It’s their responsibility, but we call for coherence for the good of European Union citizens,” stated the EC’s chief spokesperson, Éric Mamer, at a press conference in Brussels. According to Mamer, the joint EU recommendation, supported by the 27 member states, establishes that a negative PCR test must be requested of all travelers.

The change in the requirements for travelers was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez last month at the Fitur tourism fair in Madrid. For his part, the secretary of state for tourism, Fernando Valdés, said on Saturday that Spain would be “receiving between 14.5 and 15.5 million tourists” during the months of July and September, Europa Press reports. Speaking on Catalunya Radio, the minister said that this would be around 40% of the tourists who arrived in 2019 but double those that came in 2020, the year that the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

English version by Simon Hunter .

More information

The map of the latest Covid-19 restrictions in Spain and infection rates in each region

Spain to welcome global travelers from next week, but they must have been vaccinated 14 days previously

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Spain has loosened restrictions on UK and US travelers

May 26, 2022 • 3 min read

Spain has loosened restrictions on UK and US travelers ©Shutterstock

Spain has loosened restrictions on unvaccinated arrivals from the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and other non-EU nations, allowing them to enter for the first time in two years.

Previously people from outside the European Union and Schengen Zone who were not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated were banned from entering Spain for non-essential reasons.

That changed this week when officials agreed that unvaccinated tourists and other visitors from outside the EU can travel to Spain if they show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test.

What test is required to travel to Spain?

Spain accepts either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure to Spain or a laboratory-produced rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours. Tests are required from any visitor over the age of 12 who is unvaccinated. The same rule that has applied to EU residents and citizens for months now applies to non-EU residents including British and American travelers.

What qualifies as 'fully vaccinated' to travel to Spain?

Generally, people will need to show proof of two vaccines, or one in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, those over the age of 18 must show proof of a third or booster dose if more than 270 days have passed since the person received their second shot (or first and only Johnson & Johnson shot) to bypass testing requirements.

Spain accepts all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization.

What are the rules for traveling to Spain from the EU?

Travelers over the age of 12 from the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) can enter Spain without restriction as long as they fulfil one of three requirements.

Holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent may enter the country, providing they have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine in the previous nine months or have received a booster shot.

Otherwise travelers must hold a recovery pass, proving they have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months.

The third way of entering is by producing a test certificate, confirming that the traveler has received a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR or rapid antigen test within 72 hours or 48 hours before travel to Spain, respectively.

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What are the rules for traveling to Spain from a non-EU country?

As of May 21, visitors from outside the EU are now subject to the same rules as visitors from the EU. They can show their vaccination certificates or take a PCR/antigen test to enter the country.

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What other documentation do I need before flying?

Travelers must complete a health control form before departure, manually entering the details of  vaccination, recovery or — if coming from an EU/EEA country or territory — diagnostic test certificate. You can do it through the Spain Travel Health website or its app for Android devices or iOS. Once completed, you will obtain a QR code that you will have to present both at the time of boarding and upon arrival in Spain.

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Do children face restrictions when traveling to Spain?

No, children under 12 years old are exempt from the testing or quarantine requirements.

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Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Spain?

Many countries, including the US, require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home from an international trip. Antigen tests cost about €30, while PCR tests cost about €120 from a private medical facility. Tests are widely available at clinics and hospitals throughout Spain. They are also often available at local airports.

Is mask-wearing mandatory in Spain?

Spain lifted its mask requirement on April 20, meaning that travelers and residents are no longer required to wear a face mask when accessing public places and events there. However, masks are still required on flights and in airports.

This article was first published May 2020 and updated May 2022

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TRAVEL LATEST: Spain tightens antigen test window to 24 hours for unvaccinated travellers entering Spain

SPAIN has reduced the validity of antigen tests from 48 hours to 24 hours required by those who don’t meet vaccination status requirements to enter Spain.

The measure was brought in on February 1 when it was published in Spain’s Offical State Bulletin (BOE).

? Sanidad adapta a la norma ?? la validez de las pruebas de antígeno como requisito de entrada a España ? https://t.co/Puvsv4b1A9 ?? Sólo serán válidos los negativos de test de antígeno realizados 24 h. antes ?? También los negativos de pruebas NAAT realizados 72 h. antes pic.twitter.com/iEzIDn1ihT window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/2482204/client-ads', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1710364204546-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1710364204546-0'); }); — Ministerio de Sanidad (@sanidadgob) February 1, 2022

Previously those travellers had to provide a negative result to an antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival, a period which has now been reduced to just 24 hours.

Current rules state that unvaccinated travellers from within the EU/EEA including Spanish passport holders and those with residency in Spain must show either a valid vaccination certificate, a certificate of recovery, or a negative PCR, LAMP, TMA or antigen test.

Those from third countries considered high risk (which currently includes the UK) and are unvaccinated but whose trips falls under essential travel can also show a negative test.

It is antigen tests that now have the narrow window of just 24 hours while PCR tests remain valid up to 72 hours.

Spain currently bars entry to all unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 from outside the EU unless they fall into the exemption category.

From Tuesday February 1, 2022, “only negative Covid tests obtained within the 24 hours prior to arrival in Spain will be considered valid and provided that they are tests included in the list common rapid antigen detection test for Covid-19, published by the European Commission and based on Council Recommendation 2021/C 24/01?, said the Spain’s Health Ministry in a statement.

Negative results of NAAT or PCR tests which are also accepted for travel to Spain have a wider window and are considered valid as long as they were taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.All international arrivals must also fill in a health control form within 48 hours of arriving in Spain.

From February 1 new rules concerning vaccination certificates also come into play with only those who have received their last jab within 270 days (nine months) prior to entry being considered valid. The last vaccine must also have been adminsitered more than 14 days prior to arrival to meet the criteria.

Effectively this means that who received their full dose of the first vaccine more than nine months ago will require a booster jab more than two weeks before they plan to arrive in Spain.

• TRAVEL UPDATE: Do I need a COVID-19 booster shot to travel to Spain?
• The Olive Press
• travel to spain

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Fiona Govan

Fiona Govan joined The Olive Press in March 2021. She moved to Spain in 2006 to be The Daily Telegraph’s Madrid correspondent and then worked for six years as Editor of The Local Spain. She lives in Madrid’s Malasaña district with her dog Rufus.

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Palma de Mallorca

Pla de Mallorca

Serra de Tramuntana

COVID-19 Testing Required to Enter Spain

By affordable mallorca team.

28 June 2021

You need to submit a negative PCR test if you travel to Spain. ~ Ministry of Health, Spain

What’s New #

If you do not have a valid test result that is within 72 hours of landing in Palma, you will be required to take an antigen test and subject to a €6000 fine.

Note: The following is information from the Health Ministry of Spain website

As of November 23, 2020, all passengers arriving from a country or area of high risk to COVID-19, must present a certificate with a negative result (RT-PCR) for a test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival. Germany is now requiring tests to be less than 48 hrs from time you land in Germany.

This certificate must be an original, written in Spanish and/or English and may be presented in electronic format. According to the Health Ministry, the document must contain the following details:

• Name of traveler
• Passport or ID number (must be same number that appears on PCR certificate)
• Date of test
• Identification of the testing center
• Technique used or test type
• Negative test result

Acceptable Tests from UK to Spain #

Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA) tests detect current infections and are based on equivalent molecular techniques, such as Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) .

LAMP tests are faster and less expensive but only available at several British airports: Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted. Heathrow offers LAMP tests with results given within 1.5 hours. The antigen test is NOT acceptable for arrival because it can pick up past infections and the goal is to track current infections.

TMA and LAMP tests are usually less expensive at usually less than €100.

If Flying Out to Countries Requiring PCR or Antigen Test #

Regulations are changing constantly due to mutations and increases/decreased in infection rates. Before you fly, make sure to check your destination to make sure about the specific requirements for your circumstances. While we can not recommend a laboratory or facility that provides certified tests for travel, Iberia has an agreement with Quirónprevención to perform tests at discounted prices. You must fly on Iberia to receive this discount. Click the link below to access their portal.

Iberia PCR Quirónprevención

Other Test Sites

• Clinica Picasso - Cost: €120
• Earth & Sea Elite +34 682 032 056 - Cost: €60, results in 15 minutes for antibody test
• Clinica Juaneda , Palma, Cost: €115, 24-48 hours. No appointment necessary.
• Clinica Alimedica , Port Andratx, Cost: €250, 24-48 hours
• Palma Airport - make an appointment at the testing facility at the airport. Find the link here >> Make an Appointment at Palma Airport for Testing
• Doctor Mallorca - Alcudia and Pollença

If you find alternative testing options and prices are reasonable, please let us know at [email protected] . We will share that information with others.

Reminder: If traveling to the U.K., an antigen test is sufficient and less expensive with the results in an hour or so. (as of this writing)

Who has to fill out these forms? #

"All people entering Spain from other countries, regardless of their nationality, age or any other consideration.

Each form is personal and non-transferable and is associated with a single trip.

From July 1st, 2020, if you fly to Spain from other countries, it is mandatory to fill out and sign the FCS form associated with your trip, regardless of your nationality, age or any other consideration, in compliance with the provisions of the Royal Decree-Law 23/2020, of June 23 and the Resolution of July 24, 2020, of the General Directorate of Public Health, Quality and Innovation , all passengers originating from any airport located outside of Spanish territory must complete this form. This form must be completed by each of the passengers who will be responsible for ensuring that the information provided is true and accurate. In the event that the passenger is a minor or a dependent/disabled person, the form can be filled in by their tutor, who will be responsible for the veracity of the information provided."

What do I have to bring with me to pass sanitary controls at the airport? #

Before traveling to Spain, make sure you have signed the form, on the web here>> Link to Forms . With this you will get the Health QR Code that you will have to show (paper or mobile) at the airport health control to be able to continue your trip.

If you sign the form from the app that you download from the Spain Government website, it will appear in the 'My Travel' section, in addition to receiving an email that you can print.

IMPORTANT: Spanish Government has declared as mandatory to fill in a health form before traveling to Spain, and use the QR code linked to this form to travel to Spain, and show it when you arrive at any Spanish airport. With this app:

• Fill in your health form
• Get your QR code, 48 hours before your date of arrival to Spain
• Manage your QR & show it when you arrive at the airport control

Everybody traveling to Spain, from any country, has to fill in the form and get the QR. Each form is personal and non-transferable, and it is valid ONLY for the linked trip. To download the app, search for SpTH Aena Aeropuertos S.A. on Google Playstore or Apple App Store.

Access information on health measures related to the COVID-19 epidemic here #

Spanish: www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/home.htm

Other languages: www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/ciudadania/otrosIdiomas.htm

Current COVID-19 Dashboard #

This Dashboard shows the confirmed cases based on PCR tests. You can see the Balearic Islands and enlarge the image to zoom in on your desired location. Palma is hardest hit because the international airport is in Palma. This is the most populous city in the Balearics with the major hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.

Direct Link to Dashboard

Other Helpful Links #

To see the latest COVID statistics in orderBy to access travel restrictions, go to European Center for Disease Control and Prevention

To learn more, go to Spain Public Health Government Website . Remember to select your language to translate the page on the upper right of the homepage.

Spain's Official Tourism Site has useful information. For all aspects of travel - before, during and after, click here >> Travel Safely to Spain

Conclusion #

We all want to return to Mallorca. A recent poll by the “Daily Bulletin” showed that 80% of the respondents stated they plan to return to the Balearics by Summer 2021. The only way this happens is if we all comply with testing, tracing and sanitization.

With a projected 30,000 small businesses to close in the Balearics by the end of 2020, we need everyone to comply so that we can save the economy and our way of life.

Stay safe. #Wearamask #Socialdistance

https://qap.ecdc.europa.eu/public/extensions/COVID-19/COVID-19.html#global-overview-tab

https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2020-11-12/spain-will-require-negative-pcr-test-from-travelers-coming-from-over-60-countries.html

https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/home.htm

28 June, 2021

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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Which Rapid Antigen tests are accepted for entry to Spain? - Spain Forum

• Europe    
• Spain    

Which Rapid Antigen tests are accepted for entry to Spain?

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My 17-year old son will not be able to take a PCR test within the 72 hour pre-arrival window, because of timing issues with his school exams. So his only option is a Rapid Antigen test, however these require a certificate and none of the Antigen tests on the EU list are offered in the US with certification. Here is the EU list https://ec.europa.eu/health/system/files/2022-03/covid-19_rat_common-list_en_1.pdf

Also, does the US airline gate agent check the certification before boarding?

9 replies to this topic

Hi. Cannot see a RAT test as being allowed under the rules which say….

Persons aged 12 years or older and under 18 years can submit a negative SARS-CoV-2 molecular nucleic acid amplification test -NAAT (RT-PCR or similar) performed 72 hours prior to arrival .

Children under 12 years old do not have to present these certificates and neither does the SpTH QR code.

thank you, seems like it's changing all the time. This link says Rapid Antigen is OK https://www.spth.gob.es/faq?tab=2

2 types of tests are allowed, with negative result:

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), which detect the genetic material of the virus (RT-PCR, TMA and RT-LAMP).

Rapid antigen detection tests (RATs), which detect the presence of virus antigens. The tests accepted are those authorised by the European Commission, which can be consulted at the following link.

These tests must have been carried out (sampling) 72h (NAAT) or 24h (RATs) before arrival in Spain.

Yes, as has been pointed out many times, the http://spth.gob.es website paraphrases the full info that is given here.

https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

You can take whichever version you care to pick, but the reality is that only the info in the ministry for health website carries any weight. Best of luck.

I saw this list there are two so I’m confused ???

If I want to get a rapid NAAT test, does that still fall underneath the 72 hour requirements?

Looking at the link in post 3 gives you the answer. It says under the section on certificates

Certificate of a diagnostic test for SARSCoV2 with negative result. The following diagnostic tests shall be admissible:

Antigen tests, with sampling within the previous 24 hours to departure to Spain. You can consult the list of antigen tests approved by the European Commission through this link File pdf.

Is there a rapid NAAT test ? The only test with a 'rapid' prefix I've read about is Rapid Antigen which has a 24 hour window for entry.

Thanks! I just get concerned that they might require all rapid tests to be within 24 hours, but the part that it’s still a NAAT, I wasn’t sure if I could still use the 72 hour rule.

I just pulled up VeriFLY and I’m seeing if that I’m just transiting through the country, and per VeriFLY, now I don’t need any testing. I’m not boosted and my vaccination was well over 270 days ago. Hence my questions about the testing.

I can’t find anywhere on Spains website that transiting passengers don’t need to adhere to the testing requirements for non vaccinated travelers per their latest guidelines. I would like to assume VeriFLY wouldn’t steer me wrong but…

Again the answer is in the link already given at #3 and under the tab that says Accepted certificates. It says children under 12 and those in international transit are exempt. Please do read the information as it is the latest available.

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All about Corona tests in Spain

Corona tests are an important tool in the fight against the virus. However, testing is no longer only done in case of symptoms. Or, indeed when someone has come into contact with a person who has tested positive.  

Currently, the second most important motivation for taking a Covid-19 test is a holiday. Since countries started imposing travel restrictions to prevent travellers from bringing the coronavirus or new variants home from their holiday destination, pre-trip testing has become commonplace. But just as it has become commonplace, the range of tests and companies is massive, it is a test ‘jungle’.  

This is not least due to the variety of travel restrictions different countries impose on tourists. But also the fact those measures change so often. Some countries will be satisfied with an antigen test taken up to 48 hours in advance. However, another country may want a negative PCR test and also requires a period of quarantine after arrival. Furthermore, countries can also set requirements for the type of test whose negative result is accepted for travel.  It is no wonder everyone is confused!

Various Corona tests  

The PCR polymerase chain reaction test  

The PCR test is the most widely used and most reliable test. This specifically shows pieces of the genetic material of the coronavirus SARS severe acute respiratory syndrome -CoV coronavirus-2. A sample is taken from the nose and throat with a cotton swab. Or a saliva test is taken: the person to be tested spits into a tube. This goes to a lab. The PCR test has a high test sensitivity. This means this test also picks up the virus in someone who still has little or no virus.  

LAMP test  

The LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) test, like the PCR test, is a form of testing in which pieces of genetic material are copied or multiplied. However, the way this is done in the LAMP assay is completely different from the PCR. This test method is faster than the PCR test. The LAMP test requires different equipment and substances than PCR tests so that they complement each other in this respect in case of scarcity and do not compete.  

The antigen test  

The antigen test detects SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasal and/or throat mucus. If you’re carrying the virus, the antigen test will quickly show you; usually fifteen minutes after applying the sample to the test cassette. The test can also be used outside the laboratory. The antigen test is less sensitive than the PCR test. The antigen test is often negative, especially if few virus particles are present (such as at the very beginning of infection or just at the end of it). Therefore, when few virus particles are present, someone may incorrectly receive a negative test result. Whereas the person may actually have (had) COVID-19. However, someone can also test a false positive. The result indicates an infection, while that is not the case.  

Self-test (antigen)  

An antigen self-test is a corona test that you can buy in a store or pharmacy and take yourself. Self-tests are intended for people without complaints, as a supplement with which otherwise unnoticed infections can be detected. Self-tests are not intended for people:  

• with symptoms
• who had contact with someone with corona
• returning from a high-risk area

Self-tests are less reliable than a PCR or antigen test taken by a professional. There is therefore a chance that someone will receive a negative test result, even though that person may be infected with SARS-CoV 2. And, as such, could possibly transmit the virus to others.

One reason for this may be because people don’t stick a cotton swab in their nose as far as someone else would. In this case, a Salvia (saliva) self-test can be a solution. Moreover, a positive self-test result should always be confirmed with a professionally administered PCR or Antigen test at a health service.  

Travelling to Spain  

Spain requires a vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or test certificate from travellers aged 12 years and older. That test evidence includes a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours, or; a negative antigen test not older than 48 hours. You may travel to Spain with a NAAT (PCR, TMA, LAMP) test or an antigen rapid test. A self-test does not meet the requirements.  

Travelling from Spain to other countries  

Rules state that before returning to the UK, travellers must take a Covid-19 test in the three days before they are due to depart. Arrivals from Spain and all its islands are advised to use a PCR test as their pre-departure test wherever possible. Those who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus do not need to quarantine or take a day eight test after arriving in England. Click here for the travel advice from the UK Government.  Please note, however, different rules may apply for those arriving in Wales , Scotland , and Northern Ireland

Via this link , you can find the information for travelling between Spain and the United States and here from the Canadian government. For travelling between Spain and Canada click here .   

From whichever country you depart, be sure to check on beforehand the travel advice from the health authorities of your country to Spain.   

Testing at Salutlabs in Spain  

In order not to get lost in the test jungle in Spain, a Dutch company has a good solution. That’s good news for those staying in Spain in Barcelona (including the surrounding area), Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera or the Costa del Sol (between Marbella and Sotogrande). In these areas, Salutlabs delivers a hassle-free, reliable Covid-19 test to your holiday accommodation. This also applies if you are staying in holiday accommodation such as a hotel, an apartment complex or a holiday villa. Even on your yacht that is anchored in one of the ports in the above areas, the Salutlabs drivers know where to find you.  

Test-kit delivered at your holiday accommodation  

A Salutlabs employee provides a do-it-yourself test kit containing a non-invasive PCR saliva test or antigen test. After testing, the driver takes the test kit back and takes it to the laboratory. This way you are ready in 15 minutes and you do not have to wait for a single moment. You can do something else or enjoy your holiday for a while before you have to get back on the plane. Salutlabs guarantees to let you know the test result within 24 hours. Not only that, you will also receive an officially approved travel certificate by email.  

Book a test at Salutlabs  

You can easily book your test via the Salutlabs.com website . Select the day and time you want to have the COVID-19 test delivered to your home. There you also leave your address and telephone number so that the driver can deliver the test on time and can call for locations that may be difficult to find. If you enter your postcode on the website, you can check whether Salutlabs can deliver to your home. See the website for prices (including a valid travel certificate). Payment is easy online with a credit card or iDeal.  

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