Spain has always been a major tourism destination for Europe. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic raging worldwide, most of the inbound tourism was at an all-time low in Spain. With the coronavirus cases rising across the globe again and the Omicron variant rampantly spreading, it is best to stay at home unless you are fully vaccinated. This new variant has been detected in Spain, and the country has tightened some of its travel norms and restrictions in response to the Omicron threat.
Why Travel To Spain?
Spain is known for its sandy beaches, excellent sunny weather (Spain receives more than 300 days of sunshine each year), fantastic food, laid back vibe, and fabulous wine. It also has some of Europe’s best resorts, cultural cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid, and plenty of natural breath-taking beauty to last a lifetime.
The arts, dance, and music scenes in Spain are some of the best in the world. While it is known for the fine arts, it is also known for its architectural marvels – the stunning Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the wondrous La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Apart from these, there are countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, churches, cathedrals, and monuments to visit.
For most people travelling to Spain, it is essential to stay in safe and secure accommodation like Líbere and ensure that you are within walking distance of the best cultural sites to visit. It is also best to rent a car, instead of using public transport to protect yourself and others.
Who Can Travel To Spain?
Spain has allowed fully vaccinated people to enter its borders without proof of a negative Covid test. This includes all countries that Spain has marked as ‘risk’ but excludes travellers from ‘high risk’ countries.
All non-Schengen and non-EU countries are ‘risk’ countries except Australia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Kuwait, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Peru, Argentina, Qatar, South Korea, Rwanda, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Colombia, Uruguay, and Taiwan. People travelling from these countries can enter Spain without a negative RT-PCR test. Before travelling, it is best to stay updated and check the status of exempted non-EU and non-Schengen countries.
Visitors travelling to Spain with special dispensation from ‘high risk’ countries need to show proof of negative Covid tests and proof of vaccine. They would also need to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Spain in their place of accommodation or residence. These travellers can take a covid test after 7 days, and if the result is negative, they can cut short their quarantine period.
Children between 12 to 18 years travelling from a non-EU country can travel to Spain only if they show proof of complete vaccination. However, this does not apply to children below 12 years of age, and they can travel to Spain without any restrictions (irrespective of country of origin).
What Are The Latest Travel Restrictions for 2022?
Starting February 1st, 2022, Spain will not accept vaccinations if the final dose was delivered more than 270 days upon arrival in the country. Travellers from ‘high risk’ countries need to show proof of a negative Covid test result regardless of complete vaccinations.
Unvaccinated travellers from non-EU and non-Schengen countries are allowed entry into Spain only if the trip is considered essential. Unvaccinated visitors will also have to show proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure. However, all tests, documentation, and quarantine measures need to be followed as per guidelines set out by the Spanish government (even upon arrival).
Additionally, all travellers (vaccinated/ unvaccinated/ negative tests holders) will have to fill out the Health Control Form (HCF) via the Spain Travel Health app or website. Once the form is fully filled, the app or site will generate a QR code, which should be shown upon arrival into the country.
The Spanish government recognizes the EU Digital Covid Certificate, which European travellers can use to show the history of the vaccinations and tests. Aside from this, Spain also reserves the right to conduct temperature checks and visual examinations as needed to ensure the safety of all travellers.
What Is The Current Situation?
As of the first week of January 2022, Spain has seen over 89,800 deaths and 6.9 million infections, with the onset of the Omicron variant. In the first week of Jan 2022, there were 789,409 new Covid cases reported.
Spain has reported that over 80.8% of the population is vaccinated, with 84.7 million doses administered.
