Spain Entry Requirements: What to Know When Travelling During COVID

Spain Entry Requirements: What to Know When Travelling During COVID-19

Ready to bask in the culture and other spectacular sights?

Update as of 21 Oct 2022: Spain has lifted all travel restrictions related to COVID-19. 

With Spain now open for tourism, many travellers are looking forward to exploring this exciting destination. Beyond the warm weather and rich history, it’s also a crowd favourite for its scenic naturescapes, dazzling architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine! 

Read on for everything you need to know if you’re thinking of travelling to Spain. 

Note: This article was originally published on 11 Nov 2021. It will be updated regularly for any new developments on Spain travel requirements. 

Also read: UK Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know Before Visiting

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Spain entry requirements

Fully vaccinated travellers (aged 19 and above) from anywhere in the world can travel to Spain without presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. However, this excludes travellers from “high risk” countries — although, as of writing, there are currently no countries on this list

Travellers from most EU and Schengen countries can enter Spain without proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Select non-EU/Schengen countries like New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia are also exempt from these Spain travel restrictions. 

Click here to see whether or not your country is classified as a “risk” (different from “high risk”) destination. 

Spain entry requirements

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Fully vaccinated tourists who are coming from non-EU countries excluded from the list might be denied entry (in rare cases) and subject to restrictions upon arrival. However, there are exemptions for those travelling to Spain for purposes like business, school, and humanitarian work.  

Note: The list is updated regularly by Spain travel authorities. Make sure to check before planning your trip to see if there are any changes. 

Those aged 12 to 18 who are travelling from a country outside the EU and Schengen zone also don’t have to show proof of vaccination. All they need to prepare is a negative PCR test. Meanwhile, travellers from this age group who are coming from the EU or Schengen area are exempt from both vaccine and COVID-19 testing requirements. 

Pre-arrival documents for travel to Spain

Make sure to prepare these Spain travel requirements before your trip. The following are applicable to travellers coming from countries outside the EU and Schengen zones

Update as of 28 Sep 2022: Non-EU arrivals no longer need to complete the health control form upon arrival in Spain.

  • Passport with at least three months’ validity 
  • Valid Schengen visa
  • COVID-19 vaccination certificate – if applicable to your country of origin
    • Vaccine doses must be from brands approved by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organization.
    • Must be in English, Spanish, French, or German language.
    • Must include the following information:
      • Full name of the holder
      • Vaccination date
      • Type of vaccine administered
      • Number of doses administered/completed course
      • Issuing country
      • Identification of the organisation issuing this vaccination certificate
  • Certificate of recovery from COVID-19 – if applicable 
    • For all travellers who had COVID-19 within the past year

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Arrival in Spain

All arriving passengers will undergo standard border health control, which will vary depending on their country of origin. This includes the following:

  • Temperature taking by non-contact thermometers or thermographic cameras
  • Inspection of required documents
  • Visual assessment of your state of health

Arrivals from low-risk countries and territories who have a FAST CONTROL QR code will likely have a faster process. Those coming from high-risk countries may be subject to additional screening by healthcare staff at border controls. However, in most circumstances, travellers are not required to take an on-arrival test.

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During your stay

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Face masks aren’t mandatory in most outdoor spaces that allow physical distancing. This includes large outdoor events where attendees are seated and social distancing can be maintained.

However, masks must still be worn in most indoor public places— including enclosed spaces such as public transport. It will also be required for outdoor public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. To save yourself the hassle, just make sure to bring a face mask with you at all times. 

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While most places in Spain are open for tourism, the restrictions vary for each region or  Autonomous Community. This includes mobility between municipalities or health zones, time limits, or the maximum number of people for group gatherings. Hence, we recommend checking these rules — even prior to your trip — at Spain’s official tourism website

Also read: 7 Best Experiences to Bookmark For Your Next VTL Trip to Spain!

With Spain now open for tourism, there’s no better time to start travel planning! Click here for our top tips and recommendations.  


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About Author

Marcy Miniano
Marcy Miniano

A fast-talking caffeine-dependent wordsmith, Marcy has never been one to shy away from sharing a good story or two. If she’s not in a quiet coffee shop somewhere, she enjoys spending afternoons in a museum or art gallery — whether it’s around Metro Manila or a foreign city she’s visiting. She wishes to retire in a winter village someday, so she can fulfil her lifelong dream of wearing turtlenecks all year round and owning a pet penguin.

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