Spain’s tourism minister has confirmed plans to allow unvaccinated children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 into Spain from midnight on Sunday 13 February with a negative PCR test
Until Monday all unvaccinated individuals over the age of 12 are unable to enter Spain. The new rule change however, which the BBC reports will come into effect from Sunday 13 February, should help the many families with unvaccinated teenage children who would otherwise be unable to visit the country this half term.
Those aged 12-17 will be permitted to enter Spain from midnight on 12 February if they are able to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival into Spain.
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What are the current travel rules for Spain?
All fully vaccinated individuals must follow these four basic steps when entering Spain. If you’re unvaccinated, different rules apply, and you will not be permitted entry to Spain.
From Sunday 13 February at midnight, rules will be relaxed for unvaccinated children and teens, allowing them to travel using a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours before arriving in Spain.
In a rule change effective from 1 February, Spain (including the Canary Islands) has set an expiry date on the validity of your vaccination status. From this date, you’ll need to prove it’s been at least 14 days and no more than 270 days since your second dose. If it’s been more than 270 days since your second dose you’ll need to show proof of a booster jab.
You cannot use the UK’s proof of recovery record to enter Spain. Exact details of the rules for unvaccinated teenagers traveling to Spain have not yet been confirmed, and are therefore not included below.
- STEP 1 – Show evidence that you are fully vaccinated, with a second dose no longer than 270 days ago (or additional evidence of a booster). Book and pay for a pre-departure PCR test for anyone between the ages of 12-17 who is not yet fully vaccinated.
- STEP 2 – Fill in the Spanish health control form within 48 hours of travel
- STEP 3 – Fill in UK passenger locator form up to 48 hours before returning home
Read on to find out what evidence you need to show at the airport, which tests you need to return home, and which rules children need to follow and at what age.
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Before you go: what are Spain’s Covid entry requirements?
Fully vaccinated passengers
STEP 1: If you have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arriving in Spain you’ll need to be able to prove it. The entry rules are the same for the whole country, whether you’re visiting the Canaries, Mallorca, Ibiza or mainland Spain. You must have had the second dose no longer than 270 days ago. If your second dose was administered over 270 days ago, you will need to be able to prove you have had the booster shot.
English holidaymakers visiting Spain can use the NHS Covid Pass app to provide evidence of the date of their vaccinations. Our advice is to print out the required QR code, or at least save it in your phone’s document wallet. Some travelers have missed their flights when the Covid Pass app stopped working, leaving them with no means of proving when they received their vaccinations.
Find out more about how to use the NHS app and the options for residents of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can also access your vaccine status online, or request proof in letter form.
STEP 2: Before your flight, you will also need to Complete and sign an online Health Control Form, no more than 48 hours prior to travel, declaring any known history of Covid exposure. Once the form is completed you will receive a QR code (again, print this out as a backup).
On arrival in Spain, you may be asked to present the QR code, undergo a temperature check and/or undergo a visual health assessment.
Unvaccinated adult passengers
STEP 1: If you are unvaccinated, or not yet fully vaccinated within Spain’s validity requirements, you will not be able to enter Spain. It was previously possible to enter using a negative Covid-19 test, but this is no longer the case.
STEP 2: As above
Traveling with children
STEP 1: Children under the age of 12 do not need to take a test, or show evidence of vaccination, to enter Spain.
From midnight on Sunday 13 February those between the ages of 12-17 will be able to enter Spain using a negative PCR test result. You’ll need to book, pay for and take the test within 72 hours of arriving in Spain, and you’ll need to make sure the results arrive in time for your flight. Until midnight on Sunday 13 February, those aged 12 or over will be subject to the same rules as adults.
Everyone aged 16 and over in England who has been vaccinated can prove their status through the NHS app. From 3 February, digital certificates will also be added for 12 – 15 year olds. In the meantime, you can request a letter to prove a teen’s vaccination status.
STEP 2: All passengers, regardless of age, must complete the Spanish health form (see Step 2 above) no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Parents or legal guardians are able to complete an individual form on behalf of their children. Alternatively you can fill in a family/group form.
What if my child has recently recovered from Covid but is not yet fully vaccinated?
Certificates of recovery are not currently accepted in Spain.
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I have booked a holiday but am unvaccinated – what can I do?
It’s worth contacting your provider to discuss your situation. Decent package holiday companies with flexible booking policies may allow you to rebook your holiday for different dates and/or a different destination.
What are Spain’s rules while I am there?
Each region of Spain has its own rules with regards to mask-wearing, indoor hospitality and Covid passes. Some regions also have a curfew and this can vary, not just within regions but within provinces or even between municipalities.
In some regions curfews are currently in place very late at night, between 1.00am and 6.00am but during the worst moments of the pandemic they have been as early as 11.00pm in some parts of the country. Check with the local tourist office for latest details. You can see the rules for the Canary Islands here.
Do I need to show a Covid pass?
In Catalonia and Galicia in the north you do need to be able to prove that you’re fully vaccinated, recently recovered or have had a negative Covid test before being allowed to enter indoor hospitality. Other regions are considering similar measures. You can use your NHS pass or the equivalents from the rest of the UK as a vaccine passport.
Will I need to wear a mask?
Anyone over the age of six must wear a mask in enclosed public spaces like shops, bars, restaurants and hairdressers and on public or group transport, except when eating or drinking. That’s the case throughout the country, including the Canary and Balearic islands. It is also obligatory to wear masks outside unless you are in a natural space or you are doing a solo sporting activity – such as running. Rules vary as to whether you have to wear a mask on the beach. Rules vary depending on the region, but you can check the rules in Spain here.
Fines may be imposed if you do not comply with these rules. However, those with a disability of respiratory condition are exempt.
What Covid forms, tests and quarantines are required when I return to the UK?
Fully vaccinated passengers
No tests are required. All passengers must complete a passenger locator form online and submit it any time in the 48 hours before arriving in the UK. You’ll need to show your form when you check in, or board your plane.
To complete the form you’ll need your passport details, your travel details and the booking reference numbers for any Covid tests you need to take after arriving in the UK.
Unvaccinated passengers
You must take a pre-departure test before setting off for the UK, and a day 2 test on arrival.
All travelers must complete a passenger locator form within the 48 hours before arriving in the UK.
Traveling with children
The fully vaccinated rules apply to any UK resident who is under 18. Children between the ages of five and 17 must take a day 2 test.
Those aged 4 and under do not have to take any Covid travel tests.