Updated spain entry requirements : All travel restrictions for EU travelers have been lifted

The COVID entry requirement for anyone entering Spain from the European Union or the Schengen area has been removed.

Tourists from the United Kingdom must still pass a negative test that will allow them an entry into the country, still a more and more relaxed rules, as per Spanish Minister Reyes Maroto, are "excellent news" for the tourism industry.

Unlike many other European countries, Spain hasn't really eliminated all travel restrictions.

The Spanish tourist industry is projected to grow by nearly 90% in 2019 as the planet adjusts to overseas travel in the COVID-19 era.

So, if you're one of many tourists planning on going to Spain in 2022, here's what you have to know.

Spain's most recent entry requirements:

Tourists from the European Union or the Schengen area are not required to show COVID documents to come into the nation.

Visitors from places outside the European Union, on the other hand, are required to present proof of vaccine, negative test via the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), or  a recovery certificate, or any other valid record.

If you do not have the required certificate (or an EU comparable), you could still fill out Spain's Health Control Form and obtain the QR code to pass through airport security.

Within 48 to 72 hrs of arrival, both a PCR and a rapid antigen test are acceptable.

In Spain, what does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

To be called fully vaccinated by Spanish govt, all visitors must have had their second vaccination at the most 14 days before the trip.

They must have completed an entire EMA or WHO  approved vaccine course.

In addition, Spain, like the rest of the EU, has set a 270-day expiration date for vaccine passports. If your last vaccination was more than 9 months ago, you will need booster shots.

However, its not required that 14 days pass between receiving additional booster shots and entering Spain, and booster shots currently do not have an expiration date.

What vaccinations and COVID tests must UK visitors to Spain have?

Citizens of the United Kingdom who've not received a COVID-19 vaccine may now journey to Spain if they can show that they are virus-free.

Any of the following certificates, as with EU visitors, is required:

A negative testing certificate, either antigen within 24 hrs of departure or a PCR in under 72 hrs of departure.

A certificate of vaccination

A recovery  certificate is issued at the least 11 days from positive testing (valid for 6 months)

The NHS COVID Pass, whether digital or printed, will be accepted as proof of vaccination by Spanish authorities.

Although no tests are required for British citizens who have been double-jabbed, the UK Foreign Office warns that all visitors may face additional border checks.

According to Spain's Border Health Controls site, if an airport temperature check raises concerns, tourists may be required to undergo a PCR test up to 48 hrs after arrival.

Unless they have recently recovered, unvaccinated Brits must still fill the Health Control Form.

Rules for kids and teens

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from showing proof of vaccination or submitting to any tests. The above rule is for the entire Spain, including the Balearic and Canary  Islands.

Those aged 12 - 17 years do not need to take full vaccination and can enter Spain with only a negative PCR  obtained within 72 hrs of arrival. Antigen testing will not be accepted. 

Alternatively, fully immunised UK children from 12 to 15 yrs  can use an NHS COVID Pass letter to prove their immunity for overseas travel. If they do not have this proof, visitors aged twelve and up must fill out the Health Control Form in under 48 hours of arriving in Spain.

Necessary to wear a mask in Spain:

Indoors, masks are no longer required.

If a 1.5 metre distance cannot be maintained indoors, masks are still required on planes, buses, taxis, trains, metros, and ferries.

It comes after Spain's outdoor mask rule was repealed previously this year.

Regulations differ by region, so be sure to check specific requirements for your destination. More information is available on the Travel Safe webpage of the Spanish Tourist Board.