Spain to Lift Entry Ban for Unvaccinated Travelers from Non-EU Countries

The Spanish authorities have finally allowed third-countries unvaccinated travelers to enter Spain upon presenting a negative Covid-19 test. The decision became effective as of May 21 under the new order on travel to Spain amid the coronavirus pandemic. The new order assumes that travelers from non-EU countries can travel to Spain without essential purposes as long as they provide a valid Covid-19 vaccination proof, recovery certificate, or negative test report. 

Previously, only vaccinated travelers have been permitted to enter Spain if coming from third countries. The move means that now travelers from European Union and non-EU countries are treated equally and are subject to the same entry protocol.
 
This news was anticipated by the tourism sector hit by the prolonging lockdown. Now, Spain will be able to attract also tourists from outside Europe. Last week, Spain also lifted health controls at land borders with France and started the gradual reopening of borders with Morocco. 

Current Spanish entry requirements

Travelers from both EU and non-EU countries arriving in Spain must submit one of the following documents:

• Covid-19 vaccination certificate: it must prove that a traveler has received the second or third/booster dose within the last 9 months;
• Recovery certificate: it must be issued within the last 6 months (issued 11 days after the Covid-19 was confirmed by a PCR test or laboratory antigen test);
• Negative Covid-19  test result: PCR test performed within 72 hours before departure or antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure time.

SpTH Health Control Form

All people who do not hold an EU Digital Covid Certificate or EU Equivalent and plan to travel to Spain from other countries must complete the SpTH form.

The form was introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic to control the tourism flux into the country and minimize the risk of coronavirus spread. 

Every person must complete the form separately since it is personal and non-transferable. Moreover, one SpTH form is valid only for one trip to Spain.

The Spanish Passenger Locator Forms for minor or dependant/disabled travelers should be completed by their guardians who must ensure the correctness of all the information provided. 
 
Exemptions

• Children younger than 12 years old are exempt from submitting any type of Covid-19 certificate;
• Passengers entering Spain by sea, transiting through Spain as well as travelers arriving by air and holding an EU Covid Digital Certificate do not need to fill out the SpTH form before the planned journey.

Covid situation and domestic restrictions

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Spain has recorded over 12 million infections with over 104,800 covid-related deaths. Over 86.4% of the Spanish population has received the full regimen of the Covid-19 vaccine. Wearing face masks is no longer obligatory in indoor or outdoor public venues, but masks remain mandatory on all public transport. 

The Spanish authorities no longer require people who tested positive for Covid-19 to self-isolate for 7 days if they are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.

Please note that depending on the visited Spanish region, Covid measures may slightly differ. Check on the applicable restrictions for the given area before going on your trip to Spain.