Spain Allows Entry for Third-Country Travelers Based on COVID-19 Recovery Certificate

On February 26th, the Spanish government published new coronavirus-related regulations on travel to Spain. According to the official Spain Travel Health website, a recovery certificate issued by the competent authority or medical service is accepted for entry to Spain. 

The certificate must be issued at least 11 days after being tested positive for coronavirus (NAAT or rapid antigen test report). The recovery certificate shall remain valid for 6 months (180 days) from the date of the COVID-19 test sampling. 

Previously, third-country travelers had to be vaccinated with one of the vaccines recognized by the EMA and WHO in order to enter Spain. 

Other last changes in Spanish entry rules

Since February 1st, the validity of certificates of vaccination for entry into Spain has been changed into 270 days (9 months) from the date of receiving the last dose. Those travelers who have received COVID-19 vaccination earlier than 9 months before a trip to Spain are required to receive a booster vaccination in order to be recognized as a vaccinated person. 

As of February 14th, travel to Spain has also been facilitated for third-country minor travelers aged 12-18, since the Spanish authorities have lifted the vaccination proof for travelers under 18. It was great news, especially for British families planning to spend their spring holidays in Spain. The restrictions were relaxed after some British and other international media outlets reported on this matter. 

On 25th February, the Spanish authorities also extended the current entry rules applying to 29 European Union countries for another week. EU and Schengen Area travelers can enter Spain upon presenting COVID-19 recovery proof, vaccination certificate, or pre-departure negative test report. 

In practice, it means that now travelers from the EU and non-EU countries can enter Spain under the same rules, except that third-country nationals cannot use a negative coronavirus test report as proof for entry into Spain.

Spanish Passenger Locator Form

Travelers from all countries all over the world are still required to complete the Spanish Locator Form (the Formulario de Control Sanitario). The FCS was introduced amid the coronavirus pandemic and thanks to all the details necessary to provide in order to complete it, the Spanish authorities have all essential information on travelers entering their country.

The Spanish Passenger Locator Form must be completed within 48 hours of the intended arrival time in Spain. All the data provided must be relevant and up-to-date. 

Upon its completion, every traveler receives an individual QR code which will be checked when crossing the Spanish borders.