Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence.
For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions.
How are coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions affecting travel to Spain? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.
Photo © Getty Images/toneteam
Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Spain – updated 28 June 2021
Who is allowed to travel to Spain?
Effective 24 June 2021, US citizens can travel from the United States to Spain if they present upon arrival in Spain a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the “SpTH app” in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age.
There is no requirement to bring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test if you are traveling from the United States to Spain. However, this may change with short notice, so be sure to review this information as close as possible to your travel date.
From 2 July, the Spanish government will require all arrivals to Spain from the UK (excluding children under 12 years old) to present one of the following:
- a negative COVID-19 test (e.g. PCR, TMA, LAMP, NEAR) issued within 48 hours prior to arrival - antigen tests are not currently accepted
- proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival with a vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organization
Effective 7 June 2021 travelers from low-risk countries can travel to Spain if they are fully vaccinated. Those travelers must provide:
- A QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, AND
- A vaccination certificate showing they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 more than 14 days before the flight to Spain (up to one year after the date of vaccination) with one of the European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines or the WHO-approved vaccines. Please visit the Spain Travel Health portal (FAQs) for details about which vaccine certificate or document proving vaccination against COVID-19/diagnostic test/recovery of COVID-19 will be required to enter Spain.
Minor children can enter Spain if they are traveling with their vaccinated parents. However, all children 6 years of age or older will need to present a vaccination certificate or one of the following:
- A COVID-19 test with a negative result, accepted by the Ministry of Health [NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test, e.g. RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, TMA)/RAT (rapid antigen test)] taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain, OR
- A medical certificate showing recovery from COVID (corresponds to a test no more than 90 days after the date of the first positive NAAT test result, no earlier than the 11th day following the date of that positive test result, and 3 months after serological test result.)
Children under 6 years of age are not subject to these requirements.
All travelers from the Schengen free-travel area will be able to enter Spain if they meet the same requirements as the EU’s Digital Covid Certificate, which will go into use on 1 July. That document will state whether the bearer has been vaccinated, if they have taken a PCR or antigen test, or whether they have recovered from a coronavirus infection. Proof of one of these three conditions will be considered valid until then.
For travelers from EU areas that are not included in the Health Ministry’s risk zones, no proof of vaccination, immunity or diagnostic test will be required. The same applies to travelers from non-EU countries that are not on on the ‘risk country’ list.
All passengers (excluding children under the age of 6 years old) traveling to Spanish airports and ports from a ‘risk country’ should be prepared to show evidence either of a negative test, of being fully vaccinated or of having had and recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months. As of 7 June 2021 citizens from any country where a coronavirus test is required before entry into Spain may now opt for an antigen test during the 48 hours prior to arrival. All passengers entering Spain are required to complete a pre-travel declaration form.
Flights are restricted from Brazil and South Africa. Travelers coming from India, Brazil and South Africa can only enter in exceptional circumstances.
Traveling to Spain? You may need travel insurance to get your Schengen visa.
What should travelers expect in Spain?
While the nationwide State of Emergency ended on 9 May 2021, some restrictions and curfews remain in force and may vary between regions. The obligatory use of face masks in public spaces, social distancing and hygiene and air ventilation rules must continue to be observed at all times.
Protests in Barcelona, October 2019: What travelers need to know
Travelers should be aware of protests in Barcelona that have become violent. Protestors took to the streets after the sentencing of nine Catalan separatist leaders were prosecuted for sedition over the banned independence referendum in October 2017. The leaders have been handed lengthy 13-year prison sentences, which has outraged their supporters.
The protests have become less violent in Barcelona since Friday October 18, which saw masked youths set fire to rubbish bins, throwing rocks and bottles at security forces.
Travelers should stay up to date with local news reports and media, and avoid any large crowds of protestors.
We suggest you check your government’s travel advisory for their latest advice on travel to Spain, and read about which countries World Nomads travel insurance includes coverage for.
Valencia Wildfires - August 2018
Fuelled by heatwave conditions and strong winds, 11 separate fires are burning across the Valencia region of Spain. Thousands have been evacuated from affected areas. Several main roads in the region have been closed and authorities are yet to get the fire under control which is now threatening the coastal town of Gandia.
If you are traveling in the region, it's vital that you listen to and follow all instructions from local authorities and keep up to date with local news reports.
When it is safe to do so, be sure to contact:
- Your home country's embassy
- Your family and friends
- And if possible, use Facebook's Crisis Response tool.
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
Get a travel insurance quote for Spain
You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Related articles
Ready to reconnect with the world?
Whether you’re planning your reunion or your escape, let us help you travel safer and smarter with 24/7 Emergency Assistance and coverage for 150+ adventure activities.
Get a travel insurance quote
18 Comments
visit regularly since retirement
Good afternoon!
Just to check with you, do you have any restriction for travelers from Malta?
I would like to travel from Malta to Barcelona for the weekend from the16.th to the 18.th October this year. Do I need negative corona test for flight or when I get on the airport?
Best regards,
Danijela!
We want to drive to Spain using the euro tunnel so we can collect some of our belongings, which areas are on lock down from France to alienate do you know?
I am planning on travelling to Madrid next Thursday (15 October) for work commitments and will need to return back to the UK on Sunday (18 October). Will I be able to do this due to the restrictions? What documentation will I need to bring with me and also will I be able to enter and exit freely if I have the right documentation without being fined?
Kind regards,
Matilda
Hi
Anyone wild camping in Spain at the moment, any tips advice for us as we have a Ferry booked forvour motorhome for 21st October next week!
Thanks!
Hi!
Is it possible to transit in Spain from Domenican Republic to London?
Has Canada not been removed from the acceptable list of countries? The EU in general has removed Canada from the safe list, however, it is understood that Italy, Germany, and France will not outright ban Canadian travels. Just wondering what the status is in Spain!
Thanks
Hello, I am getting a lot of conflicting information and I am hoping someone can help me out. I want to travel to Barcelona and Sitges to visit some friends over the Christmas and new year period, I am being told on one site that Spain is open to tourists and on another site I am being told that Spain isn't open to tourists, can someone PLEASE let me know if it is possible to travel from Ireland to Spain for a oliday as a tourist over the xmas and new year period PLEASE.
Thanks Mark
On arrival at Santander is it possible to drive to Valencia in the current Covid situation. Are there any interstate restrictions?
my partner is returning to Spain from Turkey in two weeks, are there entry restrictions please.
Can I travel from Turkey to Spain
Hi, I'm due to work for 5 weeks in malaga province from 1st April 2021, is this still possible?
I am in Portugal. I know I am allowed to transit Spain but as I am due to catch a ferry from Santander in April. Am I able to legally stay in Spain for the 10 days prior to fulfil the Uk travel requirements?
I am in the UK I have a permanent resident permit (Titre de Sejour) for France. I live in south west France. I plan to travel home to France on 3rd April on the car ferry from Portsmouth to Santader and to drive directly to my home in France. I will have a covid test within 72 hours of arrival. Am I allowed to transit through Spain to get to France ?
Hi
Looking for information about driving from Spain, through France to England with my 2 spaniels.
Really confused on what I need to do.
So much information about, but not what answers my situation.
This is a relocation move so only one way.
Hope someone can help.
Harry
Hi Harry
I dont know if you made it home, or if you are still in Spain. I live in Malaga and I have drove down from UK through South of France in December 2020 (the height of restrictions). I filled in all the paperwork the French wanted and the Spanish wanted and the Police don't have a clue !!! All they want to see is a negative PCR. In both countries you are considered transiting through so don't worry. Just carry the negative PCR and fill in the locator form for UK. Also, if UK doesn't move Spain into the Green list then you have to pay for two tests for the 2nd and 8th day of your arrival in UK. That costs £210 per person. Check Gov.uk website for how o do that. I hope that helps.
Hi I’ve been in Pakistan for 4 months and hold a British passport and would like to travel to Barcelona. Will I be able to enter the border.
Just got back from Barcelona, Mallorca, and Costa Brava traveling from the U.S.. Going over the only thing that was checked was the spanish QR code you get from the health form. Which I may add asks nothing about being vaccinated. We were told by Iberia airlines and vueling we needed a negative covid test to get on the flight to Mallorca but nobody asked for it upon arrival. i will attest that rental car prices are on the rise but all said and done it was delightful. It wasn't too busy and beaches were lovely. There were lots of people wearing masks even though spain rescinded the outdoor mask mandate. Sights in barcelona were pretty empty. you could basically walk up to la sagrada de familia and casa mila. returning to the U.S. was the most difficult. Airlines check covid test before you board and customs was an hour and a half wait to get through. Airplane was virtually empty on the flight back. The wife and I had a row to ourselves. If you can travel now I would do it.