A few weeks ago, Spain announced that it will loosen its border requirements for non-European travelers. Especially for teens between 12 and 17 years old. This comes in handy for a family trip, but a question popped up in my head, do I have to quarantine if I travel to Spain? Since some countries require vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers to quarantine for seven days or more after arrival. Spain announced that it will loosen its border requirements for non-European travelers.You don’t need to quarantine if you travel to Spain.
There’s nothing I can say about the pandemic that you haven’t read before, but without any doubt, the COVID-19 have changed the way we travel, big time!. Since each country has its own restrictions, beliefs, and measurements to mitigate the damage in a post COVID world. It can get really confusing when we talk about traveling internationally, and Spain is not an exception.
What do you need to know before traveling to Spain during COVID?
Vaccine Proof
From February 1, 2022, you can travel to Spain as a tourist (non-essential travel). You will need to show proof that you’re completely vaccinated and have received the last vaccine within 14 days and no more than 9 months before your arrival to Spain. If you don’t meet the previous requisite, you will need to show proof that you received a booster vaccine shot at least 14 days before your arrival in Spain.
A traveler that is not vaccinated needs to take a Lateral Flow Antigen Fit to Fly Test Kit within 48 hours before their departure. Also, you can do a Fit to Fly PCR Test within 72 hours before arriving in Spain.
Spain QR Code
Upon arrival, you must present a QR code that’s generated on the Spain Travel Health portal. After completing your health control form, you will obtain the QR code on the website or download the mobile app (SpTH app). This applies to all passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea (ferries), including those that transit to other countries before their arrival.
Teens and kids restrictions
As of FEB 12, kids aged from 12 to 17 years old will now be able to travel to Spain just by showing a negative PCR test that was taken within 12 hours of arrival, instead of showing a Covid certificate with proof of having been fully vaccinated.
Covid Certificates
You can travel to Spain by presenting any of the certificates listed below, as long as the certificate meets some conditions (the last vaccine was received within 14 days and must reflect that you took the booster dose)
- Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19
- A negative diagnostic test (NAAT or RAT) performed within 72h (NAAT) / 24h (RAT) of arrival,
- Certificate of full recovery from COVID
Tourists that come from a high-risk country will need all the requirements in order to travel to Spain. You will need the SpTH QR code in addition to a vaccination or recovery certificate and a negative result of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test certificate. Also, you may want to do a Day 2 PCR Test after your arrival, just to be extra safe!.
