Spain Eases Travel Rules For Unvaccinated Non-EU Travellers

Effective from May 21, non-vaccinated visitors from outside the EU countries can enter Spain by showing a negative RT-PCR or antigen test report on arrival.

Spain’s Govt confirmed that starting from May 21, non-EU travellers who have not received a coronavirus vaccination can enter the country.

The announcement comes after the Ministry of the Interior made a decision that took effect last Saturday.

According to the new directive, travellers from countries outside the European Union can now enter Spain for non-essential purposes if they have;

  • A certificate of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Confirmation of recovery from the virus, or
  • Negative COVID-19 test results.

Spain’s New Entry Requirements For Non-EU Travellers

According to an order published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE), beginning May 21, 2022, all travellers entering Spain by air or sea, regardless of their country of origin, must provide one of the three certifications listed below:

  • Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 that proves the traveller has taken the second or third/booster dose in the last nine months.
  • Certificate of recovery from the virus issued in the last 180 days. The certificate must have been issued at least 11 days after the confirmation of the infection with COVID-19 by a PCR or antigen test performed by professionals.
  • Negative PCR test results were carried out in the 72 hours prior to departure to Spain, or negative antigen test results were carried out in the 24 hours prior to departure to Spain.

Children under 12 years of age shall be exempt from submitting any type of certificate. In addition, passengers arriving by sea, as well as those arriving at airports with an EU Digital Covid Certificate or recognized as equivalent by the European Commission, will not have to fill in the SPTH Health Control Form.

“The new phase of the pandemic allows us to relax health requirements for entry into Spain by equating non-EU travellers with those of the EU and Schengen Associated Countries. This excellent news, much awaited by the tourism sector, will make it easier for tourists from outside the European environment to visit us this high season guaranteeing safe mobility.”

“Spain is becoming one of the most desired destinations in the world, as shown by the demand indicators that are approaching pre-pandemic levels month after month and this measure will accelerate the recovery of the sector by facilitating the entry of international travellers,” said Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Spain.