New entry rules are being introduced for travellers to Spain from the UK. With effect from tomorrow (1 December), passengers flying into Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (and other Spanish destinations) will be required to present proof of vaccination. Until now (30 November), a negative COVID-19 test has been accepted as an alternative to full vaccination status, as well as the presentation of a Health Control Form on entry.
Details about the new rules – applied in response to concerns about the COVID variant Omicron – are regularly updated on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s GOV.UK travel advice website.
Key points include:
- All arrivals to Spain from the UK (excluding children under the age of 12 years) should present proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain, with a vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency or World Health Organisation.
- All passengers (including children under 12) must complete and sign an online Health Control Form no more than 48 hours before travel.
- Spain accepts the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination record but, if travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November to ensure the certificate can be scanned successfully. (Note: The NHS appointment card from vaccination centres “is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status”.)
- Certificates of recovery – i.e. medical documents certifying you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months prior to travel – are not currently accepted for arrivals from the UK.
- Documents can be in English, Spanish, French or German, and in paper or electronic format.
The UK office advises that further rules may apply for passengers who have travelled to a country on Spain’s list of “high-risk countries” during the 14 days before travel. It also notes that entry requirements may vary depending on a passenger’s reason for travel to Spain – including permanent residential status.
