If you are dreaming of a holiday in Spain this summer 2021, it may now be possible, as Spanish President Pedro Sanchez has announced that the country will be "delighted to receive British tourists" this summer. While it is true as of 17th May 2021, travelling to Spain for non-essential reasons from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is no longer prohibited, holidays in Spain are still discouraged by the British government while Spain remains on the UK’s amber list. Amidst confusing restrictions which are constantly changing, we’re here to clear things up with our guide to the most recent rules and restrictions for travelling to Spain from the UK this summer.
Can I currently travel to Spain from the UK?
Although the UK has lifted its travel ban for non-essential reasons, travelling to Spain from the UK is still currently not advised by the British government. Previous restrictions in Spain only allowed Spanish residents or citizens to enter the country from the UK, but with the latest announcement from the Spanish government, UK citizens will no longer be subject to coronavirus restrictions when entering Spain.
Residents must still show their TIE or NIE in order to gain access to Spain due to Brexit, but those travelling from the UK will no longer be required to show a negative PCR test result provided that they have been in the UK for the 14 days before flying. It remains compulsory to fill in a Health Control Form which can be downloaded before your trip (and in some cases is provided by your airline).
So, when will you be able to go on holiday in Spain? As there are currently no strict rules against travelling to Spain, you can go on holiday right now, if you wish! This is because the new rules came into force on 24th May 2021. Bear in mind that you will however be subject to stricter restrictions, including quarantine, on your return to the UK.
Can I travel to my holiday home in Spain this summer 2021?
With Spain's latest announcement that it is open to British tourists, the good news is that if you own a holiday home in Spain, whether you are a Spanish resident or not, then you can travel to your second home as you wish. Take note that when you travel to Spain this summer, you will still have to check and obey the restriction in the area where you are staying, including the compulsory use of face masks.
What about entering the UK from Spain? Do I need to quarantine after visiting Spain?
As Spain is currently classified as an “amber” country by the UK, you must take a COVID test before travelling and observe a period of quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, as well as filling in a passenger locator form. Take note that quarantine no longer has to be observed in a government approved hotel and can be at your place of residence, for example. As well as the negative test you present upon arrival in the UK, you must also book (and pay for) additional PCR tests which you’ll have to take on day 2 and 8 of your return to the country.
Is it safe to travel to Spain right now?
Spain claims that it is ready for visitors and tourists from abroad this summer 2021, but in spite of this, the UK foreign office still advises against all but essential travel to Spain. This includes the Balearic Islands but excludes the Canary Islands due to lower infection rates.
- For the latest information about travel restrictions to and from Spain, consult the Spanish tourist board's interactive map.