COVID rules for Spain 2022: as millions of holidaymakers plan to travel to Spain this summer 2022, there are still some COVID restrictions to keep in mind, both when travelling to Spain and rules when in the country. Unlike some other European countries, Spain has not entirely scrapped its COVID travel restrictions. Nevertheless, the rules have been widely relaxed, something which is “excellent news” for the tourism industry in Spain according to the country's MP for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto. We have a Spain travel restrictions update and the details of the most recent Spain COVID restrictions and summer 2022 entry rules.
Travelling to Spain from the EU
Spain has scrapped all COVID-19 rules for those who travel to Spain from the EU and Schengen area. This means that EU travellers do not have to show any documents related to COVID-19 when entering the country. This includes travel to Spain from Ireland this summer, but not the UK.
Travelling to Spain from outside the EU (including the UK)
Because the UK is no longer a part of the EU, the same rules apply to Brits as those travelling from other non-EU countries. Therefore, if you are travelling to Spain from the UK or another non-EU country this summer, you must show a document with valid proof of one of the following:
- being fully vaccinated: this can include the EU COVID passport or the equivalent COVID vaccination certificate*
- a negative test result: if you haven't been fully vaccinated, you need to present a negative result for either a PCR taken within 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours before your flight
- proof of recovery if you have had COVID-19 in the last 6 months
*If you do not have an EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent and are travelling to Spain, you must complete what is known as a health control form or passenger locator form before your departure. Here you will have to manually enter the details of your vaccination, test or recovery certificate. This can be done online or via the Spain Travel Health app which will then generate a QR code which you will have to present upon arrival in Spain.
It's important to note that children under 12 years old do not need to show proof of vaccination, nor do they have to take a test before travel. This rule applies to mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearics when entering Spain from the UK or any other non-EU country.
Spain COVID restrictions
In Spain, wearing a mask is no longer mandatory indoors or outdoors, with a few exceptions. As of 20th April 2022, in Spain you only have to wear a mask:
- on any type of public transport, including trains, buses, planes, taxis etc.
- on ships or boats (including cruise ships) when a social distance of 1.5 metres cannot be guaranteed. This rule excludes inside cabins, provided that they are shared with members of the same household unit.
- in all healthcare centres, services and establishments, including going to the doctor, hospital and also pharmacies.
Note that children under six are not obliged to wear masks in Spain under any circumstances.
As of today, Spain doesn't have any other COVID restrictions in place, as other rules such as curfews and capacity limits in shops, restaurants, sports events etc. have also been removed. Travellers are simply encouraged to follow general health and safety measures, including washing your hands often, using hydroalcoholic gel, keeping a safe distance and wearing a mask if you're not able to maintain social distancing.