Spain: COVID-19 Entry Requirements in 2021

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and well known for its laid-back lifestyle, vibrant culture, awe-inspiring architecture and Mediterranean beaches.

With tourism contributing up to 11% of Spain’s GDP, the country is looking to revitalize the sector after being decimated by the pandemic. 

In 2021 Spain is now welcoming visitors under new health protocols to help curb the spread of the virus and keep visitors safe. 

Here is everything you need to know about the COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling to Spain. 

Countries Permitted To Visit Spain For Tourism

Un-vaccinated:

• Countries in the European Union
• Countries in the Schengen area (except the UK)
• These select third-party countries: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao included), Colombia, Kuwait, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Indonesia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay

The United States used to qualify for un-vaccinated entry. This was retracted as of September 2021. Visitors from the United States now need to be fully vaccinated to enter Spain.

Update: As of November 30, 2021, unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom will not be allowed entry.

Vaccinated:

Spain officially reopened June 7, 2021 for vaccinated tourists from all nations.

Visitors from essentially all countries can now enter Spain for tourism, providing they are fully vaccinated. This includes countries like the United States, Mexico, UK, and 100+ more.

Essential Travel To Spain (Not Tourism) 

Travelers from countries NOT permitted for tourism may enter Spain if they fall into the following categories:

• Students who study in one of the EU/Schengen member states and possess the appropriate visa and medical insurance who are traveling within the course of their academic studies or 15 days prior.
• Highly qualified workers including participants in high-level sporting events that take place in Spain.
• People traveling for duly accredited family reasons.
• People traveling for humanitarian reasons 
• Health professionals coming to Spain for work
• Goods and transport personnel
• Diplomats, consular, international officials, military personnel, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations 
• Passengers who are unmarried partners of nationals of Spain. (Proof of relationship must be approved by Spanish consulate first)

*Note: If you fall into one of the above categories, you must check with the Spanish consulate in your country before traveling. PCR tests will be required. 

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements

Negative covid tests are now required as of November 23, 2020 from EU/EEA nations that have high rates of the virus. Currently, that includes:

(Updated November 13, 2021)

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

All arrivals from those countries must bring with them proof of a negative PCR, LAMP or TMA test, taken no longer than 48 hours prior to arrival in Spain. 

Test results must be in English, Spanish, French. or German.

*Proof of vaccination and proof of recovery can be shown instead of PCR testing.

More information on what details are needed on the PCR test results can be found HERE. An updated list of countries that require a PCR test for entry can be found HERE. 

Canary Islands

All travelers to the Canary Islands must bring a vaccination certificate and a 72-hour negative PCR test for entry. They will also go through a health inspection upon entry.

Health Form

The following must be completed prior to traveling to Spain:

• ALL travelers must fill out the form 48 hours prior to travel on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app
• Once you have filled out the form you will be provided with a QR code to print and present to border officials upon arrival

Quarantine Entry Requirements 

Quarantines are not required for travelers arriving in Spain from approved countries.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements 

Travel Insurance is not mandatory for entry but all incoming travelers should have medical insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Spain. 

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Spain

All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Spain:

• In most regions of Spain, everyone six years or older must wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose in indoor spaces and public transportation. People may remove their masks to eat, drink and practice sports.
• Outdoor social gatherings are limited to six people, with physical distancing measures.
• Avoid meetings and overcrowding in indoor places.

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

Vaccinated tourists from all countries can enter Spain, test/quarantine free, as of June 7, 2021. The government of Spain is accepting 7 vaccine types approved by the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization, which includes Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Jonhson & Johnson, Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.

You must have received both shots (or the one in the case of J&J) and 14 days must have elapsed since the last/final shot. You will then be required to show your proof of vaccination certificate or papers, which currently will include the paper NHS or CDC cards. In the future, travelers will use the EU’s Digital Green Certificate, but it’s not yet ready for third-party use.

Spain’s Land Border with Portugal

Land border controls between Spain and Portugal have finally been removed as of May 1, 2021

Visa Entry Requirements For Spain During COVID-19

If all of the above COVID-19 Entry Requirements are met, travelers will still need to follow Spain’s regular visa requirements. 

Many travelers are able to visit Spain for a period of up to 90 days without a visa under the Schengen Agreement.

Unsure if you need a visa to visit Spain? See the list of countries that require a visa.

What’s Open in Spain in 2021

As of May 15, 2021, most things have reopened in Spain, including:

• Restaurants until 11 pm
• Hotels accepting tourists
• Cinemas, museums and attractions with limited capacities
• Beaches and parks
• Retail shops, boutiques and malls

Spain Covid-19 Entry Requirement Summary:

1. Check if your country is approved to visit Spain for non-essential travel (tourism).
2. Check if your country requires a visa to visit Spain
3. Check if your country is high risk and if you need a PCR test or not
4. Approved countries will not need testing or have to quarantine 
5. Follow all health protocols in Spain

Read More: 

COVID-19 Entry Requirements By Country: Travelers Guide

All Countries Reopening For Tourism

Countries in Europe That Have Reopened For Tourism

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community

Sources: Spain Government/US Embassy/UK Government

Disclaimer: Current Spain travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

Article originally published August 18, 2020 with updates