Latest Entry Requirements to Spain

Last updated: July 19, 2023

Is it safe to travel to Spain right now?

Travel to and from Spain is allowed. But just like any other countries in the past few years, there are several requirements for a visitor to enter the country. Barcelona, one of Spain’s most popular destinations, does not have additional requirements for visitors.

Currently, more countries in Europe are scrapping all Covid-related entry restrictions. Unfortunately, Spain is not one of them though, today, the rules are much simpler. In essence, if you enter through the EU or other Schengen countries as well as certain third countries, you do not need to provide any more Covid-related certificates upon entering Spain. You can find the full list of exempt countries below.

If you come from any other country not included in the list, you must follow the specified requirements before you are allowed to enter Spain. Do take note that some of the items must be done before you arrive in Spain. Here’s what you need to know:

How’s the Covid Situation in Spain?

At the time of writing this guide, Spain has reported a cumulative total of close to 14m cases from January 2020 to July 2023. As of June 2023, 112.8m vaccine doses have been administered, and there has been 0 new cases in the last 7 days.

This data is based on the World Health Organization.

What are the latest entry requirements to Spain?

Travelers from the EU, Schengen countries, and certain third countries do not need to provide any Covid-related certificates. 

EU countries included in the exception are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Schengen countries included are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Third countries included are Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, China and regions Hong Kong and Macao special administrative authorities.

All other countries must present one of these documents:

  • Negative COVID test certificate: The test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival (PCR) or 24 hours before arrival (rapid antigen test). Teenagers between 12-17 are not allowed to submit rapid antigen tests.
  • Proof of full vaccination
  • Recovery certification

You need to submit and validate your certification to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC). Travel is possible without the EU digital COVID certificate, but the admission process may take longer and require additional measures like tests or quarantines. If you don’t use it, or its EU equivalent, you MUST fill in Spain’s Health Control Form. You will receive a QR code to enter the country.

Children under 12 years old are exempted. They are not required to show any certifications mentioned above.

More information about the EUDCC is available here and you can apply here. Spain’s Health Control Form info is available here.

Do I need to present other documents?

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Visa (if required)
  • Documents verifying the purpose and conditions of your intended stay
  • Return ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds: As of 2020, a minimum of 90 euros per person per day is required. Additionally, regardless of the duration of the trip, the traveler must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency.

Are you fully vaccinated by Spain’s standard?

Travelers must have received their second vaccine dose at least 14 days before the trip. You must use vaccines approved by the WHO or EMA.

Here’s the tricky part.

Your vaccine certificate is considered invalid (expired) after 270 days — about 9 months after your second dose. This means you need to get a booster shot after 270 days or you may not be allowed to enter the country. This restriction applies to a few other EU countries.

Is a mask mandatory in Barcelona?

You are not required to wear a mask at most places. It is mandatory only if you are above 6 years old and when using public transportations. You must also wear a mask in health-related facilities, pharmacies, and elderly residences.

TAKE NOTE!

Information continues to evolve, and this article may not have the latest info for the official authority. Always double-check your information. You may go to barcelonaturisme.com for the latest official information.