Traveling to and around Spain is getting easier. Spain is lifting its restrictions on visitors who contract COVID-19 during their stay.
Easing Restrictions
Spain is ditching rules mandating self-isolation for any suspected case of COVID. It’s the first country in the European Union (EU) to lift this major travel restriction. That means if you are traveling in Spain and come down with mild symptoms of COVID, you will not be required to get a test. Public officials are instead urging you to limit your time in public and wear a mask whenever you are around others. Health officials strongly suggest you completely avoid having any contact with anyone who is vulnerable, like the elderly or immunocompromised.
One important note about the policy change: It does not apply to the vulnerable population, anyone over the age of 60, pregnant women, or healthcare workers. These specific populations are considered high risk and will continue to be required to self-isolate and get tested should they come down with COVID symptoms.
Low Virus Numbers
Spain’s decision to lift the strict testing requirements comes as the country shifts its treatment of COVID from an emergency to an illness. This is due to the country’s continued declining COVID rates. Health officials say the new relaxed thinking will continue as long as the country’s COVID hospitalization rate remains below 5 percent of the total population.
Entry Requirements
Even as the country is easing some major restrictions, there are still entry requirements for foreign visitors. Tourists 18 and older from the United States must provide proof of vaccination or a certificate showing they’ve had and recovered from COVID recently. Travelers 12 to 17 can show the same two documents or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Currently, there are no entry requirements for children under 12 years old. Spain is also requiring proof of booster shots, meaning if it’s been more than 9 months since your final dose, you must have a booster shot. Currently, that booster is valid indefinitely for travel into Spain.
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