In a major move to boost tourism, Spain has lifted its ban on non-vaccinated travellers from non-EU nations, allowing them to enter and explore the country. Here are the details. By Anushka Goel
If you’ve been wanting to travel to Spain, here’s your chance. The country, in its latest travel update, has announced that all non-vaccinated travellers from non-European Union (EU) countries can now travel to the nation, reports Schengen Visa Info. This news, which came out on Saturday, May 21, amends the order which stated that the (then) current COVID-19 rules would remain in place until June 15, 2022.
Spain entry rules: What you need to know
Una buena noticia, muy esperada por el sector turístico y que facilita la llegada de turistas de fuera de la UE de cara a la temporada alta garantizando una movilidad segura.
🇪🇸 se está erigiendo como uno de los destinos más deseados del mundo, como nos muestran los indicadores. https://t.co/bgs1LKsRME— Reyes Maroto (@MarotoReyes) May 21, 2022
According to this new order, those who want to visit the country for non-essential purposes can explore the nation, as long as they present either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. The same was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), allowing tourists from non-EU countries the same parameters for entry as those from the European Union and associated Schengen countries.
This comes as a relief to travellers, as earlier, only those from third countries who were vaccinated against the virus were eligible to travel to Spain. Reyes Maroto, Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, said, “This excellent news, highly anticipated by the tourism sector, will make it easier for tourists from outside Europe to visit us this high season, guaranteeing safe mobility. Spain is emerging as one of the most desired destinations in the world, as shown by the demand indicators that month after month are approaching pre-pandemic levels.”]
Who all can travel to the European nation?
To visit, travellers must possess proof of one of the following:
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (this should indicate that you have received the second dose of the booster shot in the last nine months)
- Certificate of recovery from COVID-19 (this should be issues at least 11 days after confirmation of contracting COVID-19 in the last 180 days).
- A negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours of departure to Spain, or a negative antigen test conducted within 24 hours of departure to Spain.
What’s more, children aged below 12 will be exempted from presenting any certificates, the update adds.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Johan Mouchet/Unsplash
Related: Spain May Soon Become The Latest Country To Offer A Digital Nomad Visa