Date Published: 02/01/2021
ARCHIVED - Spain extends ban on UK nationals entering by air and sea until 19th January
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Spain’s borders are open to European Union and Schengen-area countries
Only residents of Spain will be admitted
The Spanish authorities have announced they will be extending the restriction on passenger travelling from the UK (by air and sea) from 22 December until 19 January, with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain. If you were due to travel to, or transit through, Spain please contact your travel operator before departure.
If you are resident in Spain, you should carry your residence document (the green paper EU residence certificate or the new TIE), as well as your valid passport when you travel. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that whilst these restrictions are in place only those residents who can prove their status as residents through the green paper EU residence certificate or the TIE card may enter Spain.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to ensure that you carry documentation proving your residency as there have already been reports of travellers being refused entry and sent back to the UK.
Travellers arriving from the United Kingdom are not required to self-isolate on arrival in Spain. However, from the 23 rdNovember, there are some requirements for testing on arrival for those travelling by air and sea. Spot checks may be carried out on arrival to confirm travellers have undergone a COVID-19 PCR, TMA or LAMP test and have tested negative. A minimum fine of €3000 may be issued to anyone who does not comply.
This requirement applies to all passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea, regardless of your residency status in Spain and the length of time you intend on staying. Property owners in Spain are subject to this requirement.
If you are travelling by air or sea to Spain, you must declare on the mandatory ‘Health Control Form’ listed below, that you have undertaken a PCR, TMA or LAMP test within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, have tested negative for COVID-19, and can show on request evidence certifying your results.
The document you provide must be the original, be written in Spanish or English, may be submitted in paper or electronic format and must contain the following information:
• name of passenger
• passport number or ID card number (the number provided must match the one provided on the Health Control Form)
• test date
• name and contact details of the testing centre
• testing method applied (ie PCR)
• test results
You can do this on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app. On completion, you will be issued a personal and non-transferable QR code which you must show (electronically or hardcopy) at airport health controls on arrival. Anyone who has not completed this form electronically via the Spain Travel Health website or app, may submit it in paper format prior to boarding.
• temperature check
• undergo a visual health assessment
Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of the above requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain.
Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a PCR, TMA or LAMP test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.
You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test and should confirm with the testing facility the type of tests available prior to booking an appointment.
Overland travellers to Spain are exempt from the above-mentioned entry requirements, and are therefore not currently required to present a PCR, TMA or LAMP test or Health Control Form on entry by road or rail.
Check travel information from the British Consulate if planning to travel by road through France.