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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Spain - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Spain due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel in Spain.

If you decide to travel to Spain:

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Spain.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

6 months recommended, 3 months beyond your date of departure is required

1 page per stamp

None required for less than 90 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Madrid Calle Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid, Spain Telephone: (34) 91-587-2200 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 91-587-2303 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Barcelona Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 08034 Barcelona, Spain Telephone: (34) 93-280-2227 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 93-280-6175 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Fuengirola (Málaga) Avenida Juan Gómez "Juanito", 8 Edificio Lucía 1º-C 29640 Fuengirola (Málaga), Spain Telephone: (34) 95-247-4891 Fax: (34) 95-246-5189 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Las Palmas Edificio Arca Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7 35007 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain Telephone: (34) 92-827-1259 Fax: (34) 92-822-5863 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca Edificio Reina Constanza Porto Pi, 8, 9-D 07015 Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain Telephone: (34) 97-140-3707  Fax: (34) 97-140-3971 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Seville Plaza Nueva 8-8 duplicado 2nd Floor, Office E-2 No.4 41101 Sevilla, Spain Telephone: (34) 95-421-8751 Fax: (34) 95-422-0791 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Valencia Doctor Romagosa 1, 2-J 46002 Valencia, Spain Telephone: (34) 96-351-6973 Fax: (34) 96-352-9565 E-mail:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Spain for information on U.S.-Spain relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to Spain are not subject to any COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Spain is a party to the  Schengen Agreement . This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. Visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit, transit and/or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Students and athletes:  Students, prospective students, and athletes should visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for additional information on entry requirements. You should not travel to Spain as a student or for an athletic/study program without the appropriate Spanish visa. U.S. citizen students and athletes have been denied entry and held in immigration detention at Spanish airports awaiting return flights to the United States because they lacked the appropriate visa. If your coach or sponsoring program says that you do not require a visa to study, play for a sports team, or participate in a sports training program in Spain, you should confirm this information with the nearest Spanish consulate in the United States before you travel.

U.S. citizen minors living in Spain:  Spanish law mandates that all Spanish minors traveling internationally without their parents or legal guardians must have written notarized permission from a parent or guardian. The law also applies to foreign, minor residents if their country of nationality also requires parental permission. While U.S. law does not require minors traveling without a parent/guardian to have the parents’/guardians’ written permission, Spanish authorities and airlines have occasionally misinterpreted the law and stopped U.S. citizens minors from departing the country. Therefore, parents/legal guardians should consider preparing a notarized, written permission for their U.S. citizen minor children to travel abroad unaccompanied or with a third party.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Spain.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on encouraging or conducting attacks worldwide, including within Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

Spain’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorists to enter and exit the country anonymously. Additionally, Spain’s enclaves in Melilla and Ceuta on the North African coast allow for entry into Spain from the African continent. Spain has taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks, including arrests of suspected extremists allegedly involved in terrorist plots. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in Europe, including Spain.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime:  Pickpocketing and other minor crimes, such as theft, are very common in Spain including instances where the victim is purposefully distracted to facilitate the theft. Street crimes against U.S. citizens usually occur in  tourist areas, including airports, train stations, and both urban and beach destinations .

Violent crimes, including robberies, have also been reported. Some instances have required the victim to seek medical attention. Car break-ins are also frequent in Spain.

Use common sense, awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.

Keep track of your passport at all times, including on flights and other modes of transportation. There have been reports of passports being stolen on planes en route to Spain. Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses on tables or floors, grounds in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, car rental locations, train stations, restaurants, and other public places. Avoid carrying your passport unless needed for travel, especially in tourist areas. Instead, carry a photocopy or photo of your passport’s biographical information page and consider leaving your passport in a secure location, such as a hotel safe. Your passport will be required to check in into any hotel in Spain and may be required for trains or tourist sites.

Sexual Assault:  The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers.

Navigating the Spanish criminal justice system after surviving a sexual assault has been difficult for many U.S. citizen victims, who report feeling judged and re-victimized throughout the very lengthy process.

Although it is not required, many U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain have found it helpful to hire a local attorney to be their advocate and defend their rights during any judicial process or use the help of the local Office of Victim’s Assistance. Information about the local victim’s assistance program is given out at the police station when the report is filed.

There have been numerous reports alleging sexual assaults against U.S. citizen students by Manuel Blanco Vela, a representative of a tour operator based in Seville, Spain. Conduct research online to determine who owns and operates tour companies to make informed choices.

Many sexual assaults occur at night or during the early morning hours. In most cases, assailants take advantage of alcohol or drugs to make victims more vulnerable.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the toll-free emergency number in Spain, 016, for assistance, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid at (34) 91-587-2200 or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona at (+34) 93-280-2227. Note that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other violent crimes are encouraged to report crimes to the local emergency services at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or consular agency for assistance . Note that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests  and demonstrations .  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Financial scams are prevalent in Spain. Beware of anyone asking for money, particularly people who establish a “romantic” relationship online or anyone who claims the Spanish authorities are asking them for money. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Free Trip/Luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits/Job offers 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some violations of laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Spain are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Most cities in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. You could be arrested or fined if you break the law.

Local police, sometimes dressed in plain clothes, can require you to produce identification to establish your identity upon request and detain you for further questioning. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you as proof of your identity. If you are stopped by someone who claims to be a plainclothes police officer, ask to see their law enforcement identification.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy Madrid or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Spain. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.  

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Spain prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. In general, public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure are accessible. Taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs are available, but usually must be booked in advance.

In historic areas and older areas, sidewalks can be narrow and have uneven surfaces. Take this into account when planning your visit.  There may be differences in small towns and villages, where accessibility may be more limited.

Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available in Spain.

Students:  Follow the tips below and exercise caution and good judgment to make your study-abroad experience a positive and safe one. If you are coming to Spain to participate in a sports program, please check with the  Embassy of Spain  that you have the correct visa.

Do your research before contracting a tour operator or other service provider, including coaches and organizers of sports camps, schools, and training centers.

Exercise caution when agreeing to an internship or to serve as a recruiter for a specific organization or company. Most arrests, accidents, and violent crimes U.S. citizens suffer in Spain involve excessive alcohol. Drink in moderation and stay in a group of friends when in clubs, bars, or traveling.

See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers. Please see more information under Safety and Security.  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Good medical care is available in Spain. However, regulations regarding medications vary from those in the United States. Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication . Do not ship medication from the United States to Spain . Spanish customs authorities will reject and return to the shipper medication mailed from the United States. This may cause a significant delay in receiving your medications. The U.S. Embassy cannot help you retrieve medications stopped by Spanish customs.

Medications requiring prescriptions in the United States also require a local doctor’s prescription in Spain. In some instances, a medicine prescribed in the United States will not have a local equivalent. It is important that travelers research this on the  European Agency for Medication  website prior to travel.

For emergency services in Spain, dial 112. You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.

Ambulance services are widely available. 

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Medical care is not free in Spain. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. Lack of payment may bar future travel to Spain.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the embassy to ensure the medication is legal in Spain. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains  a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance or funds before admitting a patient.  Medical staff may speak little or no English. Patients may be asked to bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Patients have to pay their medical treatment in public hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

Pharmaceuticals: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to Spain to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Surrogacy is illegal in Spain and subject to complex local regulation. 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Road conditions in Spain can differ significantly from those in the United States. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise increased caution as traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is often faster-paced than in the United States and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs and traffic lights and different driving habits, including motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

Obey the traffic light located at your stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection. Be alert when driving at night in urban areas; you may encounter drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.

Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.

Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone.

Traffic Laws: You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain. The permits are only valid for one year.

It is illegal to rent a vehicle if you don’t have an International Driving Permit. Your rental car may be impounded, and you will be required to pay a fine if stopped by the police.

It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving. There is a €300 fine for violating this regulation, and you may also lose your license.

All drivers and passengers are required to buckle up (even in taxis and in the backseat) and wear a reflective vest if they need to stop on the roadside. A reflective triangle warning sign is also mandatory if you stop on the roadside.

You must have liability insurance to operate any car or motorcycle.

If you are stopped by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, they may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for payment. This ensures that foreigners pay their fines while still in Spain.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

Only use clearly identified cabs, ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter (except for fixed-fare trips originating to and from the Madrid airport), and ask for a receipt.

Private transportation companies (such as Uberor Cabify) are often used in Madrid and Barcelona but check private transportation websites for operating status before arrival.

Official taxis to and from the Madrid airport to the city center charge a €30 flat rate.  Official taxis to and from the Barcelona airport to the cruise ship terminal charge a €39 flat rate.

Rail service is comfortable and reliable but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Spain should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Spain . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Spain Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Spain

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Spain entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Spain from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain.

Can I travel to Spain if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Spain without restrictions.

Can I travel to Spain without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Spain without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Spain?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Spain.

Can I travel to Spain without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Spain?

Mask usage in Spain is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Spain?

Restaurants in Spain are open. Bars in Spain are .

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Spanish Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

Spain follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must: 

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Spain are different.  

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. 

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must  apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

British nationals living in Spain do not need their passports to be stamped. Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. 

At Spanish border control, you may need to show:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of your travel insurance
• you have enough money for your stay - the amount varies depending on your accommodation
• a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts

Using the e-gates

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you’re aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates when they are working.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, you must meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements . If you’re in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. 

Read more about passport stamping if you live in Spain . 

If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires,  contact the Spanish government’s national information service . Dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline (in Spanish, with English speaking operators available).

Travelling between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. Do not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone aged 17 and under to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital), they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minor’s centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Spain guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain (PDF) . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons. 

Taking money into Spain

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

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Spain adds restrictions for US visitors - here's what you need to do before traveling there

Sep 6, 2021 • 3 min read

US travelers will need to present show proof of vaccination before traveling to Spain ©Shutterstock

Spain has reinstated COVID-19 entry restrictions on passengers traveling from the United States following the European Union's decision to remove the US from its "white list" of epidemiologically safe countries.

Read more: What you need to know about traveling to Spain right now

Spain had a relatively relaxed open-door policy for US travelers since June, allowing them to visit without any COVID-19 restrictions. That changes from today with Spain now requiring travelers coming from the US to be fully vaccinated if they wish to travel to Spain for tourism or leisure. 

⚠️ CORRECTED INFORMATION - Effective today, U.S. travelers to Spain for non-essential purposes (including tourism) will be required to show proof of vaccination. More details here: https://t.co/F0YdPaRr7c — US Embassy Madrid 🇺🇸🇪🇸 (@USembassyMadrid) September 6, 2021

Read more: Visa requirements for Spain

Spain accepts vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency or those listed by the World Health Organization for emergency use. They include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covishield. Travelers must have completed the full course of the vaccine course before flying to Spain, which means two weeks after having the second dose, or two weeks after having a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

In addition, all international travelers, regardless of where they're departing from, must register their details through the Spain Travel Health portal . Once completed, the website will generate a QR code which must be shown upon arrival on your mobile phone or printed on paper. The form can be obtained through the Spain Travel Health portal, or downloaded as the ‘SpTH’ via Google Play or the App Store.

Unvaccinated children under 12 traveling with vaccinated adults are allowed to travel to Spain without any additional requirements. However, children between the ages of 12 and 18 must present proof of vaccination.

Travelers coming from the US who are not vaccinated can present a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in Spain) or antigen test (taken no more than 48 hours before arriving in Spain) if they are traveling for essential reasons or if they belong to one of the following groups:

• Residents of EU, Schengen Area, Andorra, Monaco, The Vatican (Holy See) or San Marino en route to their country of residence
• EU/Schengen Area long-stay visa holders travelling to that country
• Health professionals, including health researchers and elderly care professionals
• Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel
• Diplomatic and consular personnel
• The staff of international organizations, military, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations
• Students at universities in the EU, Iceland, Switzerland, Lichtenstein and Norway, who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance
• Highly qualified workers whose work is essential and cannot be postponed or carried out remotely
• Persons travelling important family reasons
• People in a situation of force majeure or who need to enter for humanitarian reasons

Read more: The best time to go to Spain

Spain's decision to tweak its border rules for Americans follows the EU's recommendation that its 27 member states reimpose restrictions on nonessential travel for all US citizens as cases spike. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US is averaging about 153,246 new cases per day in the last seven days.

Other countries within the EU have announced additional travel restrictions on Americans in recent days too. The Netherlands is requiring US passengers to quarantine for at least 10 days upon arrival , regardless of vaccination status. And people traveling from the US to Italy must now produce a negative PCR or antigen test taken in the 72 hours prior to entering Italy , even if they can provide proof of vacccination like a COVID-19 green pass or equivalent certification.

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Vacations in Spain: Where can I travel from and what are the requisites for entry to the country?

Ahead of the tourism high season, the spanish government is seeking to facilitate international mobility. here are the main conditions you will need to meet before you can cross the border.

Spain reopened its borders to global travelers on Monday, and tourists from any part of the world will be able to visit the country during the summer high season. That was the announcement made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on May 21 at the Fitur tourism fair in Madrid – but there is plenty of small print for those traveling to Spanish shores, depending on who they are and where they are coming from. There are different requirements according to the reason for the trip – essential travel or for leisure – the place of origin – from inside or outside the European Union – and even the type of tourist – whether or not they have been vaccinated.

The new measures are aimed at facilitating international mobility now that the coronavirus vaccine campaigns are progressing across the world. The EU’s Digital Covid Certificate will also assist with this process, a scheme that will be fully in force by July 1 but is already being used in a number of member states (the majority of Spanish regions are already issuing them, for example).

Below are the main questions and answers for tourists who want to visit Spain in the coming months.

Can you visit Spain for a leisure trip from other EU countries?

Yes, you can. This kind of travel, in fact, was only restricted during the toughest part of the pandemic – the three-month lockdown that began in March 2020. After this phase, once the internal borders of the EU were reopened, they have not been closed again apart from a few exceptions. That led to a paradoxical situation that lasted for months, whereby a German national could travel to the Balearic Islands or Andalusia, while residents of Spain could not leave their own region due to the perimetral lockdowns in force.

Are there any restrictions for these European travelers?

It depends on the case. From the green-light areas designated by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) you can travel without any barriers – but in practice there are few European territories that are on this level. The majority – except some zones in Finland, Norway, Iceland and Malta – will have to present an additional requirement for entry: a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR or antigen test carried out in the 48 hours prior to arrival, or a certificate showing the bearer has contracted, and recovered from, Covid-19. Any of these documents should be in Spanish, English, French or German, or alternatively translated into Spanish by an official body. Minors under 12 are exempt from these requirements.

Are any vaccines accepted, and is one dose enough?

No. Firstly, the vaccines administered must have been approved by either the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) – i.e. Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Janssen, Sinopharm or Sinovac-Coronavac. What’s more, proof of vaccination will only be valid once 14 days have passed since receiving the full doses required for the vaccine to offer full protection – two doses in all cases but the Janssen medication, which only requires one. The vaccination certificate must have been issued by the appropriate authorities in the country of origin and must include name and surname, date of vaccination (indicating the day the last shot was administered), type of vaccine, number of doses, country of issue and the details of which body issued the certificate.

How do you prove that you have had and overcome Covid-19?

In this case, the recovery certificate must be issued by the competent authority or by a medical service at least 11 days after the first positive PCR test has been carried out. These natural antibodies against the virus are considered to be valid for 180 days, which is the time that this certificate will allow people to travel within the EU. The document must include the bearer’s full name, the date the test was taken, the type of test and the country of issue.

From which non-EU countries can you travel without restrictions?

There is a list of countries whose residents are not affected by the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the European Union. That’s to say, areas from which you can travel with no barriers due to their current control of the pandemic. These countries or territories are: Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom , Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Macao. In these cases, it is not necessary to present evidence of a negative coronavirus test, vaccination or having overcome the disease. It should be noted that in the case of the United Kingdom , Spain remains on the government’s “amber list.” This means travelers returning to the UK from Spain must take a coronavirus test before travel, quarantine for at least 10 days on return, and take two home PCR tests that must come back negative before quarantine can end.

And from the rest of the non-EU countries, can people visit Spain for tourism?

The reopening of the country on Monday was designed for these countries. Specifically, all travelers who have been fully vaccinated with one of the medications approved by the EMA or the OMS two weeks prior to arrival . Tourists who cannot prove they are immunized under these conditions are excluded, even if they have a negative test, have been vaccinated with a different medication, or can prove they have overcome Covid-19.

What about minors who have not been vaccinated?

The under-12s who are traveling with an adult who has had a vaccine that’s been approved by the EMA or the WHO can enter Spain with no restrictions.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. The government has kept an ace up its sleeve for when new variants of the virus emerge and can thus exclude countries where these strains are circulating out of control. For example, the government order specifies that risk countries are subject to quarantine. Currently, only India is in this situation, meaning that tourists cannot come from there to Spain even if they are fully vaccinated.

In practice, arrivals from Brazil and South Africa are also barred. The exceptions are for Spanish or Andorran nationals, residents of those two countries, or passengers in transit to a non-Schengen area country with a layover of less than 24 hours (without leaving the airport transit area), as well as airline personal necessary for air transportation activities.

Are there any ways you can travel to Spain from outside the EU if you are not vaccinated?

Not if the trip is for leisure or tourism. There are only a few exceptions that can justify the journey: if you are a habitual resident of the EU, Schengen-associated states, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican or San Marino and you are traveling to that destination; if you are the holder of a long-term visa issued by a Schengen member state or associated state and are traveling to that country; healthcare professionals, including researchers and professional senior carers who are returning to their jobs; transportation, marine and aeronautical personal who are needed for air transportation activities; diplomatic and consular staff, as well as personnel from international, military or civil protection organizations, and members of humanitarian organizations who are working; students who are studying in Schengen member states and associated states and have the corresponding permission or visa for a long stay, provided they are traveling to the country where they are studying, and that they enter during the academic term or during the 15 days prior to its commencement; highly skilled workers whose work is essential and cannot be postponed or done remotely, including high-level sportsmen and sportswomen taking part in high-level sporting competitions in Spain; people who are traveling for essential and documented family reasons; and people who can provide evidence of force majeure or essential need.

If you have any doubts about these requirements, the full text of the Official State Bulletin (BOE) can be read here in Spanish .

Is there any official documentation to be filled out?

Yes, in all cases independently of origin, whether you arrive by air or sea, and for the under-12s too. All travelers must fill out a health control form, which can be found at www.spth.gob.es or the Spain Travel Health app. The QR code that will be created on filling out the form must be shown before boarding, as well as on arrival.

Do passengers on cruise ships have to fill out the same obligatory documentation?

Passengers on international cruises should not use the Spain Travel Health application. In that case, the necessary information is collected via the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form .

What controls are there when you arrive in the country by land?

When entering by land from risk zones in France, travelers should carry one of the aforementioned tests: vaccination certificate, negative coronavirus tests or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19.

English version by Simon Hunter .

More information

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Spain Has Reopened to U.S. Travelers—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

A writer based in barcelona describes the current situation in spain and what travelers who want to go should know..

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Now is your chance to visit Madrid with fewer crowds.

Photo by Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

If you’ve been dreaming of tapas-hopping in Madrid, seeing Barcelona’s Gaudí masterpieces, and strolling the white-sand beaches of Costa del Sol, the wait is over. As of June 28, Spain fully reopened to U.S. travelers —with no vaccine, testing or quarantine required.

It’s welcome news for a country that is highly dependent on tourism, which accounts for $200 billion, or 14.3 percent of the national GDP, according to consulting firm McKinsey & Company . With curfews ended, dining and nightlife restrictions eased, and museums and popular attractions largely reopened, Spain is gradually returning to normalcy. So, can visitors to Spain pasarlo bien (have a good time)? We’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know about Spain travel in 2021.

Is Spain open to U.S. tourists?

Yes—After initially opening to vaccinated U.S. travelers on June 7, Spain placed the United States on its list of countries exempted from travel restrictions on June 28. Spain is now open to all Americans, whether or not they are vaccinated.

Travel restrictions and requirements for travel to Spain

Being on the exempted countries list means that U.S. travelers to Spain do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result and do not need to quarantine.

At press time, the only requirement for U.S. travelers entering Spain is that they must fill out a health questionnaire prior to boarding their flight to Spain; their corresponding QR code will need to be shown upon boarding and on arrival. That’s it.

But the U.S. Embassy in Spain cautions that entry requirements can change with short notice.

What it’s like to travel to Spain right now

When Spain’s nationwide state of alarm ended on May 9, following one of the world’s toughest lockdowns and nearly 15 months of ever-changing curfews and restrictions, it was a welcome relief. Finally, Spanish residents were able to travel within their own country, enjoy an evening meal at a restaurant, and gather freely with people outside their social bubble.

The loss of tourism (both domestic and international) due to the pandemic was a huge blow to the Spanish economy. Fewer than 20 million foreign visitors came to Spain in 2020, compared to 83.5 million in 2019, and tourism revenues fell more than 75 percent, according to El Pais . The collapse in demand can still be felt—most acutely in the tourist-heavy zones of popular cities like Barcelona. Along the winding medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Born, disponible (for rent) signs paper shuttered storefronts, a sad reminder of the many shops and restaurants that were unable to survive.

Yet even with the multitude of closures— an estimated 85,000 bars and restaurants across Spain fell victim to the pandemic —it’s not all bad news. “People are under the misconception that Spain is a wasteland, that none of bars and restaurants are open, that all the great mom-and-pop places have closed—but it’s simply not the case,” says James Blick, co-owner of Madrid-based Devour Tours , which conducts food tours in major Spanish cities as well as in Portugal. “It’s true that in cities like Madrid the tapas bars now have fewer people, and it’s far easier to get a table, but it’s wonderful—and surreal—to be here without all the tourists.”

It’s far easier to get a table at tapas bars in Madrid these days.

Photo by Shutterstock

On a recent trip to Madrid from my home in Barcelona, that was indeed the case, with the normally packed terraces around the Plaza Mayor virtually empty on a beautiful summer evening. Lines for the Prado Museum were nonexistent—just think of having those Goyas all to yourself—and it was easy to navigate the Gran Via, the popular city center that is usually crowded with shoppers.

And while visitors to Spain will benefit from fewer crowds, they should also be prepared for more restrictions than in the United States—especially with regard to masks. Nationwide, only around 25 percent of the population had been fully vaccinated at press time, according to Johns Hopkins . And masks are still compulsory for those age six and older on public streets, public transport, in taxis, and in all indoor and outdoor spaces, except when actively eating and drinking. Basically, unless you’re seated at a table, practicing sports, on the beach, or in a swimming pool, you’re wearing a mask. However, it’s possible that by late June, according to Spain’s health emergency chief Fernando Simon , the outdoor mask mandate could be lifted as vaccinations increase.

So, what can visitors expect to see and do in Spain?

Museums, concert halls, cinemas, and major attractions have largely reopened across the country, but capacity and hours may still be limited, so visitors should be prepared to book timed tickets at the most popular sites. For example, in Barcelona, the iconic Sagrada Familia , which reopened on May 29 after a seven-month closure, is currently only open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tickets must be purchased online.

Restaurants, bars, and cafés across Spain are open both indoors and out, with closing times and capacity restrictions varying by region, though most are staying open until 1 a.m. with capacity limited to 50 percent. Social distancing measures are required between tables, which must be at least 6.5 feet apart inside (it varies outside); the maximum number of diners per table is six, unless they belong to the same household. And if you’re into the club scene, which had largely shut down during the pandemic, it was recently announced that nightclubs in Catalonia can stay open until 3:30 a.m.

Beaches throughout the country are being monitored for crowd conditions and beachgoers are required to keep six feet apart. In Barcelona, where city beaches are always packed on weekends, color-coded information posts have been set up at access points to inform visitors of occupancy levels. If it’s at a high “orange” or maximum “red” level, information officers may advise beachgoers to go to another beach.

Tour operators, one of the most impacted sectors, is where customers will see many changes. Currently in Barcelona, there are no sightseeing bus tours (it’s unclear when they will resume), fewer bicycle taxis, and virtually no large groups of cyclists—making navigating the city streets far more pleasurable.

Alex Villar, co-owner of the Paella Club , which conducts hands-on paella workshops and leads tapas tours of the city, took time during the pandemic to re-envision its tours to make them more appealing. “For our taste of Spain walking tour, we used to just do four tapas bars in the Gothic [Quarter, the historic center of old Barcelona]. We sat down and analyzed it and made it better, less generic, with an improved path where people can take great photos and more stops that include artisan food shops.”

Barcelona Design Tours , which focuses on modern architecture and design in the city, has dramatically altered its offerings. “Barcelona has amazing building interiors, especially its hotels, but we can’t go inside them anymore, since there’s no longer an open-door policy,” says the company’s cofounder Suzanne Wales. “So, we’ve shifted much of our focus to exteriors instead.” And with the closure of many specialty design shops in the Old Town, “we’re now branching out and heading to interesting, off-the-beaten-track neighborhoods like Gràcia and Poblenou.”

Requirements for returning to the United States

All international arrivals to the United States—including returning U.S. citizens—must provide proof of a laboratory-generated negative COVID-19 test, and the result must be procured no more than 72 hours prior to departure to the U.S. The test must be either a viral antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as a polymerase chain (PCR) test. There is currently no exception for those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Getting a COVID test in Spain is somewhat easy but appointments should be booked in advance, depending on the site and the region. Unlike France, where tests are offered for free, in Spain you must pay for a test—and it’s pricey, averaging around 120 euros (US$145). Results are generally guaranteed in 24 to 36 hours. You can find a variety of private testing sites throughout Spain on the U.S. Embassy in Madrid’s COVID testing locations list. You may need to bring your passport or identification you use for travel to the appointment.

How to travel to Spain in 2021

Planning a trip to Spain looks different this year. Here’s how to travel from the U.S. to Spain in summer or fall 2021.

Booking flights to Spain right now

Several airlines are operating flights from various U.S. cities —including Delta, American, Air Europa, Iberia, United, and TAP Portugal. Roundtrip fares are a bargain, starting at about $450 roundtrip for nonstop flights from New York to Madrid and $350 roundtrip for flights from New York to Barcelona with one stop.

Where to stay in Spain

Return to Madrid in style with a stay at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

In spite of the pandemic, several new properties recently opened in Madrid, including the April unveiling of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid following a three-year, multi-million-euro renovation. Opened in 1910 as the city’s first luxury hotel, with a top-notch location next to the Prado Museum, it was restored by Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz, who preserved the beautiful Belle Époque character of the original building, while French design duo Gilles & Boissier added 21st-century flair. Another newcomer on the luxury scene is the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid , which opened last October. Set in the heart of the city, it’s part of the new Centro Canalejas complex—seven combined historical buildings that also include private residences, a high-end shopping arcade, and a gourmet food market.

Barcelona, which suspended nearly all construction projects and closed most hotels during the pandemic, has only recently seen its hotels reopening. Originally unveiled in September 2019, Seventy Barcelona is set in a sleek, contemporary building just a stone’s throw from the artsy Gràcia neighborhood. Along with 152 stylish rooms, a spa, and a rooftop pool and terrace, it recently unveiled outdoor dining in its courtyard patio, a tranquil spot surrounded by olive trees.

Just north of Barcelona, in the medieval town of Girona, is Casa Cacao , the first hotel project from Michelin-starred chefs the Roca brothers, the trio behind the famed restaurant El Celler de Can Roca . Opened last summer in a historic building in the heart of the city, Casa Cacao features 15 modern rooms, a rooftop terrace serving hotel guests a “tasting breakfast” of local seasonal products prepared by Joan Roca, and in the lobby, a chocolate factory producing and selling Jordi Roca’s famous chocolate.

This article was originally published on June 11, 2021, and has been updated to include current information.

>> Next: The Dreamiest Hidden Villages in Spain

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Entry requirements to Spain for travellers updated: What's new at the border

TRAVELLERS from European Union member States entering Spain no longer need to show a 'Covid certificate' or complete a passenger locator form, starting today (Thursday, June 1), although some basic requirements remain in place for non-EU nations.

The national government has announced that entering the country will not be subject to a valid vaccine certificate, proof of having had Covid-19 within the past six months, or a negative PCR or antigen test taken not more than 72 and 24 hours before arrival respectively – provided the person arriving has not come from, or crossed through, any territory outside the EEA.

As well as EU member States, the exemption applies to travellers from Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, whether or not the country in question forms part of the passport-free Schengen zone.

Passing through a non-EEA nation via a connecting flight does not count as having been outside the bloc, unless the passenger has left the international 'holding' terminal of the airport.

The European Commission recommended in April that all 27 member States drop the requirement for a 'Covid passport' for travel within the bloc, and has reportedly been in touch with Spain's health minister, Carolina Darías, to find out whether, and when, she planned to do so.

Greece was the first to remove the 'Covid passport' regulation for EU nations and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, on May 1, and Spain has followed a month later.

Covid-related entry requirements to Spain for travellers from outside the EU (including UK)

For non-EU countries – including the UK – either a valid vaccine certificate, proof of having had Covid within the past six months, through the results of an NAAT-type test such as a PCR, or a negative PCR result less than 72 hours before entry or negative antigen no more than 24 hours before entering Spain must still be shown, but travellers from these countries do not need to complete a passenger locator form.

These forms are, however, necessary for anyone who is not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all, or has not had and recovered from Covid within the past six months, when entering Spain from a non-EU nation.

A form is also necessary where a person is vaccinated or has had Covid recently, but is coming from a country without a 'certificate' system or where this document is not recognised by the EU.

Covid certificates must be in either Spanish, English, French or German, meaning a vaccine passport issued by a third country in a different language from any of these would not be accepted without a passenger locator form.

They must be completed no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Forms are found on the Spanish government website, Spth.gob.es, and upon completion, the traveller will receive a QR code which must either be printed, or be downloaded onto a mobile phone screen, so it can be scanned upon arrival.

UK vaccine confirmation certificates are accepted throughout the EU.

Children under 12 are exempt from all these entry requirements, irrespective of where they have come from.

For adults, or children aged 12 and over, if they have had Covid within the past six months, their first positive NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), such as a PCR, must have been a minimum of 11 days prior to travel.

The assumption is that, after these 11 days, the infection would have passed.

'Recovery certificates' are valid for 180 days from the date of the first positive test.

How long vaccine proof is valid for travel from outside the EU

Travellers from non-EU countries who are fully vaccinated – both doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of the single-jab Janssen formula – but who have not had a third injection as a booster or, in the case of the Janssen, second jab, will only be able to use their 'Covid passport' for entry to Spain if their most recent dose was more than 14 days, but not more than 270 days, prior to arrival.

Anyone who has had a third, or booster, dose, or a second dose for those who originally had the Janssen, is considered as 'fully vaccinated' for the purposes of entry into Spain with, at present, no time limit.

At the moment, booster injections do not have an expiry date, and it has not yet been confirmed at European level whether repeat doses will be rolled out to the population annually or similar.

Those who downloaded a Covid passport after their final dose but have since had a booster will need to acquire a fresh one if 270 days or more have passed since the jab before this, if they wish to travel outside the EU, or are based in a third country and wish to travel to the bloc.

No other requirements, but random health checks may be ordered

For visitors from non-member States, proof of vaccine, test, or recovery as detailed is the only condition to entry to Spain above and beyond the usual non-Covid-related requirements.

This said, arrivals from outside the EU may be called for random health checks at the border, which might just be their temperature taken but could extend to medical examinations, visual assessment, interview, or even a test.

Spain's land borders are not currently subject to testing or vaccine requirements, but countries a person may have to pass through to get to them may still have extra conditions in place, and these should be consulted before travel.

The last remaining Covid-linked conditions for entry to Spain from beyond the EEA apply to everyone, including residents, Spanish or otherwise, who have been on short trips out of the country and are coming home.

If you live in Spain but are not an EU national, don't forget your residence certificate

Under any circumstances, residents in Spain who do not hold nationality from an EU or EEA country should proactively show their 'green certificate' or TIE photo card at the same time as their passports.

This has always been the case, but UK nationals living in Spain will now need to 'retrain themselves' to produce their 'green certificate' – which is still valid as long as it does not have an expiry date and this has not passed – or their new TIE foreigners' identity card when they show their passports.

Residents in Spain with British nationality do not have to have their passports stamped, but non-resident British visitors do, even if travelling to a holiday home they own, or to visit family.

If a resident has had his or her passport stamped 'by mistake', they must subsequently show proof of their permanent dwelling status in Spain for this to be annulled. 

The 'stamp' enables border authorities to ensure Brits and other non-EU nationals who do not live in a member State adhere to the maximum stay requirements – 90 days in any 180 days anywhere within the Schengen zone.

Masks still required on Spanish flights and in other, limited situations

Even though the European Commission has recommended member States cease to oblige travellers to wear masks on airlines, they are still mandatory for flights to and from Spain at present.

In Spain, masks are a legal necessity in any healthcare setting – including nursing homes, fertility clinics and pharmacies – and on public transport, which includes planes.

They are not obligatory anywhere else, but strongly recommended in indoor areas, or outdoors when in close proximity to the general public.

Workplaces in Spain set their own requirements for mask-wearing among staff, meaning they may still be mandatory in certain employment situations, but if they are not, the workforce may usually continue to wear them voluntarily if they wish.

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• Entry requirements to Spain for travellers updated: What's new at the border

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What do I need to travel to Spain? Latest documents and entry requirements explained for your holiday

Everything you need to know to make sure your trip goes smoothly, article bookmarked.

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Whether discovering the capital in Madrid or relaxing on a sun lounger in the Balearics, Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brits.

Before the pandemic, over 18 million Britons visited Spain each year. In 2017, the number of UK tourists flocking to the Iberian country hit a 10-year high of 18.81 million.

Spain was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with the seventh-highest number of confirmed cases on the Continent.

Since Covid, the number of British holidaymakers has steadily climbed, from 4.3 million in 2021 to 15.1 million last year. With arrivals in 2023 likely to climb closer to – if not above – pre-Covid levels, potential visitors to Spain should be aware of any entry restrictions that the Spanish government has in place.

We’ve rounded up all the necessary information for anyone travelling to the country, so that you can make sure your next trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Can you travel to Spain unvaccinated?

Despite stringent rules in 2021 and throughout much of last year, Spain has lifted all Covid-related travel restrictions, according to the UK government website. This means you can enter the country even if you haven’t received a single dose of the vaccine. Spain does not require a negative PCR test result or proof of recovery.

The rules are the same for those transiting through Spain and entering through a land border.

Read more on Spain travel :

• The ultimate Spain travel guide: Everything you need to know
• Why Spain makes for the perfect flight-free destination
• Spain’s best holiday destinations to visit in 2023

Do you need a booster to travel to Spain?

While boosters were originally needed towards the end of the pandemic, the lifting of restrictions means that you do not require proof of a vaccine or a booster when entering Spain. There are also no specific requirements for children and young people.

What documents do I need to travel to Spain?

While Covid restrictions may have been removed, Brexit-related issues means there are several other important things to know before your trip abroad.

As alwasy, you need a passport to visit Spain, but the validity rules have changed post-Brexit. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date on which you are entering Spain, so check the ‘date of issue’ before travel.

In addition, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the EU. Check the expiry date before travel.

You can stay in Spain – and any other country within the Schengen Zone – without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To stay longer, for example for work or study reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Spanish Consulate in London .

When entering and exiting the Schengen Zone through Spain, make sure that your passport is stamped by border guards, as these stamps are used to keep track of the time you’ve spent in the country. Relevant evidence for proving when you entered and exited the country includes boarding passes or flight tickets.

Additional documents you may need for travel to Spain

Sometimes, visitors to Spain will need to provide other documents at the border. Most commonly, guards may ask you for your reasons for entering the country and how long you plan on staying (and if relevant, what your plans are for an onward journey). You may need to show a valid onward ticket or a return ticket.

You may also be asked to prove that you have enough money for your stay. The required amount is roughly €108 per person per day with a minimum of €900 in total. Anyone asked can use cash, cheques, traveller’s cheques or bank account statements as proof of funds.

The Spanish border force might also ask to see proof of the accommodation for your stay. This could be a confirmation of your hotel booking, or proof of address if visiting a property that belongs to you or a friend or relative.

Read more of our reviews of the  best Spanish hotels

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Spain entry requirements explained: The latest travel restrictions on Covid tests and vaccination

Unvaccinated uk tourists can visit spain, but covid requirements still apply.

Spain eased entry rules for UK travellers in May by lifting its ban on unvaccinated arrivals. However, it is yet to scrap all Covid-related rules for visitors from the UK as it has for arrivals from the European Union or Schengen countries.

It is possible that the Spanish authorities will change the requirements for Britons arriving in the country to match the rules for those travelling from the EU and drop all Covid requirements.

For now, all UK travellers aged 12 must either be fully vaccinated (with a 270 limit on the last jab), have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous six months or have tested negative for Covid before travel. Over-12s who cannot show proof of vaccination must also complete a health control form for entry.

What you need for entry to Spain

UK travellers aged 18 or over arriving in Spain by air must either be fully vaccinated, have recently tested negative for Covid or have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months and have a recovery certificate to prove this.

By Spain’s definition, fully vaccinated means that adults need to have received a booster if 270 days or more has passed since their final dose of an initial vaccination course. The latest updates to Spain’s entry rules are published on the tourism board’s Travel Safe website .

Over-12s arriving from the UK on a flight will require one of the following:

• Proof of full vaccination, with an EU Digital Covid Certificate, or equivalent, such as an NHS Covid Pass 
• A negative Covid-19 test result: either a PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure or an antigen test result taken 24 hours prior to departure (you will need an official documentation of the test result, from a professional tester) 
• Proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the past six months with an official medical certificate or recovery record

The entry rules for children

Children aged 12 and over are subject to the same rules as adults when travelling from the UK to Spain by air. However, children under 12 do not need to present proof of vaccination, a negative or recovery for entry to Spain.

More from Travel

Spain’s travel form and who needs to complete it

Travellers aged 12 or over who cannot show proof of full vaccination (which will include a booster for most Britons) or having recovered from Covid-19 in the previous six months must complete Spain’s Travel Health Control Form no more than 48 hours prior to travel.

Children under 12 do not need to complete an online Health Control Form before travel to Spain. Travellers aged 12 and over who do have proof of full vaccination (likely to include a booster) or recovery from prior Covid-19 infection in the last six months are not required to complete Spain’s Travel Health Control Form.

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Charts with Information for Entering Spain from the EU and Other Countries

Benefit from the lawyer smart card. www.lawyersmartcard.eu.

Update October 21. 2022. Travellers to Spain.

News British Government

Changes in entry requirements for residents and those from Schengen and EU member states. Please check your country of origin on the interactive map. Example:

“Spain welcomes all travellers coming from Ireland. Some information is provided below in order to make your journey comfortable, easy and safe. Please note that passengers arriving in Spain by AIR OR SEA from this country will NOT be required to present the SpTH health control form or a COVID-19 certificate”.

Important information

No tests for those from EU member states or Schengen associated countries since June 2. You will note on the official Spanish tourism site on the U.K. entry requirements it states the same information as from EU states. This may be an error, we provide the information from the government health website and the resolution:

“Passengers (except for children under 12 years of age and those in international transit) arriving from countries that do NOT belong to the European Union or are NOT considered Schengen associated countries, must present one of these documents in order to pass the health controls on arrival in Spain:

An EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE OR EU EQUIVALENT of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative certificate of an active infection diagnostic test or a recovery certificate after having this disease.

SpTH QR. If you do not have the EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent, you must complete the SpTH Health Control Form, manually entering the details of your vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test certificate. The vaccination certificate with complete schedule for children under 18 has no expiry date”.

Modification of the Resolution of April 1, 2022 of the General Directorate of Public Health, regarding the health controls to be carried out at the points of entry to Spain. The first section of the Resolution of April 1, 2022 is modified, which is worded as follows:

Resolution:

“Sanitary controls at entry points. People who arrive in Spain by air or sea from countries that do not belong to the European Union or are not considered Schengen associated countries may be subjected to a health control at the first point of entry that will include, at least, the taking temperature, a documentary control and a visual check on their physical condition”.

Update June 6. The interactive map has been corrected no longer showing the UK with the same requirements as the EU/Schengen countries. Disclaimer from the interactive map below. I have also contacted the National tourist office bringing a possible error to their attention.

Update: Important information

Update May 20. As from today, travellers from third countries can enter Spain with a covid negative test.

To travel to Spain if you have an EU DCC, or equivalent EU it is not necessary to complete the SpTH health control form.

On the homepage you can find more information about the vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test DCCs that are valid for travelling to Spain.

Update: Entry from France to Spain by land.

Entry requirements are applicable for travelling to Spain by air and by land. By land, it is no longer necessary to comply with any health requirement related to COVID-19 in order to travel to Spain.

France. Entry requirements for U.K. nationals.

Spain Travel Health

Interactive Map Government

Latest Updates: Please check the interactive map and latest news on the same link.

Interactive Map

Mainland Spain to the Canary Islands

Mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands

U.K. Government information

For information on the regional areas, use the interactive map, drop down menu for any country and then general measures in Spain Example:

Obligations and exemptions mask wearing. CAB suggests carrying a letter from your doctor. If not in the Spanish or regional language, a translation into Spanish carried with the original.

Extract from the Spanish royal decree modified February 2022.

Modification of the mandatory use of masks during the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19.

“1. People six years of age and older are obliged to wear masks in the following cases:

a) In any closed space for public use or that is open to the public.

b) In mass events that take place in outdoor spaces, when attendees are standing. If they are seated, it will be mandatory when a safety distance of at least 1.5 meters between people cannot be maintained, except for groups of cohabitants.

c) In air, bus, or rail transport, including passenger platforms and stations, or by cable car, as well as complementary public and private passenger transport in vehicles with up to nine seats, including the driver, if the occupants of the tourism vehicles do not live in the same address. In closed spaces of ships and boats when the safety distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained, except for groups of cohabitants.

2. The obligation contained in the previous section will not be enforceable in the following cases:

a) To people who present some type of illness or respiratory difficulty that may be aggravated by the use of the mask or who, due to their disability or dependency, do not have the autonomy to remove the mask, or present behavior alterations that make its use unfeasible.

b) In the event that, due to the very nature of the activities, the use of the mask is incompatible, in accordance with the indications of the health authorities.

c) In those places or closed spaces for public use that are part of the place of residence of the groups that meet there, such as institutions for the care of the elderly or disabled, units intended for collective residence of essential workers or other groups that meet similar characteristics, as long as said groups and the workers who perform their duties there have vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 greater than 80% with the complete schedule and the booster dose, accredited by the health authority competent.

This last exception will not apply to external visitors, nor to workers in residential centers for the elderly or disabled, since in this case the use of a mask is mandatory.

Update June 28. The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, announces that a negative PCR or full vaccination schedule will be required for citizens from the United Kingdom to enter Spain. The measure will begin to be applied on 1 July.

Update May 21. The information in link below will no longer apply to those from the U.K. and Northern Ireland from May 24.

Those who can travel to Spain and documentation needed

Simple page where you can check entry requirements from EU Members States and The rest of the world.

Entry to Spain Including Transit

Are you travelling to Spain?

Click on the map to check the applicable entry requirements for the country you are travelling from and the restrictions for your return home.

You can also find out what measures are in place for each region you are visiting during your stay in Spain.

Information also Includes Restrictions from the Country you will Exit

Full Information on Health Process Including Tests to enter Spain

Information from the Largest Airport Operator in Spain

Residents and Antigen Tests:

How Can Citizens Advice Bureau Spain Benefit You?

Cab spain at a glance.

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Conditions for entry into Spain

Nationals of third States who travel to Spain for stays of up to 90 days (during any period of 180 days) for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, non-work internships or volunteer activities with a duration not exceeding 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities, must meet the entry conditions established in the Schengen Borders Code.

Entry requirements​​ 

• Enter via an authorized border-crossing point.
• Present proof of identity and a valid travel document.
• Present the corresponding visa if required, according to nationality.
• Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial resources.
• Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain.  

Documents to present at the border​​  

1. Valid passport or travel document : The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 

2. Visa : For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested party has a valid residence permit or a valid long-term visa issued by a Schengen State. 

3. Documents accrediting the purpose and conditions of the planned stay : At the request of the competent authorities, the reasons and conditions of the planned stay must be accredited by documentary proof or other means. To this end, the presentation, among others, of the following documents may be required: 

• Return or tourist circuit ticket, in all cases. 
• For professional trips, the invitation from a company or authority to participate in a meeting, or documents that prove the existence of a relationship associated with professional activity, or access cards to a trade fair or congress. 
• For tourist or private visits, the confirmed reservation of an organized trip, or proof of accommodation, or letter of invitation from a private individual (such a letter only proves the availability of accommodation and does not release the traveller from the obligation to meet the other requirements for entry). The proof of accommodation may indicate whether it includes all or part of the traveller's living expenses. 
• For study trips, training programmes, non-work internships or volunteer work with a duration of less than three months, enrolment documentation or proof of admission to an educational establishment or internship contract or proof of admission to a volunteer programme.  
• For travel for other reasons, an invitation, reservation, programme or certificate of participation in related activities, entrance card/ticket, or receipt. 

Accreditation of financial means​​​  

At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay or of the ability to legally obtain such means. 

In 2020, the minimum amount required is 90 euros per person per day. In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency. 

Economic means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller's cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.

Entry authorization​​​  

Authorization to enter Spain may be granted to nationals of third States who have the necessary documentation, including, where appropriate, a visa, and sufficient financial means, and who are not subject to an entry ban and do not pose a danger to public order, the internal or external security of the State, or public health.

Denial of entry​ 

The competent authorities will deny entry to nationals of third States who do not meet the entry requirements or who are subject to an entry ban. Entry may also be denied if, in the previous 180 days, the traveller has exhausted the 90-day period for authorized stay in the Schengen area. 

The denial of entry will be notified by means of a reasoned decision, together with information on the procedure for appealing against this decision, in accordance with Spanish regulations. However, filing an appeal does not suspend the effects of the denial of entry.

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and their family members​​ 

Citizens of the Member States of the European Union, and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may enter Spain with their national identity card or with a valid passport. Minors who travel with an identity document and are not accompanied by a parent will need the authorization of one of their parents. 

Family members who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland may enter with a valid passport. Depending on their nationality, they may need an entry visa, unless they have a valid residence card as the relative of a European Union citizen.

Relevant legislation