If you're planning to travel to Spain, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Spain has suffered greatly from Covid-19, with a high number of cases and deaths. In recent months the Omicron coronavirus variant spread in Spain.
What's on offer
One of Europe's biggest hitters for good reason, Spain pulls tourists in by the millions thanks to its warm weather, laidback vibe and excellent food and wine. Plus, of course, there are some of Europe's best beach resorts, mountains, and cultural cities such as Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
Who can go
Fully vaccinated travelers from anywhere in the world can enter Spain for a vacation without proof of a negative Covid test, including travelers from countries Spain has classified as "risk" destinations, but excluding travelers from countries Spain has classified as "high risk." There are currently no countries on Spain's "high risk" list.
All non-EU and non-Schengen countries count as "risk" countries, aside from an exempted list of destinations that currently includes Indonesia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Travelers from these destinations can enter Spain without proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test. This list is refreshed regularly, and this current iteration is valid until February 20.
Some countries and areas in the EU/EEA are also regarded as risk destinations by Spain -- the list of European risk spots is currently extensive and also changes regularly, so should be checked before travel.
Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who've received a single dose of a vaccine and are traveling from EU or Schengen zone countries can enter Spain with a PCR or antigen test.
Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 traveling from a country outside the EU and Schengen zone do not need to show proof of vaccination. They can enter Spain as long as they present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Children under 12 do not need to present a health certificate of any kind, no matter their country of origin.
What are the restrictions?
As mentioned above, fully vaccinated travelers from anywhere in the world can enter Spain for a vacation without proof of a negative Covid test, including travelers from countries Spain's classified as "risk" destinations, but excluding travelers from countries Spain's classified as "high risk."
Travelers from countries classified as "high risk" by Spain must show a negative test, regardless of vaccination status. There are currently no countries on Spain's high risk list.
As of February 1, Spain will not accept proof of vaccination if the final dose of vaccination was over 270 days ago.
If you're an unvaccinated traveler from a country that's not part of the EU or the Schengen zone -- nor one of the exempted non-EU and non-Schengen countries listed above -- you can only visit Spain if your trip is regarded as essential.
Non-vaccinated travelers arriving from risk countries must show proof of a negative test result -- either a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival.
All travelers -- wherever they're coming from and whatever their vaccination status -- must complete a Health Control Form (HCF), which can be completed via the Spain Travel Health website or app. It will generate a QR code which must be shown on arrival in the country.
Spain recognizes the European Union's Digital Covid Certificate -- which EU travelers can use to demonstrate if they have had Covid-19, recently tested negative and whether they've been vaccinated.
Health assessments take place on arrival into Spain, with a temperature check and visual examination as standard.
What's the Covid situation?
Spain has seen more than 10.7 million Covid infections and over 97,300 deaths as of February 17, 2022. There have been recent concerns about the Omicron variant in Spain, although cases are now falling.
As of February 17, over 96.1 million vaccine doses have been administered in Spain and over 81.5% of the population has been fully vaccinated.
What can visitors expect?
Face masks are currently required in indoor public spaces, but as of February 10, wearing masks outdoors is optional. Wearing a face mask outside is still obligatory if standing at a large outdoors event, or at a seated outdoor event where social distancing between households isn't possible.
Different regions of Spain's have slightly different Covid measures. It's best to check in advance what individual restrictions are in each region before planning a visit -- Spain's official tourism website is a helpful resource for this.
Our latest coverage
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added Spain to its highest-risk category for travel late last year.
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Spain's Olavidia cheese was recently crowned the world's best at the World Cheese Awards.
The town of Regencos on the Costa Brava made our recent list of the most beautiful towns in Europe.
If you're after culture, Cordoba has more UNESCO-rated sights than anywhere else in the country, or if you want cool, Barcelona's Eixample neighborhood has been named the top spot in the world. Not far off, in Figueres, is Dali's bizarre self-curated museum. You can also find out what it's like hiking Spain's "Coast of Death" here.
