Traveling to Spain during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

The basics

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

Travelers from most places in the European Union, alongside Australia, China, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand and Uruguay are allowed to enter Spain without having to undergo quarantine.

Arrivals from the UK were restricted until March 30, 2021, except for Spanish nationals and legal residents of Spain. While this ban is now lifted, UK regulations forbid British people from traveling abroad for vacations until at least May 17.

The border has also been restricted between Spain and Portugal. Since March 30, people crossing the land border between France and Spain have had to present a negative PCR test.

Visitors from other countries are not permitted to enter, unless they gain special permission from the Spanish government.

What are the restrictions?

Health assessments take place on arrival into Spain, with a temperature check and visual examination as standard.

What’s the Covid situation?

Spain has been in a state of emergency since the start of November 2020, with curbs due to be in place until May 2021. The country has seen over 3.4 million infections and over 77,000 deaths.

Over 12 million people have had their first vaccination in Spain and 7.12% of the population has been fully vaccinated as of April 20.

What can visitors expect?

Under the state of emergency, a national curfew is in place, effective from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. Masks must be worn in public at all times (children 5 and younger are exempt), while gatherings indoors and outdoors are limited to six people.

Restrictions vary by region, with some closing their internal borders to prevent transmission of Covid-19. This regional approach means that restrictions often change depending on the local government. Curfew times may change as a result.

Hotels are operating at limited capacity, limiting guest numbers to ensure social distancing. Smoking outdoors is banned where two meters’ social distancing cannot be maintained.

Over Spain’s Semana Santa — Holy Week, usually a busy time in Spain — traveling between Spain’s regions was restricted.

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Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley and Francesca Street contributed to this report