Unvaccinated tourists only required antigen test to enter Spain as of Monday

MadridThe Spanish government is relaxing health controls for entering Spain as of Monday. Coinciding with the start of the summer season and the progressive decline in the incidence of coronavirus, the rules have been eased to speed up the arrival of tourists. The main change is that vaccinated tourists will not need PCRs or any other similar tests to enter, while those who are not immunised will also be able to opt for a quicker and cheaper antigen test. Until now, PCRs were mandatory for any traveller entering the country. So, as of Monday travellers may enter Spain having taken a PCR test, an antigen test, with a vaccination certificate or with a certificate of recovery - the document that proves that they have had covid but are no longer infectious.

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, said in a message on Twitter that "Spain is a safe destination". The executive hopes to become a world leader in tourism once again "soon", although countries like the United Kingdom do not recommend travelling to the state because the level of incidence is still too high. In any case, the possibility of travelling without a PCR, thanks to either vaccination or an antigen test, will cheapen and facilitate travel to Spain.

With these changes, the State follows the recommendations of the European Commission and the path of other European countries that starting next week will also allow entry with antigen test or vaccination certificate. The Spanish government will publish details of the changes this Saturday and they will come into force on Monday.

Travellers will have to fill in, as before, the health control form through the Spain Travel Health (SpTH) application. From Monday, two checkpoints will be set up at ports and airports. Travellers coming from countries or areas not included in the list of countries at risk will have access to fast-track checkpoints using the QR code obtained through the application. In addition, when the EU Covid Digital Certificate including each passenger's coronavirus-related information comes into force, travellers who hold one will be able to access the fast-track checkpoint. All other passengers will go through the other queue and will have to undergo random document checks. Children under the age of six will be exempt from these procedures.