The Spanish government changed its mind less than a week after the new rules were released, and opted to modify the regulations controlling the admission of non-vaccinated travelers from outside the EU.
The Spanish authorities have finally decided to permit entry for non-vaccinated travellers from third countries if they test negative for the virus.
The decision was taken by the Ministry of the Interior and became effective on Saturday, May 21, immediately after a new order amending the old rules on travel to Spain amid the Coronavirus pandemic was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), which was set to remain effective until June 15, after being put into the effect to this date only a week ago.
According to the new order, travellers from countries outside the European Union can now enter Spain for non-essential purposes, given that they present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, proof of recovery from the virus, or negative COVID-19 test results.
So far, only travellers vaccinated against COVID-19 have been eligible to enter Spain from third countries. The move means that now the non-vaccinated travellers from EU and non-EU countries will both be treated the same when it comes to entry requirements.
The decision has been applauded by the Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, who also pointed out that travellers from third countries are now equated with those from the EU and associated Schengen countries – Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
“This excellent news, highly anticipated by the tourism sector, will make it easier for tourists from outside Europe to visit us this high season, guaranteeing safe mobility. Spain is emerging as one of the most desired destinations in the world, as shown by the demand indicators that month after month are approaching pre-pandemic levels,” he said.
According to him, the relaxation of entry measures for travellers from third countries will attract even more tourists to the country this summer.
In its order published on the official gazette, the Ministry of Interior emphasizes that in order for travellers to be eligible to enter Spain, both those from EU and non-EU countries, they must present one of the following documents:
- Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 that proves the traveller has taken the second or third/booster dose in the last nine months.
- Certificate of recovery from the virus issued in the last 180 days. The certificate must have been issued at least 11 days after the confirmation of the infection with COVID-19 by a PCR or antigen test performed by professionals.
- Negative PCR test results carried out in the 72 hours prior to departure to Spain, or negative antigen test results carried out in the 24 hours prior to departure to Spain.
“Children under 12 years of age will be exempt from presenting any type of certificate. In addition, passengers arriving by sea, as well as those arriving at airports with an EU Covid Digital Certificate or recognized as equivalent by the European Commission, will not have to fill out the SPTH Health Control Form,” the Ministry of Tourism points out.
Source: Schengen Visa Info
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