Under the new order, travelers from non-EU countries can now enter Spain for tourism, provided they present one of their medical documents. Until now, tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 have had the right to enter Spain from third countries. The new step means that the country’s authorities in the Pyrenees have equalized the right to cross the border for tourists from the block and beyond.
The decision was approved by the Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism Reyes Maroto, who also noted that travelers from third countries are now equated with travelers from the EU and associated Schengen countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
“This great news, long-awaited by the tourism sector, will make it easier for tourists from outside Europe to come to us in the middle of the season, ensuring safe mobility. Spain is becoming one of the most desirable destinations in the world, as evidenced by demand indicators, which are approaching pre-pandemic levels month by month, “the official explained.
According to him, the weakening of entry measures for travelers from third countries will attract even more tourists to the country this summer.
In an order published in the Official Gazette, the Ministry of the Interior stressed that for travelers to be allowed to enter Spain, both from EU and non-EU countries, they must provide one of the following: documents:
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, which proves that the traveler has received 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 be issued at least 11 days after confirmation of COVID-19 infection by PCR or laboratory antigen test.
- Negative results of a PCR test performed 72 hours before departure to Spain, or negative results of an antigen test performed 24 hours before departure to Spain.
- “Children under the age of 12 are exempt from presenting any type of certificate. In addition, passengers arriving by sea, as well as those arriving at airports with an EU digital certificate Covid or recognized as equivalent
- According to the European Commission, it will not be necessary to fill in the SPTH health control form, “the Ministry of Tourism said.
Since last Thursday, May 19, Spain has also abolished sanitary control on the land border with France, which has been in place for more than two years. In addition, on Monday, May 17, Spain also began the gradual opening of its borders between the North African country of Morocco and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.