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National
Julie Delahaye & Jane Hall

Latest travel rules for Spain, Balearics and Canary Islands as Brits look for summer holidays

Holidays abroad are back on the cards again this year as coronavirus restrictions ease across the globe - with Spain top of many Brits summer getaway list.

Companies like Ryanai r, TUI, Jet2, easyJet and British Airways are all offering holiday and flight deals to the top vacation hotspots, whether you're planning to jet-off for the May bank holiday, half-term or the summer break.

For those not restricted to school holidays, there are plenty of offers available across May, June and July, with Spain and its islands offering up some of the best hot and sunny weather, reports the Mirror.

Read more: The face mask rules for airlines including Ryanair, Jet2, British Airways and Emirates

Whilst coronavirus restrictions are all but a thing of the past here in the UK, there are still some rules you need to be aware of if travelling abroad. The Spanish authorities have sparked confusion after announcing unvaccinated Brits could enter with a Covid test, only to do a U-turn on the decision hours later due to a misunderstanding.

So, what are the latest travel rules for Spain, the Canaries and the Balearics?

Spain is top of the list for many Brits holidaying abroad this year with the easing of Covid restrcitions (Getty Images)

Spain entry requirements

Anyone travelling to Spain needs to show proof of either being fully vaccinated or having recently recovered from Covid. To be considered as fully vaccinated you'll need to have completed a full vaccination course at least 14 days before travel. If you completed this over 270 days (nine months) before travelling to Spain, you'll need a booster jab to qualify as fully vaccinated.

Although the rules apply to anyone aged 12 or over, Spain has eased its restrictions for unvaccinated teens aged 12 to 17, who can visit if they have proof of a negative Covid test taken before travel.

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to fill out a pre-travel health form. However, anyone entering with proof of Covid recovery, or unvaccinated teens aged 12 to 17, has to fill out a pre-travel online form, which must be completed no more than 48 hours before travel to Spain.

Currently, unvaccinated Brits will not be able to enter for holidays unless they can show proof of recovery.

Spain recently relaxed its face mask rules which means you'll no longer be required to wear these at indoor venues, such as restaurants and bars. The country has already axed a requirement to wear face coverings outdoors.

Canary Islands travel rules

The Canaries' rules are similar to those of Spain; you need to be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery to visit. Again, unvaccinated teens aged between 12-17 can visit provided they have proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours before travel.

You may also need to show proof of a negative Covid test for your accommodation - check with your tour operator or travel agent. All visitors will need to fill out a pre-travel online form before travelling to the Canaries.

If you're travelling to the islands from Spain, the Foreign Office travel advice notes: "To travel to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may need to show a negative Covid test depending on the region you are travelling from. Check with your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements."

The Canaries have ended their local Covid restrictions, which included removing capacity limits for venues such as bars and restaurants, and once again allowing dancing in nightclubs.

Balearic Islands travel requirements

Travellers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid if they want to go to the Balearics. According to the Balearics Tourism Board website, proof of recent recovery or a negative Covid test will not be accepted for travellers arriving from the UK. You can find out more on the tourism board website .

Anyone entering the Balearic Islands will need to fill out a pre-travel health check form online. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements.

If you are travelling to the islands from Spain, the Foreign Office travel advice notes: "To travel to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may need to show a negative Covid test depending on the region you are travelling from. Check with your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements."

Travel restrictions can change quickly due to the nature of the pandemic. Always check the Foreign Office's latest Spain travel advice which covers mainland Spain, the Canaries and the Balearics, before booking or going on a trip.

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