It has been officially confirmed that British holidaymakers who have not been vaccinated against Covid can now travel to Spain.
On Friday its Tourism Minister Maria Reyes Maroto said the move would be made within "a matter of days" - and in fact it took just 24 hours, reports WalesOnline.
As of Saturday (May 22), non-vaccinated travellers from outside of the EU could enter once more although they will need to show a negative test.
Meanwhile those who are fully vaccinated do not need to take a test, but still need to show proof they received the Covid jab. The UK removed its travel restrictions on March 18, meaning that travel between the two countries is now nearly as straightforward as before the pandemic.
On Saturday, Mr Maroto told the BBC that the "new phase of the pandemic" meant the country was able to relax the rules: "This is excellent news, much awaited by the tourism sector. Spain is becoming one of the most desired destinations in the world."
Visitors to Spain must present one of the following to enter:
* Vaccination certificate meeting the government's requirements
* A negative test certificate (PCR or similar)
* Certificate of recovery at least 11 days after testing positive
The proof of vaccination can be a UK certificate, either in digital or printed form. For those taking tests, these must be done in the 72 hours before travel if a PCR, or 24 if using a rapid flow antigen test.
Anyone using a proof of recovery certificate is reminded that it is valid for 180 days from the date of a positive test. Children aged under 12 are exempt from all requirements to prove vaccination or prior infection.
Julia Lo Bue-Said from the Advantage Travel Partnership, an independent travel agent group, told the BBC: "This is very good news just ahead of the May half-term and peak season."
She added: "However, it is disappointing that Spain has not gone further and removed the need for pre-arrival tests for unvaccinated travellers given the minimal benefit these tests have for public health. Consumers want to travel with ease and if destinations prohibit this, then they will go elsewhere."
The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) added: "This summer is expected to be the busiest holiday season since the start of the pandemic, with 70% of families saying they have a holiday abroad booked this year."
Abta said that France, Italy, Greece and Portugal were also proving popular. While Greece has scrapped all Covid travel restrictions, the other three countries still require visitors to meet certain entry rules. Travellers either need proof of vaccination or to have taken a negative test before leaving the UK, while Italy and Portugal will also accept a Covid recovery certificate.
