Rules for Irish holidaymakers heading to the sunny coasts of Spain are due to change in the coming weeks.
According to the latest update from the Spanish government, the need to wear face masks indoors will end in April - however, it will remain in place on public transport.
Speaking on Wednesday, Health Minister Carolina Darias announced the changes from April 20 ahead of the the influx of tourists this summer.
Health officials have noted the recession in cases since the most recent spike in January as the reason for the easing and said hospitalisations due to covid are down to just 3.5% as the Omicron wave begins to settle down.
The new recommendation comes just months after Spain stopped mandatory outdoor mask use - in early February.
However, local reports suggest that a large number of Spaniards still choose to wear one in crowded areas.
"A recommendation to wear masks responsibly will be issued when there are gatherings of people," Minister Darias advised.
Irish passengers touching down in Spain over the coming weeks will still be subject to document checks at the airport on either side of their trip.
Passengers with a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate will still need to complete the Health Control Form before their departure in order to obtain a "Fast Control QR code" to show at boarding.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs: “Covid vaccination certificates are valid from 14 days after the administration of the last dose of the primary vaccination schedule.
“Vaccination certificates are valid for no more than 270 days from the date of the last dose of the primary vaccination schedule.
“For any period in excess of this, vaccination certificates must reflect the administration of a booster dose in order to be valid.”
Passengers will not be subject to further testing or quarantine requirements on entry to Spain provided their EU DCC shows either:
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of recovery
- Either a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain, or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival in Spain
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