With Covid travel restrictions easing across Europe, British holidaymakers' love affair with Spain is set to resume this summer. The country boasts some of our favourite destinations, whether that's seeking out the sun and sand of the Costa del Sol, tropical paradise of Tenerife or nightlife in the Balearic Islands.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, more than 18.13 million visitors from the UK chose to hoiday in Spain in 2019, making it the top choice for Brits. A survey by ABTA, the UK's largest travel association, suggests that more than a quarter (29 per cent) of overseas travellers will be heading there again, this year.
Data from the National Statistics Office also shows the number of international tourists in Spain increased four-fold in September 2021, compared to the previous year. And the Spanish tourist industry is preparing itself for the much-needed deluge.
Tourism Minister Maria Reyes Maroto said: "This data confirms a reactivation of international tourism is underway and that in 2022 we could recover pre-pandemic levels." There are now fewer Covid restrictions hindering travel between the UK and Spain.
And the industry is banking on the "pent-up demand" from British holidaymakers deprived of their annual getaway during the pandemic to help its recovery in 2022. UK airlines are also gearing up for the increasing demand for Spanish holiday destinations.
Jet2 and easyJet are just two of the British airlines increasing operations in Spain, according to Fernando Valdés, Spain’s Secretary of State for tourism, reports the SpainVisa website. Travellers are being reminded, however, that some public health measures and restrictions remain in place.
Spain covid booster jab entry requirements travelling from the UK
The UK Government has recently updated its country-specific travel advice for holidaymakers planning their summer break. Its Gov.uk online foreign travel portal states: "Public health measures to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 remains in force across Spain and may vary between regions."
It adds that before travelling, visitors need to check the latest "entry requirements" for the country. "Entry restrictions and requirements may may change with little warning," it warns. "New rules may be brought in at short notice, for example due to a new Covid-19 variant."
Tourists are advised they need to show valid proof of being fully vaccinated with both doses of a two-dose vaccine, or one dose of a one-dose vaccine, at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. Alternatively, they have to demonstrate a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or a lateral flow test taken within 24 hours before they travel.
Anyone who has recovered form Covid in the last six months can use an official medical certificate or recovery record to enter the country. Meeting these requirements means you will not have to complete Spain's Travel Health Control form, which also applies to children under 12.
Everyone else, however, must complete the form "no more than 48 hours before travel". Visitors are also warned they may be required to undergo additional tests prior to travel, or extra checks such as a temperature check, visual health assessment or a test - on their arrival at a Spanish airport.
People who arrive in Spain having visited an "at risk" country in the previous 14 days may have to meet an additional set of requirements. The Foreign Office adds that the Spanish government reviews their list of at risk countries on a weekly basis.
There is important advice relating to booster jabs for anyone preparing for a Spanish holiday. The Gov.uk westite states: "If you completed your vaccination more than 270 days prior to travel to Spain, you must be able to show proof of having received a booster jab.
"There is no requirement for 14 days to have passed between receiving your booster jab and entering Spain," it adds. "Booster jabs can be administered at any time prior to travel to Spain. There is currently no expiry date for booster jabs."
The government also recommends holidaymakers have the appropriate travel insurance. "During the Covid pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover."
