Any Vaccination Needed to Travel to Spain?

If you are traveling to Spain from the UK, you need to know some key things before you travel. Spain along with the rest of Europe was seriously affected by COVID-19 and after a successful reopening this summer, the situation worsened and Spanish authorities require certain COVID entry requirements before they will allow you in the country.

The first document is a pre-travel declaration form or what they call a Health Control Form. The second is either:

• A negative COVID-19 test (eg: PCR, TMA, LAMP or NEAR) within 72 hours prior to arrival)
• Proof of full vaccination (at least 14 days prior to arrival)

Without these documents, you won’t be able to enter Spain. What’s important to know is that the Spanish government publishes and reviews their countries with high risk every seven days. So any UK resident who is traveling to Spain needs to check if they are coming from a “risk country” or if they have been in a country classified as a risk country in the last 14 days.

Another important requirement is that you can only enter the country if you received your final COVID dose, (be it a one or two dose vaccine), 14 days prior to entering Spin. The vaccine must be authorized by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organisation. The good news is that Spain accepts the NHS issued vacation Certificate as evidence of vaccination so that shouldn’t pose an issue for travelers.

Your documents can be in either English, Spanish, French or German and in paper or electronic format. All documents must specify the full name and surname of the passenger.

Read also: Which COVID Tests Do I Need for Travel?

If traveling by air or sea any passenger will have to fill an online Health Control Form no more than 48 hours prior to travel letting the authorities know your history of exposure to the coronavirus and your contact details. Children under 12 are also required to submit the Health Control Form (although they are exempt from needing to produce a COVID negative test or Vaccination Certificate for entry). On arrivival at Spanish airports or ports you need to present the QR code received when you complete the form. You will also be subject to a temperature check. At this point, you also need to show proof of vaccination or your negative COVID-19 test.

If coming from a “risk country” in the last two weeks you need to present a test, vaccination proof, or a recovery certificate proving roving that you have had COVID-19 in teh last 6 monthsplease note that Spain will not accept certificates of recovery from the UK that prove you have had COVID-19 in the last 6 months -  This is an option specifically for Spanish residents coming from a “risk country see below). Be aware that the authorities can ask you to do a test in your first two days of stay if they deem it necessary. Spanish border authorities will only grant you access if you fulfill all their conditions and if you are in good health at the arrival.

Keep an eye on the Spanish Ministry of Health page on COVID-19 pages for updates on entry and exit requirements and also the FCDO.

Travel from Spain to the Canary or the Balearic Islands

If traveling to the Canary or the Balearic Islands you may also be required to present a further covid test negative result depending on the region you are coming from. Always stay informed and check the latest news and requirements for your specific trip details and circumstances through the Spanish Ministry of Health page on COVID-19.

If during your stay in Spain you show any of the COVID-19 symptoms that include (fever, shortness of breath, cough) or decreased sense of smell and taste, chills, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting, you should isolate yourself in your room and call the hotline for your region and in case of emergency call 112.

Read also: A Handy Covid Travel Apps Guide

Please remember that the safety rules that have become familiar to us apply - including mandatory mask wearing on public transportation and follow the general rules on a safe distance from 1.5m, wash your hands often and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing. You should also always carry proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test while in public places and be prepared to show them as evidence before being permitted entry.

Understand that your trip may change and that there may be longer wait times while additional checks are made. delays in planes and boats. Always have access to money and a good travel insurance policy in case the unexpected happens.

Globelink COVID-19 Travel Insurance For UK travelers

If you are planning on traveling to Spain soon, your best bet to stay protected against unexpected medical problems or trip disruption is a travel policy like Globelink COVID-19 Travel Insurance. You get COVID-19 Emergency Medical cover if you catch COVID while away; Cancellation Cover if you have a positive test within 14 days of travel; Emergency Medical Repatriation cover where medically necessary; Curtailment Cover; additional accommodation and travel costs where authorised by the 24 hr Assistance Service. Plus access to a 24 hr multi lingual assistance team and 20% off UK based COVID testing!

So stay secure – even before your trip has started and get your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Learn more at our page COVID-19 Travel Insurance.

Read also: Single Trip Travel Insurance to Spain for UK and EU Residents

Other Vaccine Requirements For Entering Spain

As for any other vaccine requirements you don’t need any vaccines for travel to Spain. You can keep up to date by reviewing the Centre of Tropical Diseases website for requirements here.

Like everywhere else in the world, you are advised to ensure your anti-tetanus booster is up to date – especially if traveling to remote or rural areas. The list of routine vaccines includes:

• Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine
• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine
• Yearly flu vaccine

If you have a pre-existing medical conditions its worth checking with your medical practitioner that you are OK to travel. Globelink cover over 50 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions for free.

Top Tips on avoid getting Ill when travelling

It may sound simple, but you would be surprised how many people get infected by a lack of basic hygiene. Diarrhea, food poisoning and hepatitis A, can be avoided by ensuring you take good hygiene precautions.

• Hot Water Hand Washing – for at least 45 seconds and carry anti-bac and antiseptic wipes for surfaces
• Sun Screen - Use High factor sunscreen. 30+ is best. You will still tan but avoid the risk of burning. Use an all day protector or set an alarm to re-apply.
• Stay hydrated - Drinking plenty of water will help you stay well and to avoid heatstroke.
• Avoid Mosquitoes - wear long-sleeves, long trousers and hats. Use repellent. And if you get bitten don’t scratch or you risk bites getting infected.
• Carry a mini medical kit – pain killers, antiseptic cream, plasters, allergy medicine. This will stop minor ailments ruining your day.

Whether you are planning to visit Spain or have already travelled, check Spain Travel Advice section of Foreign and Commonwealth Office to stay updated about any travel alerts.

Read also: Famous Places in Spain