On June 7th, Spain officially opened its doors to travelers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and without having to go through a quarantine period.
Spanish authorities announced that visitors must prove they were inoculated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) at least 14 days before entering Spain, and must also present a negative Covid-19 test. For those who have tested positive for Covid-19 within 90 days of their trip, they must provide proof of their recovery from a licensed healthcare provider.
Unvaccinated children will be allowed to enter provided they travel with vaccinated parents and present proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Children under 6 years old will not be required to show a negative Covid-19 test.
Visitors will again be able to admire the sunset at the Alhambra in Granada, go for a walk in the Retiro Park in Madrid, and enjoy a glass of Cava at the feet of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Spain was the world’s second-most visited country in 2019 after welcoming a record 83.7 million tourists. That number plummeted to 19 million tourists in 2020 — 80% fewer than the year prior — as Spain fared worse than most European counterparts through the pandemic.
Beaches, markets, museums, and public theaters are already open. Currently, there are region-specific restrictions regarding capacity limits at restaurants and bars, as well as for the opening hours of nightclubs.
Spain is one of many European countries reopening doors to vaccinated tourist. Countries like Greece, France, Iceland, Portugal, among many others, have begun welcoming international visitors, each with their own set of requirements. On June 14th, the Presidents of the three EU institutions, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission attended the official signing ceremony for the Regulation on the EU Digital Covid Certificate, marking the end of the legislative process.
The El Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums have reopened as the country reopens its cultural and vibrant life. To cater for the accumulated demand, some hotel openings are in the horizon, including the Four Seasons Hotel, the Ritz, and the much awaited Pestana CR7. All of them are located in Madrid.
Masks continue to be mandatory both inside and outside across the country, and citizens generally respect the rules. Some experts believe, however, that the outdoor mask policy will be reduced by mid-summer.
