On Friday October 21st, Spain lifted all the sanitary control measures that still remained for people coming from countries outside the EU or Schengen countries. Controls in Ceuta and Melilla have also suspended. The order was published in the Official State Gazette (OSG).
The ministry has pointed out that taking into account the evolution of the pandemic at a global level and the epidemiological situation in Spain it is considered convenient to leave without effect the sanitary control measures for people coming from countries not belonging to the European Union or with the consideration of Schengen associated countries. The decision was also taken with the aim of favoring the normalization of international mobility, with the least possible impact on public health.
UK citizens can travel to Spain without restrictions free. Local and regional restrictions may be introduced at short notice, so it is advisable to check before you travel. Masks are no longer mandatory in public spaces including bars, cafes, cinemas and museums. Masks are still required on airplanes, buses, trains, metros and taxis. On ferries also if a 1.5-m distance can’t be maintained indoors.
Most European Union/European Economic Area countries had already lifted their special entry rules and measures for summer 2022, allowing arrivals from almost any country without restrictions from July of this year onwards, after the Covid-19 epidemiological situation improved in many parts of the world. Spain was, until last week, the only country with some of these measures in place.
Effective from the 2nd of June, Spain removed all Covid-related restrictions for travelers coming from the EU or Schengen area. As of that date, proof of vacation, recovery, or negative test are no longer required. In its decision, Spain’s Ministry of Health noted that the majority of Member States have already taken a similar decision.
The OSG states that in view of the evolution of the pandemic and in order to favor the normalization of international mobility. In this scenario, it is considered that the measures limiting international mobility should be applied respecting the general principles of Union Law, not going beyond what is strictly necessary to safeguard public health and should be lifted when the epidemiological situation, particularly in hospitals, allows it.
This resolution leaves without effect that of April 1, 2022, relating to the sanitary controls to be carried out at border points in Spain. This order established that persons arriving in Spain by air or sea from the aforementioned countries could be subjected to a health check at the first point of entry, which will include, at least, taking their temperature, a documentary check and a visual check of their physical condition.
An eventual worsening of the pandemic may lead to the reactivation of health measures in the field of international travel.
