Spain makes major change to Covid travel rules on vaccination

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Spain had some of Europe’s toughest travel restrictions with all non-EU citizens required to show proof of vaccination, a recent recovery certificate or a negative test result. However, from September 20 the country has decided to drop the need for unvaccinated Britons to fill out the Spain Travel Health form.

According to a document from the Ministry of Health, the move is designed to normalise international travel.

It posted on Facebook: “Starting tomorrow, September 20, it will no longer be necessary to complete the health check form to travel to Spain or present the QR code of the SPTH at the airport on arrival.”

In the official document it said: “The measures to limit international mobility must be applied in compliance with the general principles of Union Law, and must not go beyond what is strictly necessary to safeguard public health and must be lifted when the epidemiological situation, particularly in hospitals, allows it.”

Unvaccinated Britons used to have to fill out the Spain Travel Health Form to enter the country.

However, this will no longer be required for unvaccinated Britons who want to holiday in Spain.

It is not yet clear whether vaccinated Britons will still need to show their vaccination certificate on arrival in Spain.

Temperature controls at airports and mandatory face masks on planes are expected to remain in place for the time being.

The UK Government hasn’t updated its travel advice yet so Britons are advised to check the latest guidelines with their airline before travelling.

The news may come as a surprise to some Britons as Spain only just extended its Covid rules.

It had previously announced that restrictions on unvaccinated non-EU travellers would remain until at least November 19.

Donal Kane, a travel vaccination expert, tweeted: “Quite bizarre given they just extended them until mid November, but nobody will be disappointed to see the last EU country dropping restrictions.”

At the weekend, the Netherlands also decided to drop its Covid entry requirements making travel simpler for Britons.

Tourists no longer have to show proof of vaccination, a negative test result or a certificate of recovery to travel to the Netherlands.

The two EU countries had been the last in the bloc to maintain Covid travel restrictions on unvaccinated tourists.

Spain had ditched Covid restrictions for EU travellers but Britons and other non-EU residents still had to follow them.

Spain is one of the UK’s top tourist destinations and millions of Britons travel to holiday there each year.

The Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol are two of Spain’s top tourist destinations due to their stunning beaches.

During winter many Britons travel to the Canary Islands which boast warm temperatures all year round.

Britons are advised to check the latest guidelines before travel as restrictions can change rapidly.

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