Spain has officially reopened for tourism as of June 21st. The country first opened its doors to tourists from within the European Union. As one of the most popular summer destinations for Europeans, Spain is hoping to attract thousands of tourists into the country this summer, despite being one of the hardest-hit-countries in the pandemic.
Spain is now under the new normal phase and has been accepting tourists, including in the Balearic Islands and the Canaries, known for their superb beaches. On July 4th, the country has reopened its borders to more international tourists from countries outside the EU.
Who Can Travel to Spain?
All members of the European Union have been allowed entry to Spain since June 21st. Furthermore, Spain’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that even though the UK is in the process of moving out of the EU, visitors from the UK are also welcome to enter the country.
Below is a list of countries that can enter Spain since June 21st:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
In line with the recommendations of the EU council, Spain has also lifted entry restrictions for the following third-party countries on July 4:
- Algeria
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Georgia
- Japan
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
A reciprocity principle was maintained for citizens of Algeria, China, and Morocco.
What Are the Travel Restrictions In Place?
All tourists can enter Spain with no test or quarantine requirements. However, the government will impose a series of checks for all travelers arriving in the country:
- All visitors must undergo a temperature check. Only those with temperatures below 37.5 degrees Celsius will be allowed to enter.
- A public health form must be completed by all travelers, which can be found online at www.spth.gob.es. They can also access the health form through the SPAIN TRAVEL HEALTH app, which they can download on their mobile phone for free. After completing the form, they will be given a QR code, which they need to present upon arrival in the country.
- Any passenger who is suspected of having the COVID-19 symptoms will undergo another health assessment. The temperature will be taken again and their epidemiological health will be evaluated. If they are confirmed to have the COVID-19, they will be taken to a medical center for treatment at their own expense.
Special Health Protection Measures
All regions in Spain have now transitioned to the new normality. However, to ensure the safety of everybody, the government has put in place some special health protection measures:
- People are advised to stay at least 1.5 meters apart from each other in public.
- Everyone aged six and above must wear a mask on public spaces and when taking public transport.
- Failure to comply with any of the special health protection measures will result in a penalty of 100 euros.
It’s also worth noting that different provinces in Spain have imposed different measures, and rules and restrictions could change from time to time. For instance, some parts of Catalonia, which is now the epicenter of new outbreaks, have imposed stricter restrictions, including in Barcelona where nightclubs, theaters, and cinemas have been closed. New restrictions have also been introduced in Galicia.
It’s therefore important to always keep yourself updated with the latest news updates while traveling in Spain.
What’s Open In Spain?
In most areas in Spain, bars and restaurants have already opened. However, these establishments are operating at reduced capacity and are required by the government to follow strict social distancing guidelines.
Outdoor exhibitions and concerts with up to 400 people are allowed, however, social distancing measures must be followed. Nightclubs have also opened up although the capacity is limited. People entering the bars and nightclubs must wear masks and are advised to provide their contact details. The dance floor has also ben converted to a seating area.
Tourists can swim at the beaches. Some zoos, water parks, theme parks, and museums have reopened, but with reduced capacity. The Sagrada Familia and Alhambra Palace, two of Spain’s most popular tourist spots, have also opened up.
