Spain travel rules: What are the vaccine requirements for holidays?

With many schools set to break up in two weeks, millions of British tourists are planning to head to Spain in the big summer getaway.

Many European countries, including Portugal, Greece and Croatia, have dropped all COVID travel restrictions ahead of the holiday season.

But Spain – popular with British families with 18 million expected to travel there this year – continues with stricter requirements for non-EU or Schengen-associated countries.

One of the most notable requirements is that anyone who has not had their booster jab must have had their latest vaccine no more than nine months before travelling.

Anyone over 18 who has been vaccinated but not had a booster will need to prove at least 14 days, and no more than 270 days, have passed since the last dose to qualify as fully vaccinated.

The ongoing restrictions mean that the travel chaos seen at airports in recent weeks – including delayed and cancelled flights, as well as huge delays – will likely continue over summer.

It comes as infections in all four nations of the UK are rising, with levels in England back to where they were in late April.

However, COVID deaths in England and Wales remain at a low level, despite the latest wave of infections, with 285 deaths registered in the week to 24 June where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Watch: Gatwick axes hundreds of summer flights over staff shortages

Requirements for all travellers to Spain

According to the UK government website, anyone over 12 who travels to Spain over summer will need to show one of the following

• valid proof of being fully vaccinated under the country’s validity period requirements

• a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure

• a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure

• proof of recovery from COVID within the last six months

Anyone unable to show proof of any of the above will need to fill out Spain’s Travel Health Control form upon entry.

Are there any other checks?

Upon entry to Spain, British travellers may also face temperature checks or a COVID test on arrival.

Another PCR test may be required at any point up to 48 hours after arrival.

What if I’m fully vaccinated?

Anyone regarded as fully vaccinated under Spanish laws will be allowed into the country. However, Spain’s definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ means you must have had received a booster jab – which currently has no expiry date.

Anyone over 18 who has been vaccinated but not had a booster will need to prove at least 14 days, and no more than 270 days, have passed since the last dose to qualify as fully vaccinated.

Twelve to 17-year-olds do not need to have the booster to qualify as fully vaccinated but at least 14 days must have passed since the last dose, with no expiry after 270 days.

Proof of vaccination can be shown via the UK’s relevant NHS apps, but NHS appointment cards from vaccination centres will not be accepted.

Can I enter Spain without being vaccinated?

You can enter Spain without having had the COVID jab but you will need to show proof of either a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entering the country, proof of a negative antigen test within the last 24 hours, or proof of recovery in the last six months.

If you have not had the vaccine, you will also need to complete Spain’s Travel Health Control forms within 48 hours of entering the country – unless you can show proof of recovery or are under 12 years old.