Spain to allow entry for vaccinated travellers from third country

The Spanish authorities have finalized the plan to allow entry for travellers from third nations who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 if they tested negative for the virus.

The decision was taken by the Ministry of the Interior and became effective last Saturday, May 21, immediately after a new order amending the old order on travel to Spain amid the Coronavirus pandemic was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), which was set to remain effective until June 15, after being extended to this date only a week ago.

As per the new order, travellers from nations outside the European Union can now enter Spain for non-essential purposes, given that they present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, proof of recovery from the virus, or negative COVID-19 test results.

The decision has been applauded by the Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, who also pointed out that travellers from third countries are now equated with those from the EU and associated Schengen countries – Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

In its order published on the official gazette, the Ministry of Interior emphasizes that in order for travellers to be eligible to enter Spain, both those from EU and non-EU countries, they must present one of the following documents:

– Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 that proves the traveller has taken the second or third/booster dose in the last nine months.

– Certificate of recovery from the virus issued in the last 180 days. The certificate must have been issued at least 11 days after the confirmation of the infection with COVID-19 by a PCR or antigen test performed by professionals.

– Negative PCR test results carried out in the 72 hours prior to departure to Spain, or negative antigen test results carried out in the 24 hours prior to departure to Spain.