Covid travel rules: British holidaymakers without a Covid vaccine can now travel to Spain

It has been formally confirmed that British holidaymakers who haven’t been vaccinated in opposition to Covid can now journey to Spain.

On Friday its Tourism Minister Maria Reyes Maroto mentioned the transfer can be made inside “a matter of days” – and in reality it took simply 24 hours, stories WalesOnline.

As of Saturday (Might 22), non-vaccinated travellers from outdoors of the EU might enter as soon as extra though they might want to present a unfavorable check.

Learn extra:Just 1 in 55 had Covid last week – but two new Omicron variants now ‘of concern’ say Government experts

In the meantime those that are totally vaccinated don’t must take a check, however nonetheless want to indicate proof they acquired the Covid jab. The UK eliminated its journey restrictions on March 18, that means that journey between the 2 nations is now almost as easy as earlier than the pandemic.

On Saturday, Mr Maroto told the BBC that the “new part of the pandemic” meant the nation was capable of chill out the principles: “This is good news, a lot awaited by the tourism sector. Spain is turning into one of the crucial desired locations on the earth.”

Guests to Spain should current one of many following to enter:

* Vaccination certificates assembly the federal government’s necessities

* A unfavorable check certificates (PCR or related)

* Certificates of restoration not less than 11 days after testing constructive

The proof of vaccination could be a UK certificates, both in digital or printed type. For these taking checks, these should be accomplished within the 72 hours earlier than journey if a PCR, or 24 if utilizing a speedy move antigen check.

Anybody utilizing a proof of restoration certificates is reminded that it’s legitimate for 180 days from the date of a constructive check. Kids aged beneath 12 are exempt from all necessities to show vaccination or prior an infection.

Julia Lo Bue-Stated from the Benefit Journey Partnership, an impartial journey agent group, informed the BBC: “This is excellent information simply forward of the Might half-term and peak season.”

She added: “Nonetheless, it’s disappointing that Spain has not gone additional and eliminated the necessity for pre-arrival checks for unvaccinated travellers given the minimal profit these checks have for public well being. Customers need to journey with ease and if locations prohibit this, then they’ll go elsewhere.”

The Affiliation of British Journey Brokers (Abta) added: “This summer season is predicted to be the busiest vacation season for the reason that begin of the pandemic, with 70% of households saying they’ve a vacation overseas booked this 12 months.”

Abta mentioned that France, Italy, Greece and Portugal have been additionally proving in style. Whereas Greece has scrapped all Covid journey restrictions, the opposite three nations nonetheless require guests to satisfy sure entry guidelines. Travellers both want proof of vaccination or to have taken a unfavorable check earlier than leaving the UK, whereas Italy and Portugal can even settle for a Covid restoration certificates.