Spain has relaxed entry rules for foreigners from outside the EU
It has been reported that Spain has relaxed entry requirements for international travellers from outside the European Union (EU) and its associated Schengen zone over the weekend. The same applies to US and UK citizens. In general, these are those who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
As of 21 May, unvaccinated non-EU citizens arriving by air or sea into the EU territory can now enter the country concerned simply by submitting negative test results. These are PCR or other NAAT tests. These must be carried out within 72 hours of the person’s departure for Spain. It is also possible to submit the results of an antigen test performed within 24 hours of departure.
Until now, fully vaccinated guests from non-EU countries have only provided proof of their valid vaccination status (certificate of vaccination). But unvaccinated visitors from outside the zone could only gain access by providing proof of their recent recovery from the virus, which would indicate that they had acquired natural immunity.
The Washington Post reported that in Spain, the number of new cases of COVID-19 reported daily has fallen by 9% in the past week. Tracking data collected showed that the number of new cases in the last 7 days, as of Monday, was 229 per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, in the US, there was a 12 per cent increase in new cases per day over the same period.
In effect, the latest policy change puts foreign visitors coming from outside the EU/Schengen area on an equal footing with those entering Spain from within the bloc.
Such a decision will have a positive effect on the country’s tourism sector. Visitors will once again begin to actively visit and therefore pay money. The money received from tourism is spent on the needs of the state or individual settlements, including restoration and repair work, maintenance of facilities, etc.
Statistics show that Spain remains one of the most popular destinations in the world. The annual number of foreign visitors is in the millions. The pandemic has significantly worsened the situation and Spain has lost a decent source of income. For many local settlements, the situation has become critical. But now they have a chance to get their affairs in order.
Fully vaccinated travellers can still present vaccination certificates for entry, while unvaccinated travellers have to present a negative test as described above, or a certificate that they have recovered from a medical facility. It must be issued at least 11 days after the confirmed infection. The certificates are considered to be valid for 180 days. The Ministry noted that children under the age of 12 are exempt from all testing and vaccination requirements.
