SPAIN: Unvaccinated British teenagers with a negative PCR test will be allowed into Spain starting Monday, according to Spanish Tourism Minister Fernando Valdés.
At the moment, anyone over the age of 12 must be double-jabbed in order to enter the country. Some families had already cancelled half-term trips to Spain and the Canary Islands because their children had not yet received their second flu shot. People over the age of 18 must still be immunized in order to enter the country.
Spain lifts restrictions
Mr Valdés stated that 12- to 17-year-olds who have not been immunised against COVID-19 will be allowed to enter the country beginning Monday, February 14. However, they need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival in Spain. The restrictions will be lifted on February 13 at 23:00 GMT.
“The United Kingdom is our main market,” Mr Valdés explained. “We’ve always been very interested in easing the restrictions between the two countries.”
All other UK visitors, excluding children under the age of 12, will be required to present a COVID-19 certificate proving full vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. If it has been more than 270 days since the last vaccination, proof of a booster shot is also required.
Prior to departure, air passengers must show a QR code obtained by completing a Spanish health control form.
Due to immunisation restrictions, many UK families have cancelled half-term trips to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.
The restrictions, according to hoteliers on the islands, have cost them millions of pounds in lost business.
According to industry body Abta, however, hundreds of thousands of people are taking half-term winter sun and ski trips.
From 04:00 GMT on Friday, the United Kingdom discontinued coronavirus testing for fully vaccinated travellers.
According to Transport Secretary Grant Shapp, the UK has relaxed international travel restrictions for COVID-19, and the country now has one of the world’s most open borders.
According to Abta, popular British vacation destinations include the Canary Islands, Egypt, Portugal, and Turkey, as well as the Caribbean, Dubai, Florida, and Mexico. Bookings to ski resorts in France, Italy, and Switzerland have increased as well.
Also Read: A Look into Spain’s New Sustainable Strategy for Tourism 2030
