Spanish authorities have announced that the country has decided to extend coronavirus entry restrictions for all travelers from non-European Union countries until November 15.
The news of the extension of the COVID-19 entry restrictions was announced by the Spanish Ministry of Health and published in the Official State Gazette, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Under current rules in Spain, all travelers from third countries, including those from the UK, will be required to show COVID proof in order to be allowed unrestricted entry into Spain.
The Spanish Ministry of Health explains that all travelers over the age of 12 from non-EU countries must present a vaccination certificate, a negative COVID test or a certificate of recovery upon arrival.
“Passengers (except children under 12 and those in international transit) arriving from countries that do not belong to the European Union or are NOT considered Schengen associated countries must present a EU Covid digital certificate or EU equivalent or SpTH QR, in order to pass health checks upon arrival in Spain”, the ministry statement said.
The ministry explains that the vaccination certificate is recognized as long as it proves that the holder has completed the primary vaccination within the last 270 days or has received a booster.
In addition, the ministry notes that the validity period requirements also apply to the recovery certificate and negative tests. A recovery certificate is accepted as long as it proves that the holder has tested positive for the virus within the last six months.
Regarding negative COVID tests, Spain accepts both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests. The PCR test must be carried out within 72 hours before entering Spain, while the rapid antigen test must be carried out 24 hours before entering Spain.
In addition to having to present one of the documents mentioned above, the majority of travelers from third countries are also required to complete the health check form before traveling to Spain.
Spanish authorities are believed to have decided to extend COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers from third countries to avoid a spike in infection cases as the colder months approach.
Data from the World Health Organization shows that Spain recorded 14,885 new cases of COVID infection in the past seven days. In addition, during the same period, the country recorded 376 deaths.
Regarding vaccination rates, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control shows that Spain administered a total of 102,924,722 doses of COVID vaccine. The same source reveals that 86.0% of the adult population in Spain has completed the primary vaccination and that 66.1% have received the first booster dose.