Travel: Spain asks UK visitors to show test or be fully vaccinated. Concerns over delta variant bring new rules

SPAIN will require UK travellers to show a negative Covid-19 test or be fully
vaccinated when they arrive from Friday.

The new rules announced in the official state bulletin BOE come amidst mounting concern over the delta variant and the large-scale coronavirus outbreak linked to Spanish students taking holidays in Mallorca.

At the border, Spain will accept a negative PCR test or the cheaper and faster antigen test. They should be taken within 48 hours of travel.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said: “The cumulative incidence rate in the United Kingdom has been progressing negatively during these last few weeks. It is far above 150 cases [per 100,000 inhabitants] in 14 days; that is why we have to take an additional precaution with respect to the arrival of British tourists to our country.”

Initially, the Spanish leader only referred to the Balearic Islands because of the increased numbers of British holidaymakers expected after the UK government placed the popular destination – over four million Brits enjoyed a break there in 2019 – on its ‘green’ travel list.

However, it has since been confirmed it applies to the whole of the country.

he Spanish premier said they were the same restrictions placed on visitors from across Europe.

For British tourists, there are two possibilities: full vaccination with a jab approved by the European Medicines agency or the World Health Organisation, with the second dose taken at least 14 days before travel; or, a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival in Spain.

It is a change in Spanish policy, until a month ago UK travellers were included on a list of nationals who could freely enter the country – it puts Spain on an intermediate level with some other Eu countries who want British arrivals to undergo quarantine, a move Germany has already taken.

Written by BayRadio