Spain to require PCR test or full vaccination from UK travellers
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced today that Spain will demand a negative PCR test or proof of full vaccination from UK travelers from Friday 2 June.
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, and that is why we have to take an additional precaution with respect to the arrival of British tourists to our country.”
The rules will apply to the whole of Spain and the Canary Islands, which remain on the amber list. The Balearics move to the green watchlist at 4am on Wednesday 30 June. This includes Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca and Formentera.
For British tourists, there are two ways to avoid quarantine: full vaccination with one of the vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organization (includes all the UK ones), with the second dose administered at least 14 days before travel; or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours (to be confirmed- currently 48 hours) before arriving in Spain.
What has not been stated is if the UK NHS app will be accepted as proof. If you are due to travel this week, it’s worth looking at what you would do should you need a last minute PCR test. The current instructions for risk countries are vague saying
“NON-EU CERTIFICATE, THIRD COUNTRIES: this is any of the supporting documents listed above, but issued by non-EU countries, in a format readable by airport health control staff.”
In a message on Twitter, Spain’s Foreign Minister Arancha Gónzalez Laya said new restrictions would be published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Tuesday, and come into force 72 hours after that on Friday. Hopefully, when formally published it will be clearer what is necessary.
Portugal to only admit those who have been fully vaccinated
Well, another trip bites the dust. Although I have managed a few trips since Covid started, my trip with TLFL contributor Jersey Girl have been jinxed! Having cancelled Napa twice and Portugal once, yet again we have had to cancel Portugal again. Overnight Portugal announced that they quarantine unvaccinated Brits for 14 days, even with a negative test with immediate effect. To enter Portugal mainland from the UK by air, sea or land you will have to prove you have had two jabs of an approved vaccine at least 15 days prior to arrival. The change will last until at least 11 July. Given that Madeira accepts the NHS app to prove vaccination status, I would expect Portugal’s mainland to do the same.
Currently, there is no change for Madeira which is due to go green on 30 June. At the moment, fully vaccinated Brits will be exempt from having to show a negative PCR test on entry to Madeira. This also applies if you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days. For unvaccinated travellers you have to present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
6 comments
So my question to you is why aren’t you vaccinated?
That comment is quite loaded! You are aware that younger people are only just being vaccinated? I am fully vaccinated and have been for several months. My friend i am travelling with is younger and will not have the 14 days after their second jab before we go. There’s definitely no anti vaccine sentiment from me. I’ll take any vaccine going if it keeps me safe.
I’ve had my first dose but Scotland’s roll out is behind other parts of UK and my second dose won’t be until some point in August (no, we don’t even have dates yet!)
Please let us know once Balearics entry criteria are updated. The website currently says PCR tests 72 hours before
It’s still confused as the Balearics one says 48 hours. Which is very tricky with a PCR test.
It looks like they will also accept lateral flow tests which I can get in 30 mins at the airport. Hoping there will be some clarity soon. I’ve email our accommodation and they were as confused as I was
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