Spain has extended its COVID entry rules by a month, meaning unvaccinated tourists from outside the EU still cannot visit.

Saturday’s announcement that the restrictions will continue until at least June 15 will have disappointed the hopes of some holidaymakers.

With its sunny beaches, rich architectural heritage and delicious food, there are many reasons why the Mediterranean nation was the second most visited country in the world before the pandemic. And, of course, the long-time favorite of British holidaymakers.

But as Spain’s biggest tourist market, Britons are particularly hard hit by the continued ban on non-stung people.

Without a full cycle of vaccination, travelers over the age of 18 can only enter Spain by presenting proof that they have recovered from COVID within the six months prior to their trip.

It is one of the toughest remaining measures in Spain after face masks were scrapped last month, 700 days since they were first made compulsory to limit the spread of the deadly virus.

As the world adjusts to international travel in the continuing era of COVID, Spain’s tourism sector is expected to grow to almost 90% of its 2019 size.

So, if you’re one of the many tourists eager to book a trip to Spain in 2022, here’s what you need to know.

What are the latest entry requirements for Spain?

Tourists from the EU only need to present proof of vaccination or a negative test via the EU COVID Digital Certificate (EUDCC) or other valid document.

If you do not have the certificate (or another European equivalent), you can fill in the Spanish form Sanitary control form with these details, receive a QR code to pass through the airports.

A PCR test or a rapid antigen test – carried out respectively within 72 or 48 hours before arrival – is accepted.

Previously, there were additional measures for those coming from a European country where COVID is more prevalent. But there are currently no countries on Spain’s ‘risk’ list.

What counts as fully vaccinated in Spain?

In order to be considered fully vaccinated by the Spanish government, all travelers must have received their second shot at least 14 days prior to their trip.

You must be vaccinated with a full cycle of a WHO or EMA approved vaccine.

And, in line with other EU countries, Spain has set an expiration date of 270 days on vaccine passports. This means that booster shots will be needed if your second shot was more than nine months ago.

But it is not necessary that 14 days have passed since obtaining other recall shots and entering Spain; and there is currently no expiration date for booster shots.

What are Spain’s rules on COVID vaccines and testing for UK travellers?

Spain has extended by one month, until June 15, its ban on unvaccinated travelers outside the EU.

UK and US travelers must be fully vaccinated, meeting the same definition as above: with a vaccination certificate 14 days after the last dose. The Spanish authorities will accept the NHS COVID Pass to show it.

Alternatively, UK tourists can present valid proof of being recovered from the virus within the last six months.

Testing is not required of double-bite Brits, but notes from the British Foreign Office that all travelers may be subject to additional checks at the point of entry.

spain Border health checks page suggests that if a temperature check at the airport (for example) has raised concerns, tourists could be contacted and required to take a PCR test at any time up to 48 hours after arrival.

Vaccinated and recently recovered Britons no longer need to complete the health check form.

What are the rules for children and teenagers?

Children under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination or undergo testing. This rule applies to all of Spain, including the Canary Islands and the Balearics.

People between the ages of 12 and 17 no longer need to be fully vaccinated and can enter Spain with a negative PCR (or other NAAT) test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Antigen tests are not accepted.

Alternatively, fully vaccinated UK children aged 12 to 15 can prove their immunity with a NHS COVID pass letter for international travel. Without this proof, travelers aged 12 and over must complete the health screening form within 48 hours of traveling to Spain.

What are Spain’s COVID rules in national contexts?

Rules vary from region to region in Spain, so it is important to check the exact requirements of where you are heading. You can search for the interactive map on the Spanish Tourist Board website Travel Safe website to find out if museums have a reduced capacity, or if nightclubs have set closing times, for example.

In some places you may need to show proof of vaccination to enter accommodation or other places; either the EUDCC or a valid and up-to-date NHS COVID Pass will do.

Are masks compulsory in Spain?

Spain finally dropped its indoor mask-wearing rule on April 20. By royal decree, masks are no longer compulsory in the vast majority of places – from bars and cafes to museums and cinemas.

Public transport is a major exception, however, as face coverings are still required on planes, buses, trains, subways, taxis – as well as ferries if a distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained inside.

It follows the removal of the strict rule of wearing an outdoor mask in Spain from February 10.