The Coronavirus | Spain

This document contains the latest information about the protocols, preventative measures and changes adopted in Spain in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Sunvil's approach to holidays in Spain is refreshing. Our aim is to introduce our guests to the real country, away from the popular seaside resorts and tourist honeypots. We want our guests to experience local life, experience the country's wondrous natural settings and cultural sites, and, most of all, return home with the feeling that they have discovered somewhere special.

Throughout the pandemic, we have closely monitored government guidance, regional policies and have maintained a continuous dialogue with our colleagues in Spain. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services. It is important to note that guidelines are being updated daily and you should contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns.

This document was updated on Friday 24 September.

Arrivals

* Evidence for passengers in receipt of both vaccinations (NHS App OR letter):

• The NHS App: This application is valid on smart phones and tablets and requires ALL passengers to register for their own account. The account is connected to your NHS number, date of birth and postcode. The application will display your Covid-19 vaccine record.
• An official certificate from the NHS: This certificate can be obtained by calling "119" from any UK landline or mobile (or by dialling "111" if resident in Wales). This request takes 5-7 days.

You should check that your name on your passport matches how it is displayed on your NHS Covid App/certificate (Pass). If the names are different, contact your GP practice to have your details updated. Middle names are not required on the App/certificate. 

We recommend you travel with a printed copy of your vaccination certificate.

If you have not received both vaccinations:

• Pre-departure testing: A PCR and LAMP test taken within 72 hours of your arrival time in Spain. A negative test is required in order to travel. This result must be added to the Health Control Form.
• A completed Health Control Form. This questionnaire must be completed within 48 hours of departure and by all passengers including children under 12 years old. Anyone who has not completed this form electronically via the Spain Travel Health website or app, may submit it in paper format prior to boarding. Airlines are denying boarding to those who fail to provide evidence of their submission and their unique QR code.
• On arrival travellers will be subject to a temperature check and undergo a visual health assessment. Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of the above requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain.
• Test to return: All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 72 hours of return to the UK. This test must be taken at a local clinic or using a virtual provider, approved by the UK government. A fit to fly certificate is provided (the certificate must be in English, Spanish or French). The UK government has advised for travellers to take a PCR test before travel.
• Testing on return to the UK: A 10-day period of self-isolation applies for all adult travellers not in receipt of both vaccinations and returning from an Amber destination. In addition, a PCR test on/before Day 2 and on/after Day 8 is required. These tests must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. A full list of providers for the Day 2 and Day 8 tests can be found here. 
• Test to release on Day 5: This optional test is available to travellers in England. The test must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. If you choose to purchase a Day 5 test after your return to the UK a revised Passenger Locator Form must be submitted.

Measures adopted across the country

Visit Spain has created a 'Travel Safe' website which provides easy to follow guidance for your trip.

Accommodation

A Responsible Tourism seal has been developed by the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism in light of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and is being awarded to establishments that follow official guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health. The seal is non-transferable and must be renewed every year. Further information on the measures adopted can be found below and in the following link:

• Each property must complete a risk assessment to identify areas of vulnerability or concern when managing the spread of Covid-19. Measures must be adopted to mitigate these risks and all personnel and guests advised of the role they play
• Social distancing within the hotel and its grounds
• Later check-in/earlier check-out to allow for enhanced cleaning
• Use of face masks by customer facing personnel, when identified as required against the guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health
• Hand sanitiser available at reception
• Disinfectant mats should be placed at the entrance to establishments
• In room cleaning will not take place whilst guests are present
• Immaterial objects removed from guest rooms i.e. magazines, leaflets, mini bars, Espresso machines
• Measures introduced to reduce the handling of food items by guests i.e. meals served or assisted buffet service with protective screens
• Reduced guest capacity
• The use of lifts limited to family groups unless a face mask is used
• Contactless payments preferred

Swimming pools and wellness facilities

• Gyms and fitness rooms are permitted to operate as long as social distancing is adhered, rooms ventilated between classes and enhanced cleaning measures adopted
• Reduced capacity throughout the wellness centre in order to facilitate social distancing
• Removal of items such as individual hand towels and communal hairdryers
• Enhanced cleaning
• Adoption of PPE by spa personnel and wellness technicians
• Swimming pools are operational with social distancing and enhanced cleaning in place. Face masks are compulsory for some situations (for instance when walking around the pool area).

Please note that these regulations can vary between regions.

Public spaces and services

Prior to your trip it is advisable to consult the regulations of each region, which in Spain are called Autonomous Communities. as these can vary. You can find the details here. You should also refer to local authorities for any additional measures where you are.

Key common measures across Spain include:

• Social gatherings are not limited
• In accordance with the level of alert for each municipality, at restaurants, 8 people at a table indoors is permitted and 10 people outdoors
• Restaurants and bars are permitted to stay open until 02:00am
• Social distancing is to be adhered at a distance of 1.5m
• Face masks are mandatory in public spaces indoors – please see further information under the Face masks section below
• Track and trace – all shops, businesses and transport companies are obliged to keep customers’ contact information (where provided) for up to 4 weeks for tracking and tracing purposes
• Capacity restrictions in place at beaches

Face masks

You should carry a face mask with you at all times and be prepared to wear it throughout your stay.

Face masks are mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 years in public spaces, indoors and on all forms of public transport.

In restaurants and bars you should only remove your mask when you are going to drink or consume food. 

Beaches

Access to beaches is permitted and managed by the local government to ensure that capacity restrictions, which are in place, are not exceeded. Social distancing on the beach (except family groups) must be observed.

Sunvil's support

Sunvil’s destination specialists have toured Spain and know the country inside out. The team consisting of Rosanna, Michelle, Yasmin, Cristiana, Alison and Bekki, are supported in-country by our local agent. We operate a 24-hour emergency telephone number and are also on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Other useful links

• A country by country overview can be found at reopen.europa.eu/en
• Practical guidance for tourists from the Spanish Tourist Board
• Spanish Travel Health website. This site includes the Health Control Form required by all visitors and further information about travelling to Spain.
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice for Spain
• Coronavirus specific travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office