Spain Plans To Reopen For All Tourists Beginning In June

April 29, 2021 Seoul

Well, it’s official – pack your shades, your Spanish phrasebook and get hunting for the top paella joints, because Spain has announced that it is looking to welcome travelers from anywhere in the world by June. The sun-soaked country made the announcement today at the World Travel & Tourism Global Summit in Mexico, delighting wanderlust travelers the world over in the process. Here’s a look at the entry requirements for Spain at present, and what is set to change in the future.

Visiting Spain At Present – Information For Travelers

A melting pot of cultural heritage, art, and architecture, and diverse, flavorful cuisine, there’s a reason why Spain stands out even amongst the glittering gems of Europe’s top destinations. However, the pandemic has been tough on tourism in the country, registering a drop in tourist figures from 79.2 million in 2019 to just 18.3 million last year.

As is the norm across Europe, entry to Spain at present is not an easy affair. Only citizens and legal residents of the European Union are able to enter Spain, along with those who have an essential need to visit the country. All travelers must complete a Health Control Form, and those traveling from “risk” countries must also produce a negative test result. For those unsure whether or not they fit the requirements to enter, there is some good news at hand – they won’t have to wait long to visit.

Vacation In Spain By June – What Travelers Should Know

Spain has become the latest in a long line of countries that have committed to welcoming travelers across their borders this summer. In his address at the WTTC’s Global Summit, Spain’s tourism minister Fernando Valdes Verelst revealed plans for a digital health pass that would allow people from around the world to access his country this summer.

Even though the EU’s Digital Green Certificate is yet to be approved by the European Parliament, Spain has been planning for vaccine certificates since February, due to the importance of tourism to the country. Spain is planning a test run of its vaccine certificate amongst domestic travelers in May, which will feature all 46 of the country’s airports.

Speaking about the plans to open up to the world, Verelst said “June will be the start of the recovery of tourism in Spain,” before adding “by then, we will have a digital vaccination certificate in place and we will be able to reopen our borders.” Whilst it might seem like an ambitious idea, the plan is helped by the country’s encouraging start to its vaccination campaign.

“Because of the progress in our vaccine rollout with 22 per cent of our population having had their first dose already, we expect by June to be at the green light,” Verelst declared. Travel would only be possible for those who were able to confirm either a negative Covid-19 test result, proof of vaccination against the virus or confirmation that they were immune due to having already recovered from infection.

The fact that such a decision by Spain is being considered is a positive step in the right direction, and shows the progress the industry is making in battling the virus. With more countries opening up on a weekly basis, it is set to be a bumper summer of travel.