The corona pandemic is not over – can you still go on holiday in Spain this summer? Overview of the current situation, entry and corona rules in the country.
Spain – finally take a break from Corona and spend the long-awaited vacation in Spain – is that currently possible? In 2019, almost seven million Germans vacationed in Spain, but in view of the corona pandemic and the flare-up of the Delta variant, the question is what the vacation situation in Spain is currently like. A look at the current Corona situation in Spain and an overview of everything that travelers to Spain need to know.
Spain was hit hard by the corona virus, especially in autumn 2020, no European metropolis had higher numbers of infections than Madrid at the time. In the meantime, large parts of Spain are no longer considered risk areas, and the Federal Foreign Office has lifted travel warnings. But despite this, Spain is not doing as well as Italy, for example, where the corona situation is currently good.
Vacation in Spain: What is the current Corona situation in the country?
The national health emergency in Spain has been lifted, uniform and nationwide Corona rules no longer exist. In Spain, more than half of the population has been vaccinated against corona at least once, and more than a third have received full immunization against corona. Nevertheless, the number of infections in the country is rising again. The Foreign Office advises against “unnecessary, tourist trips” to the following regions in Spain:
- Andalusia
- Navarre
- La Rioja
- Basque Country
- Exclave Ceute
Vacation in Spain despite Corona: How high is the incidence, what about the Delta variant?
The 7-day incidence in Spain has been below 100 since the beginning of May, but the number has been rising again since around mid-June. The 7-day incidence in Spain is currently over 70, on July 1, 2021, it is 76.8 – well above the critical value of 50 infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days.
The delta variant is also already circulating in Spain – in the latest report on virus variants, the government gives the value for all of Spain at 2.7 percent. However, the figures relate to the period from May 31st to June 6th; newer figures are not yet available. The numbers should vary from region to region, but will increase everywhere. No wonder: In neighboring Portugal, the delta variant of the corona virus is already widespread.
If you want to spend your vacation in Spain, you should inform yourself about the current regulations before entering the country. At present, a distinction is made between entry by land via France and entry by air.
Entering Spain by plane: which corona rules apply?
If you come from Germany to Spain by air, you do not need a negative corona test or proof of vaccination when entering the country, because Germany is no longer classified as a risk area by Spain. There is an exception for holidays in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands: Participants in organized group tours of more than 20 people must present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test when checking in at the accommodation. The background is numerous cases of corona infections during school trips on Mallorca.
Holidays in Spain: digital form for entry by air
Anyone traveling to Spain by plane or ship must fill out a digital form that generates a QR code that must be presented upon entry. Tour operators and airlines must refer to this form. If you reach Spain by land, you do not need an entry form.
Entering Spain by land: a negative corona test is mandatory
Spain can also be reached by land, and transit through France is “possible around the clock”, according to the ADAC. Anyone entering Spain by land must be able to show a negative corona test (PCR test or rapid antigen test), which must be a maximum of 48 hours old. The following are excluded:
- Children under 12 years
- Fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination (no earlier than 14 days after the last vaccination)
- Recovered with proof (recovery must be at least 11 days, and may not be more than 180 days ago)
As the ADAC reports, the documentation for the complete vaccination or the recovery may also be written in German, the correctly completed yellow WHO vaccination certificate is also valid as proof of vaccination.
Holidays in Spain: which corona rules apply in the country?
Each of the 18 Spanish regions is allowed to adopt its own corona measures, because the health emergency in the country has been lifted. The general rule:
- No general mask requirement outdoors.
- Mask requirement: In the open air there is no longer a general mask requirement, you only have to wear a mask if you cannot keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from people in another household.
- No smoking outdoors: if you cannot eat at least two meters away from other people. Smoking while walking is partially prohibited.
- Beach: distance of 1.5 meters to people from other households. Disinfect beach chairs after use.
- Restaurants: safety distance of 1.5 meters between tables. In regions with an incidence below 50, nightclubs and discos may open (curfew: 3 a.m.)
- In the case of corona symptoms: The responsible health authority must be informed, and you must immediately go into self-isolation.
- Hotels and accommodations: inform yourself about the applicable hygiene regulations.
Returning from vacation in Spain: what applies to the return journey to Germany?
If you want to return to Germany by plane after your holiday in Spain, you need a negative corona test in order to be allowed to board the plane (exceptions apply to vaccinated, convalescent and children under 6 years old). A test is usually possible directly at the airport, and some accommodations also offer the organization of tests. If the test result is positive, the traveler must be quarantined on site. Some tour operators offer insurance for this when booking a trip.
Current corona information
The Federal Foreign Office provides current information about Corona in Spain.
Returning from your vacation in Spain to Germany: fill in the digital entry form
If you are returning to Germany from a Spanish risk area such as Andalusia, you must fill out a digital entry form before entering the country. This is possible no earlier than three days before entry. The confirmation that you receive must be shown at controls at the airport or border crossing. If there is a quarantine obligation, the responsible health department is also informed.
If you return to Germany from a risk area, a test is also mandatory – even if you are traveling by land (exception: vaccinated, convalescent, children under 6 years of age). For returnees from risk areas, the following quarantine rules apply in Germany:
- A quarantine for 10 days applies immediately upon entry.
- Quarantine can be ended immediately with a negative test result (notification via the digital entry registration).
- The corona test may be a maximum of 48 hours (rapid test) or 72 hours (PCR test) old.
- There is no compulsory test or quarantine for children under 6 years of age.
Status: July 01, 2021 (tab)
