Changes to entry requirements for Spain & Portugal

Spain and Portugal have released details of changes to the entry requirements for travellers from the UK from 1 December 2021. The changes will affect anyone planning to travel to either Spain or Portugal over the coming months.

Summer on Benidorm Beach © <a href='https://unsplash.com/photos/a-group-of-people-on-a-bridge-over-a-body-of-water-v_YbwpB5yqg' target='new window o108078' rel='nofollow'>Martijn Vonk</a> - <a href='https://unsplash.com/license' target='new window l108078' rel='nofollow'>Unsplash</a> — Summer on Benidorm Beach © Martijn Vonk - Unsplash

Spain to allow fully vaccinated travellers only

Until now, travellers have been able to enter Spain (including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands) as long as they either had proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of a negative PCR test. However, from 1 December 2021, PCR tests on their own will no longer be accepted.

All travellers entering Spain (including the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands) over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated, having received their last dose at least 14 days prior to arrival. Children under 12 are exempt as long as they are accompanied by one or more of their fully vaccinated parents.

Pre-departure tests for mainland Portugal

Things are different in neighbouring Portugal. Just like Spain, until now, travellers entering mainland Portugal simply had to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of a negative PCR test.

From 1 December 2021 however, all visitors to mainland Portugal over the age of 12 must produce evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken prior to departure. This test can be either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or a lateral flow test within 48 hours of departure.

Tests will be required by all arrivals into mainland Portugal, regardless of vaccination status. Unlike Spain, proof of vaccination on its own is no longer accepted.

No change to rules for Madeira or the Azores

The entry requirements for those hoping to enter either Madeira or the Azores have not changed. All travellers over the age of 12 must either show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure or a lateral flow test taken no more than 48 hours before departure or show proof that they are fully vaccinated.

Both the Madeira and Azores governments say they will provide free tests on arrival for those that do not have them but please note that many airlines will not allow passengers to board who cannot produce negative test results, so our recommendation would be to get tested before departure.

Book your Covid-19 testing: whether you need a PCR test or a lateral flow test, find savings on Covid-19 tests right here. Find out more about entry requirements around the world with our Covid travel planner.

Updated on Tuesday 30 November 2021

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