What a difference eight hours makes in the world of travel.
Spain, a holiday destination much loved by Brits – sent out a cheery message on Wednesday morning via the Spanish tourist board announcing that Spain had opened its doors to unvaccinated travellers with immediate effect as long as they could show a negative pre-departure test.
In the afternoon travellers were told this was incorrect, and that the announcement was the result of a misinterpretation of the official state bulletin.
That means that unjabbed travellers are still not allowed to enter Spain.
Pedro Medina, deputy director of the Spanish tourist office in the UK said:
“We apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication earlier today which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.”
What are the necessary entry requirements?
The vaccination status required for UK travellers aged 12 and above is to be fully vaccinated or to show a certificate of recovery (dated no more than 180 days previously).
For vaccinated travellers, the Spanish tourist office said
“If more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, certification of a booster vaccination is also required, except for teenagers aged 12 to 17 inclusive.”
On the bright side, children under 12 and those travelling to Spain with an NHS Covid travel pass are no longer required to complete Spain’s health control form prior to arrival.