NEWS ALERT (2): U.S. CITIZENS AND LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENTS’ TRAVEL TO SPAIN

Updated 5 November 2021
Text source: U.S. Embassy, Madrid
Image: erjk.amerjka, cc by-sa2.0. Frame supplied

Restrictions related to COVID-19 remain in effect throughout Spain and vary widely by region.  U.S. citizens should carefully monitor Spain’s regional governments’ websites and local press reports for more information.  U.S. citizens wishing to validate their vaccination status should consult the regional governments’ websites for procedures and requirements.  Visitors should ensure you are familiar with local requirements prior to traveling between regions in Spain and remember to follow the instructions of local authorities.  Not doing so could result in fines or arrest.  The most common restrictions in Spain include:

• Using a facemask covering your mouth and nose in any public closed spaces.
• Limited capacity in religious facilities, funeral homes, shops, restaurants, and bars.

All travelers should have a plan in case they have to extend their stay if they test positive right before leaving Spain.  There have been many instances where travelers who were planning to depart on scheduled flights have tested positive and have had to remain in Spain longer than originally planned.  Spanish health authorities will instruct you to isolate/quarantine for a period of time (7 to 10 days minimum) in a local hotel at your own expense.  The Embassy or Consulate cannot assist you in getting back to the United States earlier than prescribed by Spanish health authorities or provide monetary assistance for any required extended lodging.

COVID-19 Testing

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Spain? Yes
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html
• U. S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test in Spain by paying an average of €30 for an antigen test, or €120 for a PCR test from a private medical facility, such as those on the Covid Testing Locations list (PDF 400K)
• Results are typically provided by email, but an original signed results record will be provided upon request.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Are vaccines available in Spain for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes.
• Which vaccines are available in Spain? Spain is administering Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines.
• According to the government of Spain, vaccines are being facilitated through the public healthcare system, in four phases.  Regularly updated information is available here: https://www.vacunacovid.gob.es/
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
• The United States government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Spain on non-essential travel, (such as tourism) if they show proof of vaccination.  Please read the detailed information on the Spain Ministry of Health’s website. U.S. citizens entering Spain on essential travel (such as residents, students or workers) must show proof of vaccination.  Additionally, all travelers from the United States to Spain must present a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the SpTH app in Google Play or App Store for each traveler.
• U.S. citizens who are traveling to Spain from a country that is not the United States should make sure they follow the guidance published by Spanish authorities on their local Spain Embassy website.
• Click here for information for travel within the European Schengen zone.

Is a negative COVID-19 test required for entry? No

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes

Movement Restrictions

Is a curfew in place? No

• Please follow local government information.

Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

• Travelers to Spain are not currently subject to any quarantine requirement unless directed by Spanish authorities upon arrival in Spain due to specific circumstances.

Quarantine Information

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No

Transportation Options

Are commercial flights operating? Yes

• Commercial flights to return to the United States from Spain are available.  If your flight is cancelled, please work with your airline directly to re-book your flight or obtain a refund.  U.S. citizens may have to transit through a third country to reach the United States.  Please make sure to read the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 page of any country you plan to transit through.

Is public transportation operating? Yes

• A mask covering your mouth and nose is mandatory while using public transportation.

Fines for Non-Compliance

• Non-compliance may result in arrest and in fines that range between 60€ to 60,000€ depending on the gravity of the violation.

U.S. citizens who are travelling to Spain from a country that is not the United States should make sure they follow the guidance published by Spanish authorities on their local  Spain Embassy website.

———–

Consular Operations:

• American Citizens Services:  The U.S. Embassy in Madrid, the Consulate General in Barcelona and the five consular agencies in Spain have resumed passports and consular reports of birth abroad processing, voting assistance, and some limited notarial services for U.S. citizens.  For information, please visit the U.S. citizen services website.
• Visa Services:  Limited visa services are available.  For information, please visit the visas website.

———

Disclaimer
The publication in Guidepost of news and/or information from the United States Embassy in Spain does not in any way imply any special relationship between the Embassy and our magazine.