The Spanish government will allow unvaccinated children aged 12 to 17 from the UK to enter Spain from Monday (February 14).
The change means that unvaccinated teens can enter the country if they present a negative PCR result for Covid-19, with the test carried out within 72 hours before arrival.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This is very welcome news for families who want nothing more than to holiday in their favourite Spanish destinations.
“The removal of the requirement for 12-17-year-olds to be double-vaccinated tells families that travelling to Spain is returning to normal, and after two years of missing out we know how much everyone wants to experience that famous Spanish sunshine again.”
Spain’s tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, commented: “As one of the world’s favourite tourism destinations, we are committed to making travel to Spain a safe and easy experience for our visitors, especially for families travelling with children.
“We hope that with these changes, many families will choose Spain to enjoy safe and memorable holidays together.”
A statement from the Spanish Tourist Office said the entry requirements have changed due to the evolution of Covid-19.
It continued: “From 14 February 2022, UK children and teenagers aged between 12 and 17 (inclusive) can present a negative NAAT test (PCR or similar), taken within 72 hours of arrival to Spain, as an alternative to presenting a Covid certificate with proof of having been fully vaccinated.
“All other UK travellers, excluding children under 12, will need to present a Covid certificate showing proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since the last dose was administered, proof of a booster jab is also required.
“Prior to travelling to Spain, all passengers must also present a QR code which is obtained from filling in the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) available via Spain Travel Health (SpTH).
“This new entry criteria is for all travellers (unless exempt) from the UK and outside of the European Union for arrival to the whole of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.”
Ángel Víctor Torres, president of the Canary Islands government, said on Twitter that the announcement was “excellent news for tourism recovery and high season”.
Spain tightened its rules in November as the Omicron variant of Covid started to emerge, hitting the family market in particular as many teenagers have not yet been fully vaccinated.
Source: Travelweekly.co.uk