Vaccinations: What Travelers To Spain Need To Know

If you're planning to travel to Spain, it's important to be aware of any necessary inoculations or vaccinations. While there are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into Spain, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for specific advice. However, it is advised to ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, are up to date. Additionally, consider getting the hepatitis A vaccination, especially if you plan to engage in higher-risk activities or consume street food. Keeping your COVID-19 vaccinations up to date is also important, and Spain may have specific entry requirements, such as a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. It is also worth noting that bug bites in Spain can spread diseases, so take precautions to avoid them.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements

As of July 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain. However, it is recommended that all eligible travellers be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Previously, travellers from the US had to prove they had received the required COVID-19 doses at least 14 days before their arrival in Spain. They also had to fill out a Health Control Form electronically and show the resulting QR code to health authorities upon arrival. This form can also be provided in paper format if travellers can justify this.

Spain's COVID-19 entry requirements have changed over time, so it is important to check for updates before travelling. For instance, as of June 2024, Spain opened its borders to all arrivals from countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area, provided that travellers had been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). The Spanish government also publishes and reviews its list of high-risk countries every seven days, so travellers from or via these countries may be subject to additional requirements.

Routine vaccines

The CDC recommends that all travellers be up to date on their routine vaccines, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine, and the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. These vaccines are important for protecting against diseases that can be spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or wounds. The CDC also recommends that all eligible travellers be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition to the routine vaccines mentioned above, there are other vaccines that may be recommended for travellers to Spain, depending on their specific activities and risk factors. For example, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old travelling to Spain, especially if they plan to visit smaller cities, villages, or rural areas, or eat street food. The rabies vaccine may also be recommended for travellers who will be performing activities that increase their risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which routine vaccines and other vaccines are necessary for your specific travel plans to Spain. It is recommended that you visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to ensure that you have all the vaccines and medicines you need.

Travel insurance

• Purpose: Travel insurance for Spain covers medical emergencies, personal accidents, trip cancellations or interruptions, loss or theft of luggage or personal items, and civil liability, among other things. It is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you financially during your trip.
• Requirements: When applying for a visa to enter Spain, you may be required to show proof of travel insurance that covers the entire Schengen Area, including a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies. This insurance document is also often requested at the Spanish port of entry.
• Recommended Coverage: In addition to medical emergencies, it is advisable to have coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, loss or theft of personal items, personal liability, and accidental death or injury. Some policies also offer coverage for specific activities such as winter sports or adventure sports.
• Providers: You can purchase travel insurance for Spain from various providers, including Europ Assistance, vti.travel, Fit 2 Trip, and specialised companies like Globelink (for UK travellers). These companies offer different coverage levels and prices, so it is essential to compare them before making a decision.
• Cost: The cost of travel insurance for Spain varies depending on the company, the duration of your trip, and the services included. Some providers offer discounted rates for students, couples, or families. It is recommended to shop around to find the best price and coverage for your needs.
• EHIC/GHIC Cards: If you are a UK citizen, you can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access emergency and necessary state healthcare in Spain for free or at a reduced cost. However, these cards do not cover everything, so it is still advisable to have separate travel insurance.
• Exclusions: It is important to note that travel insurance typically does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, alcohol-related incidents, or unexpected incidents due to terrorism or civil unrest. Be sure to read the policy's terms and conditions carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

Passport validity

Spain follows the Schengen area rules. Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago.
• Have an 'expiry date' at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you are a British citizen, you can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you are travelling:

• To visit family or friends.
• To attend business meetings, cultural or sports events.
• For short-term studies or training.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities ('Extranjería') in Spanish.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit. If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add the date and location to your passport.

If you are a British national living in Spain, you do not need to have your passport stamped. Show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner's identity card ('la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero' or 'TIE'), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control.

Travel health notices

There are no specific travel health notices or vaccine requirements for Spain. However, it is always a good idea to ensure that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations before travelling anywhere. These include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

It is also recommended that all eligible travellers are fully up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, it is worth considering a hepatitis A vaccination if you are planning on visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas, or if you plan on eating street food. This is recommended for unvaccinated travellers under 60 years old and may be considered for those over 60.

If you are travelling from the UK, it is important to note that the Spanish government publishes and reviews its list of high-risk countries every seven days. Therefore, it is crucial to check whether you are coming from or have been in a country classified as high risk in the two weeks prior to your trip. In this case, you will need to present either a negative COVID-19 test or proof of full vaccination.

Other general health and safety precautions to consider when travelling to Spain include:

• Avoiding bug bites, especially in wooded areas or when spending time outdoors. Cover exposed skin, use insect repellent, and consider permethrin-treated clothing.
• Staying alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital.
• Being cautious when drinking water or eating local food. Purify water if it is questionable, and be aware that ice and water used for brushing teeth may also be unsafe.
• Understanding the local laws and customs and obeying the codes of conduct required by your study abroad program sponsor.
• Keeping yourself and your emergency contacts well-informed of your whereabouts and activities, and providing them with copies of important travel documents.
• Staying fit and exercising before and during your trip to help fight off illnesses and recover faster if you do get sick.

Frequently asked questions