Editor's Note: The COVID-19 policies and procedures listed below are up-to-date as of press time. However, we encourage all readers to head to each individual country’s governmental tourism website prior to travel to confirm the information regarding entry protocols.
As of June 7, Spain officially opened its doors to U.S. leisure travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, making this Mediterranean tourist hub another vacation possibility without mandatory quarantine.
Incoming tourists must prove they were inoculated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) at least 14 days before entering Spain, and must also present a negative COVID-19 test. For those who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of their trip, they must provide proof of their recovery from a licensed healthcare provider.
Spanish authorities have also indicated that unvaccinated children will be allowed entry, provided they travel with vaccinated parents and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Children under 6 years old will not be required to show a negative COVID-19 test. Additionally, U.S. travelers must fill out an online health questionnaire before departure.
And Spain isn’t the only European country making this move. Last month, ambassadors from 27 EU countries approved a European Commission proposal that would open the doors to vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and beyond. Since then, countries like Greece, France, and Iceland, among many others, have begun welcoming international visitors, each with their own set of requirements.
Spain’s Anticipated Tourism Revival
The announcement marks a new dawn for Spain, celebrated as the world’s second-most visited country in 2019 after welcoming a record 83.7 million tourists. That number plummeted to 19 million tourists in 2020 — 80% fewer than the year prior — as Spain fared worse than most European counterparts through the pandemic.
And yet, that gusto and liveliness that characterizes Spain is already reviving. In fact, beaches, markets, museums, and public theaters are already open. Currently, there are region-specific restrictions regarding capacity limits at restaurants and bars, as well as for the opening hours of nightclubs. According to Dolores Alvarez Fanjul, a Madrid-based guide for tour operator Inside Europe, masks are mandatory both inside and outside throughout the country, and Spainards generally respect the rules. However, she believes the outdoor mask policy will be reduced by mid-summer.
Rebuilding Safely and Sustainably
Early on in the pandemic, Spanish authorities swiftly established well-executed safety protocols for reopening all tourism sectors, from hotels and transportation to museums and other attractions.
“These protocols have been the base of the ISO’s [International Organization for Standardization] work, and will soon be approved as ISO safety standards for tourism service,” explained Jose Manuel de Juan, director of the tourist office of Spain, located in New York. “Spain has been applying these for months, and thus U.S. travelers should be confident that any certified tourism service in Spain is providing its services with the highest safety standards at this point.”
U.S. travelers should be confident that any certified tourism service in Spain is providing its services with the highest safety standards at this point.
And because foreign tourism is such a crucial component to reviving the country’s economy, Spain has been especially strategic about rebuilding. In fact, Spain will invest 1,900 million euros in its tourist destinations to reinforce their sustainability over the next three years.
“The Strategy for Sustainable Destinations aspires to maintain Spain’s tourism leadership while simultaneously preserving its resources for the next generations and supporting the economy of all regions of Spain,” de Juan said.
Tourists Are Ready to Return
Interest in Spain is already heating up due to global pent-up demand. Madrid especially is experiencing a renaissance, with hotel openings including the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, which encompasses seven historical buildings that have been transformed into a luxurious metropolitan retreat. Additionally, Hotel Ritz in Madrid recently underwent a transformative three-year renovation to enhance its facilities while preserving the belle-epoque character of the original 110-year-old property. The El Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums have reopened. And even getting to Spain is now less complicated — United Airlines has just announced that beginning this month, service between New York and Barcelona will begin five times per week, and service between New York and Madrid will begin six times per week.
According to Sandra Weinacht, president and co-founder of Inside Europe, Spain was one of the company’s most popular destinations prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. She hopes that post-pandemic travelers will strive to discover Spain’s unfrequented offerings.
“There are so many magical, smaller, lesser-known yet very charming places, still within easy reach to the big cities, but with even more authentic experiences and incredible food, wine and also craft beer,” she said.
Prior to COVID-19, Weinacht often received requests to combine trips to Spain with visits to other countries, as well. Now, she hopes travelers will spend more time focusing on one or two regions of the country for a more in-depth and immersive look into the local culture.
“Americans know Spain offers a unique combination of world-renowned cultural attractions, natural landscapes, beaches, mountains and gastronomic experiences,” added de Juan. “All this with safety, affordability, mild weather year-round and top-notch transportation allows visitors to experience a wide range of attractions easily and comfortably. We’re excited and ready to welcome them back.”
The Details
Spanish Tourism
Inside Europe
