After the competing travel markets, such as Greece and Italy, have abolished the requirement of the vaccination certificate for the entry of tourists, Spain takes a step in the same direction to reopen international tourism.
"In a matter of days" tourists from outside the European Union will no longer require the Covid-19 vaccination certificate, and they will be able to enter the country with a negative test, as announced last week by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto.
"In a matter of days, we will eliminate restrictions for tourists that were discouraging tourists from outside the European Union to visit us and will allow them to enter the country with a negative test," he emphasized.
Maroto stressed that this is "good news" and insisted that it will be applied "in a matter of days", once the Government finishes outlining the order that will include the elimination of the vaccination certificate for non-EU tourists in order to approve it.
"Tourists will only be required to show a negative test to enter," said the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, who reiterated that this is "good news" expected by the tourism sector and that it will place Spain as one of the preferred destinations for international tourists this year.
"Without letting our guard down, the world will see us as a safe destination, more than 92% of the Spanish population is vaccinated. Tourism is recovering at rates we couldn’t even dream of in January, but today it is a reality, tourism is the growth promoter of the economy this year," he stressed.
Greece and Italy Take the Lead
Italy only requires a certificate attesting a negative PCR test result (performed within 72 hours prior to entering into Italy) or antigen test (performed within 48 hours prior to entry into Italy) and since May 1st it is not necessary to present the EU digital Covid certificate to access hotels, restaurants, museums, public transport within Italy. Only the current Covid certificate is required for access to hospitals and health centers.
However, the use of FFP2 masks is still mandatory until June 15 in order to use local or intercity public transport and for access to cinemas, theatres, indoor shows, sporting events, concert halls and other entertainment venues.
Greece does not require vaccination certificates for tourists from the EU or the countries that use the EU Covid Digital Certificate system as long as the tourist presents a negative PCR test result performed within the last 72 hours prior to arrival in Greece or, alternatively, an antigen test result performed within 24 hours prior to arrival in Greece. Also, as of March 15, 2022, travelers visiting Greece are no longer required to complete the Passenger Locator Form. The validity of the vaccination and recovery certificates will be valid for nine and six months respectively.
Visitors from all other countries must, regardless of their vaccination or postcovid test status, need either a negative RT-PCR test certificate obtained from a public authority or accredited laboratory performed up to 72 hours prior to their expected time of arrival in Greece or a negative antigen test certificate obtained from a public authority or accredited laboratory within 24 hours prior to their expected arrival in Greece.