Spain to introduce mandatory Covid test for British tourists
In a further blow to the travel industry, Spain will insist UK holidaymakers produce evidence of a negative Covid test later this month.
The PCR tests will have to be taken no more than 72 hours before departure and will be compulsory for all arrivals from high-risk countries, including the UK, from 23 November.
Every major European country except Norway, Finland and Greece is currently considered high-risk by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The decision by Spain’s health ministry to insist on a negative Covid test for arrivals from countries with high rates of infection follows a recommendation by the European Union, which is seeking to end disparities between member nations.
The self-governing Canary Islands will require all UK holidaymakers staying in a hotel or other tourist accommodatoin to produce a negative Covid test from Saturday. However, this can be either a PCR or an antigen test. Children six and under are exempt.
To travel to Spain from 23 November, holidaymakers must have an original test certificate, written in England or Spanish, which can be on paper or in electronic form.
British holidaymakers will have to pay for private PCR tests, at a cost of about £150 a head. The government has said holidaymakers must not apply for free NHS tests.
The requirement for a Covid test to travel to Spain takes effect a little over a week before the lifting of the latest England lockdown and total ban on all non-essential travel.
By Linsey McNeill, Editor (UK)
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive