Spain reimposes PCR test requirement for unvaccinated British tourists

The Balearic Islands were recently added to the ‘green list’

British tourists travelling to Spain will need to present negative PCR test or proof of vaccination to visit, the prime minister announced today.

The change is estimated to come into effect on 2 July after being signed into law on 29 June.

More details will be confirmed on Tuesday.

Last month, Spain axed all entry restrictions for British visitors as it sought to recharge its battered tourism industry.

In last Thursday’s traffic light travel update, the Balearic Islands, which include holiday hotspots Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, were placed on the UK’s green watchlist, meaning travellers from there could enter Britain quarantine-free following a holiday.

However, the Canary Islands and mainland Spain remain on the UK’s amber list, which mandates 10 days of self-isolation at home and two PCR tests.

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday that the country would reimpose the testing requirement for outbound travellers who have not been fully vaccinated.

Tourists will need to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours on arrival, or proof of two vaccinations.

Mr Sánchez justified this measure given that the data coming from the United Kingdom shows concerning infection rates “well above 150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants based on the prior 14 days”.

The change applies to all arrivals aged 12 and over. Tourists must also fill in an online health form.

Despite the change in requirements, foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez tweeted that Spain would welcome Britons to visit.