Travel column with Katie Butler: Covid rules for travel from UK to Spain

IBIZA: Tourists enjoy a sunny day at Cala Tadira beach. Photo: Getty Images

Spain tightens Covid-19 restrictions for international entry

Katie Butler writes: Where has January gone? Just like that we are into February, and what an amazing January we have had at Total Travel.

As I have mentioned previously, January is ordinarily our busiest month for making new holiday bookings and we are delighted that January 2022 has not disappointed.

The relaxation of the entry requirements when returning back to England has definitely helped and confidence in travel certainly seems to be on the up.

Although it is much easier to come back to England, there are of course certain destinations that seem to be tightening the rules.

Namely Spain (including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands).

Spain is one of our most popular winter holiday destinations, particularly the Canary Islands.

However, for anyone over 12, entry is now dependent on whether you are vaccinated.

If you are over 12 and not fully-vaccinated, then you will not be able to travel to Spain for leisure or holiday purposes, causing distress and confusion for those due to travel in the half-term holidays with unvaccinated teenagers.

From February 1, Spain, including its islands, have set an expiry date on the validity of vaccination status.

From this date you now need to prove it has been at least 14 days and no more than 270 days since your second dose.

If it is more than 270 days, you will need to show proof of a booster.

Children aged 12 and over are treated the same as adults and must present evidence of full vaccination to enter Spain.

Children under the age of 12, as it stands, do not need to be vaccinated and a test before arrival is not required. This of course could change.

My teens are fully-vaccinated but how can I prove this?

Children aged 12 to 15 are now able to access a NHS Covid Pass letter for international travel.

The letter will include an internationally recognised 2D barcode.

A digital solution is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The NHS letter can take up to seven days to arrive at your home address, so ensure you order in good time.

What is “hot” and where are people booking to go on holiday?