Want to travel to Spain now? What you need to know

This article will detail everything you need to know if you want to travel to Spain this summer. This is the second most visited country in Europe and the great news is that it is now open for tourism. Read more to find out the things you should consider before booking your tickets to Spain.

Who can visit Spain?

Spain opened for tourists arriving from Europe on June 21st, and to the third-party nations recommended by the European Union starting July 1st. You can find below the full list of countries from which Spain accepts visitors.

*Visitors are allowed to enter from Algeria, China and Morocco as long as the reciprocity agreement with the respective country is maintained.

Spain mentioned that the list of allowed countries will be updated every 15 days.

What are the conditions to travel to Spain?

All travelers arriving in Spain must present a Health Control Form at most 48 hours before departure. Once the form is completed, visitors will receive a QR code which they must provide at the airport control points. The QR code can be either printed or in electronic format.

At the airport, all passengers must maintain a 1.5 meters social distance. Moreover, visitors are subject to temperature checks, which should be below 37.5 degrees Celsius. General recommendations such as maintaining high levels of hygiene are also required. Find out more information about traveling to Spain in this document.

The use of masks is mandatory in public areas and on all means of public transportation in Spain. On the contrary, those who do not wear a mask are subject to a fine of up to 100 EUR.

What is open in Spain?

Everything seems to be open now that tourism is allowed. However, there may be different opening and closing times than usual. In addition, hotels and bars are required to comply with social distancing and sanitation measures.

Nightclubs are also open in Spain, but only at 33% capacity. In addition, dancing is not allowed. The only exception is the island of Ibiza, which reported that clubs will stay closed until the end of the year.

What is the COVID-19 situation in Spain?

If you started planning your travel to Spain, then it is important to also be aware of the actual situation. To date, Spain has 300.988 COVID-19 cases and 28.403 deaths. During the past few weeks, the daily number of new cases averaged at 300-400. The highest concentration of cases can be found in Madrid and Catalunia regions of the country. Detailed information on each region can be found here.

The best cities to visit in Spain

Although the biggest and most popular cities are Barcelona and Madrid, here you can also find the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases. However, Spain has plenty of beautiful other cities to visit that are less risky. We comprised a list of these cities below.

Alicante

Alicante is a coastal city situated on the Southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The most popular attractions here are the Castle of Santa Barbara and the Alicante port. Check out places to stay in Alicante here.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a fantastic city to visit in the Northern part of Spain and was named The City of Design by UNESCO in 2014. Some top attractions include the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Bilbao Cathedral. Find a wide range of accommodation options in Bilbao here.

Canary Islands

Canary islands are perfect for those who are seeking to travel to an exotic place that is still in proximity to Europe. Any of the islands will be perfect for those who enjoy the beach. Find hotels in Gran Canaria here.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the third-largest city in Andalusia and the warmest one in Europe. It is the perfect place to be for those passionate about the Moorish history and culture. Check out these accommodation options in Cordoba.

Marbella

Marbella is one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa del Sol, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. You can find the best resorts here.

Seville

Seville is another impressive city to visit in Spain. The city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely the Alcázar Palace, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. You can find accommodation in Seville here.

Toledo

Toledo is another World Heritage Site worth visiting during your travel to Spain. The city is renowned for its historic sights and steel. You can find some accommodation options here.

Valencia

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. The city is well-known for its impressive, futuristic designs, such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the Oceanografic. Find the best places to stay in Valencia here.

How to stay safe during your travel to Spain

Spain's official tourism site advises travelers to respect the general recommendations for avoiding infection with COVID-19, such as:

• Keeping social distancing measures and avoiding hand shakes, hugs and kisses on the cheeks.
• Maintaining high-levels of hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, sneezing and coughing in single-use tissues.
• Avoiding touching any parts of the face.
• Staying at home or accommodation if you feel sick and avoid contact with others.

Did you find this article useful? You can also check out which countries are open now in Europe or what travel insurance companies cover for COVID-19.