Additional Documents Confirmed for Entry into Spain

From the Spanish Consulate website London. Those who are permitted entry into Spain dated 31/03/2021.

“IMPORTANT: New rules will apply to enter Spain from the UK.

Who can and can’t travel to Spain from the UK starting 30th March?
Since Brexit, the UK is considered a non-EU country, therefore, according to the Orden INT/657/2020.
– British citizens (as 3rd country nationals) can’t travel to Spain at the moment, in general terms.
– EU citizens and their relatives -including British ones-, can.

This is a temporary regulation which restricts 3rd country nationals entering Spain for public health reasons due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Can a UK citizen married to a Spanish national travel to Spain from 30th March?
Yes, as long as they can show the relevant documents.

What about a baby born in the UK who only has a British passport and whose mother is Spanish?
Yes, as long as the relevant documents can be shown.

Are there any exceptions for non-EU citizens?
Yes, the Order specifies exemptions allowing entrance in Spain for non-EU citizens (including British citizens) in the following cases:
a) residents of the EU, Schengen states, Andorra, the Vatican and San
Marino who are travelling to their place of residence
B) long term Spanish visa holders
C) health care professionals and carers who travel for work
D) transport workers
E) diplomats, military and members of international organisations
F) students with permission or Spanish visas and medical insurance
G) highly qualified professionals in some justified cases
H) people who are travelling for essential and justified family matters
I) force majeure cases, necessary situations or humanitarian reasons
J) residents of countries not affected by the restrictions, in some cases (see anex of the Orden)

Bear in mind that British regulations also apply to citizens currently in the UK and, at the moment international travel is banned except in certain cases.

For those UK nationals who were residing in Spain before the end of the transition period and protected by the Withdrawal Agreement.

The UK government has posted the confirmation from the Spanish government of additional documentation accepted for entering Spain.

“ The Spanish government has formally confirmed to the UK government that UK nationals who were legally residing in Spain before 1 January 2021, and as such are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, can use any of the following documents to prove their residence status when entering Spain:

Residence card issued under Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement (the TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
Temporary or permanent EU residence certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadanos de la Unión)
Confirmation of the positive outcome of your residence application (Resolución favorable por la que se concede la tarjeta de residencia)
In the absence of any of the above documents, other documents that credibly evidence your legal residence in Spain before 1 January 2021, such as a padrón certificate (issued by your town hall), a work contract, a rental contract, or proof of property purchase

• However, due to current travel restrictions, be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the legal entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that you are returning to Spain to your habitual place of residence or can demonstrate an essential reason to enter (see ‘Permitted reasons to enter Spain’), and reserve the right to deny passage.

The above list of documentation has also been communicated to airlines and other operators.

In the case of students, documentation that demonstrates enrolment in an on-site or in-person course and proof of accommodation
You must also show a valid passport when you travel and comply with the other documentation requirements, such as a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arrival, as set out in this travel advice.

The above list of documentation has also been communicated to airlines and other operators”.

Travel to Gibraltar is subject to entry restrictions
Only specified categories of people are currently permitted to enter Gibraltar by air – these include registered Gibraltarians, residents of Gibraltar, Spanish nationals and residents in transit to Spain, and those working in Gibraltar. Full details of all those eligible to enter Gibraltar may be found on the Government of Gibraltar website. In addition, travellers must present proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Gibraltar, or take a fast test on arrival at Gibraltar Airport.

As well as restrictions on arrivals by air into Gibraltar, only specified categories of people are currently permitted to enter Spain via Gibraltar. Spain have extended current travel restrictions from the UK until 6pm (GMT+1) on 2 February 2021. While restrictions are in place you will only be able to enter Spain via Gibraltar if you are a Spanish national, you are legally resident in Spain or Gibraltar or a cross border worker. You will be asked to show documentation to prove you meet the criteria above.

In the case of students, documentation that demonstrates enrolment in an on-site or in-person course and proof of accommodation

Students enrolled in on-site or in-person courses starting after 1 January 2021 will be permitted entry, providing they can present documentation that demonstrates enrolment and proof of accommodation. If you are intending to study in Spain for more than 90 days in a 180 day period, you may require a visa to enter. Specific exemptions may apply. You should check possible visa requirements with the Spanish consulate in the UK prior to travel.

See Entry requirements for full details before you plan to travel.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.