Important Travel Information for Departures from the UK to Spain – Summer 2021

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you on your Powder Byrne summer holiday to Spain.
As International Travel reopens we will be helping you prepare for your summer holiday and understand the latest requirements for travel for each member of your family group.
A key part of your preparations will be familiarising yourself with the latest requirements for travel from the UK Government and the travel requirements for your specific destination, including any required forms, documents, and evidence of a negative Coronavirus test or vaccination.

Getting ready for travel

Passports
*Important* – Please note that since the UK left the EU there are new requirements about passport validity for UK travellers to Europe.
In summary UK travellers to Europe need to have at least 6 months validity left on their passports and for the passport to be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
Full details can be found here

Insurance
As we are unable to sell or provide advice about insurance for your holiday we strongly recommend that you secure adequate travel insurance to cover all elements, particularly in respect of unforeseen cancellation, medical emergency cover and any costs associated with failing a Covid-19 test either pre-travel or in your destination country prior to returning to the UK.
We are an introducer for MPI Brokers, who we have worked with for many years. Further information can be found here.

GHIC card
We strongly advise that you obtain a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This card lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Full details of this scheme and how to apply can be found here.
If you already have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.

FCDO advice and the UK government traffic light system

Check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for the country you’re visiting at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice ,which includes details of any entry requirements and local rules relating to coronavirus. You can sign up to receive country specific email alerts to get important updates. Please note information is likely to change regularly.
Check the Government’s traffic light list to find out what you need to do on your return journey to the UK. Details of the traffic light system can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/travel-abroad

**We have summarised the details of the FCDO advice for Spain, the UK traffic light system and testing requirements below and on pages 3- 5 for your reference. However, please note travel information can change regularly and at short notice and therefore we refer you to the UK and destination government pages for the very latest available information.**

Covid-19 Testing

A key requirement for international travel this summer is testing.
The timing of the test and proof required varies by country, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your destination before you travel as well as the requirements for your return to the UK.

Failure to provide the right type of test can result in being denied boarding, entry and/or substantial fines.

**NHS tests cannot be used for international travel. You cannot take an NHS test abroad with you to use on yourself before you return. You will need to use a private test provider.**

Many private facilities in the UK now offer testing services specifically designed for travellers, providing a quick turnaround time and a certificate that’s acceptable to overseas authorities and airlines.

We are working on partnerships for accredited testing suppliers and will share more information shortly.

Testing costs will be paid for by yourselves and are not included in your holiday costs.
Please note that Powder Byrne cannot be held responsible for any costs associated with a delay to your travel arrangements due to a delay or errors in you receiving the required proof of a negative test result.

OUTBOUND TRAVEL – Testing and Entry Requirements for Spain

We have summarised below the current testing and entry requirements for Spain when travelling from the UK and included links to the relevant FCDO and destination government pages.

**Please note information can change at short notice and you should refer to the FCDO and destination government pages for the very latest published information. **

Before you travel please pay particular attention to the Entry Rules to Spain in response to the coronavirus which can be found in full here.

From 24 May, entry restrictions and testing requirements for arrivals from the UK to Spain no longer apply. However, travellers from the UK should be prepared to present evidence of a negative test if they have travelled to a country on Spain’s list of ‘risk countries’ in the 14 days prior to travel.

All passengers entering Spain will still be required to complete a pre-travel declaration form.

On arrival into Spanish ports and airports, you may be subject to the following requirements at the point of entry:
· Present the QR code (hardcopy or digital) issued on completion of the online Health Control Form prior to travel. See Mandatory pre-travel declaration form for all passengers
· Undergo a temperature check
· Undergo a visual health assessment
· If travelling from a ‘risk country’ be prepared to show evidence certifying you have undertaken a PCR, TMA or LAMP test within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, and have tested negative for COVID-19. From 24 May, arrivals from the UK are no longer subject to this requirement (unless they are subject to the exceptions listed in ‘Testing requirements for arrivals from the UK’). See Testing requirements
· If travelling from a country where Spain has issued a travel ban, be prepared to show evidence of your residency. 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 meet the entry requirements and reserve the right to deny passage.

Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of the above requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain.

Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a PCR, TMA or LAMP test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.

INBOUND TRAVEL – testing and entry requirements on return to the UK

Check the Government’s traffic light list to find out what you need to do on your return journey to the UK. Details of the traffic light system can be found here.

*The travel rules for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may vary so please ensure you check the relevant information.*

Below is a summary of the information for return to England:

BEFORE travel to ENGLAND from GREEN LIST territories and countries you must do the following:

• Take a Covid-19 Test (antigen test or PCR)
Full details can be found here
You must be able to provide a negative test result that meets or exceeds the minimum specificity level as stated by the UK Government.
** Children aged under 11 do not need to take a test**
We are pleased to confirm that there is a testing provider called Humanline Sotogrande which is 15 minutes’ drive from Polo Valley/ 5 minutes’ drive from the Marina Guesthouse.

http://www.humanline.es/contacto/

Book and Pay for a Day 2 Covid-19 test (PCR) – to be taken after arrival in England.

• Full details can be found here
  *Note the test must be booked before your return to England.*
  *Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test.*

• Complete a Passenger Locator Form

• Full details can be found here

BEFORE travel to ENGLAND from AMBER LIST territories and countries you must:
• Take a Covid-19 Test (antigen test or PCR)
Full details can be found here
You must be able to provide a negative test result that meets or exceeds the minimum specificity level as stated by the UK Government.
** Children aged under 11 do not need to take a test**
We are pleased to confirm that there is a testing provider called Humanline Sotogrande which is 15 minutes’ drive from Polo Valley/ 5 minutes’ drive from the Marina Guesthouse.
http://www.humanline.es/contacto/

• Book and Pay for Day 2 and Day 8 Covid-19 travel tests – to be taken after arrival in England.

• Full details can be found here
  *Note the tests must be booked before your return to England.*
  *Children aged 4 and under do not need to take the day 2 and 8 test.*
  • Complete a Passenger Locator Form
• Full details can be found here
  • On arrival in England
  On arrival in England you must:
  • quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
  You may be able to end quarantine early if you pay for a private COVID-19 test through the Test to Release scheme.

PLEASE NOTE: Whilst Powder Byrne will endeavour to update this information on a regular basis this may be superseded by revised travel advice from the FCDO, destination and/ or UK border control requirements which will therefore need to remain our clients’ primary source of current and specific travel information.