According to the UK government advice, you should only travel to Spain for essential reasons. Although Spain’s borders are open to UK travellers as of 24 May, Spain is on the UK government’s amber travel list, meaning that it is only advisable to travel to Spain for essential reasons (e.g., visiting immediate family for essential reasons or for work).
That said, it is not illegal to travel to Spain, and airlines have ramped up their offerings between the UK and Spain following the relaxation of border controls on the Spanish side this week.
Note that anyone returning to the UK from Spain must present a passenger locator form, plus a negative COVID test, taken up to 72 hours before flying, on arrival – followed by a quarantine period for 10 days. All travellers from Spain to England or Wales must book a travel test package (£210), which includes tests to be taken on days two and eight of isolation. Travellers to Scotland must isolate in hotel quarantine, at a cost of £1,750 per individual traveller.
Is Spain in lockdown?
Spain was in a state of emergency from 25 October until it lifted on 9 May 2021. Now, Spanish residents can travel between the country’s 17 regions, and each regional government can form its own coronavirus restrictions. Check the local rules before travelling.
For example, most restrictions have been lifted in Madrid, but Valencia, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands still have an 11pm curfew in place.
Can I fly to Spain?
Yes. Even though Spain is on the UK’s amber list for travel, airlines began escalating their services between UK and Spanish airports on 24 May in response to the news that Spain was open to British tourists.
Remember that if you choose to travel to a destination against the FCDO’s advice, i.e. Spain and the Balearic Islands, your travel insurance can be void. You can find more information about flight cancellation policies in our coronavirus travel advice hub, which is updated regularly.
