When Spain borders are open for Russians in 2021

9 October 2021

In March 2020, many countries declared their borders closed. Spain was among the first to do so. The epidemiological situation in that State was not very favourable. The rapid expansion of the coronavirus has led not only to the closure of borders, but also to the imposition of strict restrictions.

The official authorities of the country do not report the date Spain’s border is open for Russians. The Spanish authorities want the EU authorities to draw up and implement a list of dangerous countries in terms of the spread of the virus.

The characteristics of entry into Spain in 2021 are quite different:

People at all public places must wear masks and gloves and maintain social distance.
Entry requires a visa.
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the planned date of departure.
Upon arrival, a migration card and a health report must be completed and a thermometer must be performed.
At the airport you have to pass 3-stage health control.
To enter Spain, you have to pass the PCR test 72 hours before arriving.
As there is no direct air service between Russia and Spain, only transit flights, such as through Turkey, can reach the country.

Do we need the PCR test to travel to Spain

All persons who are eligible to enter Spain but who have not been fully vaccinated need a PCR test in English or Spanish.
A certificate of absence of the coronavirus must be issued no later than 48 hours before entering the country.
In the summer of 2021, instead of a PCR test, the country allowed travellers to be tested for antibodies in the case of a coronavirus.
In cases of suspected illness, a foreigner is placed under quarantine.

Who has a permission to enter Spain in 2021 during border closures

Citizens of Spain and EU States are allowed to enter.
Since 7 June 2021, tourists have been allowed to enter Spain after receiving a full course of coronavirus vaccination.
To the residents of these European countries, who have the right to be legally present in their territory under EVAW or MMW.
People who have obtained a national D-visa that allows them to officially live, work, be treated and conduct business in Spain.
People going to Spanish universities to study.
Personnel of international flights of aircraft, trucks carrying cargo.
Spouses, parents, children under 21 years of age of Spanish citizens.

Entry rules for all Russians published on the official website of legal information (with explanation) have changed since 7 July 2021.

Spain is a member of the Schengen Union. Therefore, in order to visit it, Russians need a visa. Depending on the purpose of the visit, it may be short-term or a national category D.
Incoming passengers must fill in an electronic form and receive the QR code.
Children under the age of 12 do not need to present a test or a certificate of vaccination.
Vaccinated tourists are allowed to move freely between the autonomous communities of Spain. This does not require PCR or rapid coronavirus tests. However, they are required to comply with all health protocols in force in the country.

Citizens who are permitted to enter Spain must present one of the following documents:

Negative PCR test in English or Spanish, not earlier than 72 hours prior to entry.
A certificate of vaccination completed at least 14 days ago. The vaccine must be recognized by the European Medicines Agency or WHO: Pfizer, Spike Vax (ex Moderna), Vaxzevria (ex AstraZeneca), Janssen, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac. Russian vaccines are not included in this list.

The curfew has been lifted nationwide. Restrictions on public gatherings remained in the Canary Islands (up to 12 people) and Aragon (up to 10 people).

Sources

Official state document Disposición 10746 del BOE núm. 154 de 2021

Official website Spain Travel Health (spth.gob.es)

Official national bulletin BOE.es