(UPDATED December 17 , 2020)
Country-Specific Information:
Due to COVID-19 Spanish travel restrictions, U.S. citizens cannot enter Spain unless they meet very specific requirements or have already obtained special permission from the Government of Spain. Additionally, U.S. citizens travelling from the United States or certain other countries will need to show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and complete a Health Control Form (See Entry and Exit Requirements below).
Restrictions related to COVID-19 remain in effect throughout Spain and vary widely by region. U.S. citizens should carefully monitor regional governments’ websites and local press reports for more information. Ensure you are familiar with local requirements prior to traveling between regions in Spain and remember to follow the instructions of local authorities. Not doing so could result in fines or arrest.
The most common restrictions in Spain include:
- A nighttime curfew
- Public or private gatherings limited to six people
- Limited movement to and from many locations unless it is for a legitimate and essential purpose, such as work, medical reasons, education and training, returning to your residence, taking exams, helping the elderly, minors or disabled people, banking, insurance, legal, or administrative matters, and any emergency or force majeure situations
- Limited capacity in religious facilities, funeral homes, shops, restaurants, and bars
Important notice: In areas with limited movements, travel to Madrid, Barcelona, or to any of the consular agencies for an appointment is permitted according to the exceptions in the regulations. Please carry confirmation of your appointment or, if coming to vote, your U.S. passport to show to the Spanish authorities.
Remember you may be fined and/or detained if you do not comply with these regulations. The fines are significant, ranging from 60 – 60,000 euros.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that people are reporting a wide range of COVID-19 symptoms. If you are suffering from these symptoms and believe you may have COVID-19, contact Spanish medical services at telephone 061 or call 112 in an emergency.
Face masks are always mandatory for everyone age six or older in enclosed spaces and public areas. There are few exceptions to this rule such as medical waivers, eating or drinking, or while practicing sports.
The U.S. Embassy in Madrid, the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona, and the five consular agencies in Spain are providing limited services to U.S. citizens in line with recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must have an appointment and wear a mask covering your mouth and nose to enter and for duration of your stay in our facilities. Please arrive on time for your appointment and bring only the individuals with you who are required for the appointment. For more information, see our July 2 Health Alert. Please note the consular agencies accept payment by credit card only (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, including Visa Debit and MasterCard Debit).
Entry and Exit Requirements:
United States: U.S. citizens and LPRs are permitted to return to the United States from Spain. See the DHS website for further details. The Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market issued April 22, 2020, and expanded June 22, 2020, does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. LPRs, who may return to the United States.
Information about visa processing for individuals who wish to travel to the United States is available here.
Limited commercial options to return to the United States from Spain are available, although flight cancellations are frequent. Work with your airline directly to re-book your flight or obtain a refund. While limited direct flights between Spain and the United States exist, U.S. citizens may have to transit through a third country to reach the United States. Please make sure to read the U.S. Embassy COVID 19 page of any country you plan to transit through.
Spain: Please check the Spanish regulations carefully before attempting to travel. If you travel to Spain and are not admitted, you will be placed in immigration detention for up to several days, until a flight on the same airline becomes available to take you back to your point of origin.
Transportation options and border restrictions continue to change throughout Europe. U.S. citizens can depart the European Schengen area, including Spain. For information about entry and exit requirements, please visit the Spanish Embassy website. According to Spanish regulations dated September 29, 2020, Spain’s borders continue to be open for the following persons as per regulations issued July 17, 2020:
- Habitual residents in the European Union, Schengen Associated States, Andorra, Monaco, The Vatican, or San Marino.
- Holders of a long-term visa issued by a Schengen member of Schengen Associated State who are going to that country.
- Health professionals coming to Spain for work.
- Goods and transport personnel in the practice of their duties.
- Diplomats, consular, international officials, military personnel, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations in the practice of their duties.
- Students who study in one of the EU/Schengen member states and possess the appropriate visa or equivalent permit and medical insurance who travel within the course of their academic studies or 15 days prior.
- Highly qualified workers including participants in high-level sporting events that take place in Spain.
- People traveling for duly accredited family reasons.
- People traveling for duly accredited humanitarian reasons of reasons of force major.
- Residents of Algeria (see order), Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco (see order), New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, or China (see order) provided that travelers have come directly from these countries or only made international transits at airports outside of these countries.
If your situation does not fall into any of the above categories, and you have an urgent need to travel to Spain, please consult the closest Spanish Embassy or consulate about your specific situation before making travel plans.
Before traveling to Spain, all passengers arriving from third countries must complete the Health Control Form (FCS) and show the QR code at the Border Health Control at the airport upon arrival in Spain. The form must be completed for each passenger. Parents or legal guardians can complete the form for minors, dependents, or disabled persons. You can start the form at any time before your flight, but you can only answer health questions and finalize the form 48 hours before your arrival in Spain. The FCS form and additional information is available in English here.
Passengers arriving from the United States or any other country with a high COVID-19 infection rate will also be required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to enter Spain.
The negative test result should be in Spanish or English and should be presented in original paper or electronic record, containing the name of traveler, passport or national ID number, date of the test, and name and contact information of testing center. Please read the complete information here.
Click here for information for travel within the European Schengen zone.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? Yes. Please check with local authorities.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes. Movement restrictions are in place in numerous locations across Spain. Please click on the map to find out the restrictions that apply in your location.
Quarantine Information:
United States: According to the CDC, travelers returning to the United States from the specified countries in Europe should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. For more information, see the CDC website.
Spain: Travelers to Spain are not currently subject to any quarantine requirement unless directed by Spanish authorities upon arrival in Spain due to specific circumstances.
COVID-19 Testing:
- U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test in Spain for free if prescribed by a public health doctor, or by paying an average of €120 if they obtain the test from a private medical facility, such as those on the Embassy’s Medical Services List.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes. Limited commercial options to return to the United States from Spain are available, although flight cancellations are frequent. Work with your airline directly to re-book your flight or obtain a refund.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes. A mask covering your mouth and nose is mandatory while using public transportation.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Non-compliance may result in arrest and in fines that range between 60€ to 60,000€ depending on the gravity of the violation.
Consular Operations:
- American Citizen Services: The U.S. Embassy in Madrid, the Consulate General in Barcelona and the five consular agencies in Spain have resumed passports and consular reports of birth abroad processing, voting assistance, and some limited notarial services for U.S. citizens. For information, please visit the U.S. citizen services website.
- Visa Services: Limited visa services are available. For information, please visit the visas website.
Local Resources:
- Government of Spain information page in English
- Spanish Ministry of Health COVID- 19 site
- Regional information
- Other links:
