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PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 8:41 pm
by Alex
The following has been sent to us by Marcliff:

1. As from the 23rd November, all arrivals by sea or air to Spain will require a PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival.
The test required is specified as PCR(RT-PCR de COVID 19). Diagnostic tests won't be accepted and these include rapid antigen, rapid antibody or Serologies (ELISA, CLIA, ECLIA).

2. The test must be carried out with 72 hours of arrival in Spain. That is, when you arrive in Spain by sea or air the test certificate must be dated no more than 72 hours previously.

3. Arrivals from all EU countries except for some parts of Finland, Norway and Greece must show have this test, That includes NI, Scotland, Wales, England or any of the islands that make up the British Isles. The full list is given in the BOE which can be found on the Daily Updates threads. Any countries added or deleted to this list will be published in a BOE and the Daily Updates thread will be updated.

4. All arrivals will require this test. That includes residents, non-residents, home owners, citizens of Spain - in fact - all arrivals in Spain and a NIE, TIE, padron certificate, payer of taxes etc will not exempt you from this test.

5. The test is for everyone coming in by Seaport or airport. It is not required if you come in by land in a car, on a bike, on foot, in a bus or a train or any other form of land transport. Considering some 9,000 people cross the 1.8km border with Gibraltar every day and then add those from Portugal, France, Andorra then you can see Spain does not have anywhere near enough officials to check everyone and, besides, you will already have had to have gone through the other country's procedure and rules to enter Spain.

6. Certificates must be original in paper format but can be stored digitally onto a mobile phone or tablet or whatever. It would seem email copies are not permitted.

7. These tests are required for those entering Spain. You do not need a test if you are traversing one region to another because you would already be in Spain. You will not need on to travel to the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands from Spain because you are already in Spain. Nor will you need one if travelling from those places to mainland Spain. You will also not need one if you are transiting Spain to another country by sea or air. If your ferry or airplane lands in Spain and you are en route outside Spain then you will be classed as an international traveller and won't require one as you won't be leaving the arrival port. If you clear customs or immigration then you will require one.

8. If you are travelling to the Canary Islands, you cannot book into a hotel without the certificate. The hotels there require a test for everyone over 7 years old but everywhere else requires a test for everyone regardless of age so even children will require one to enter Spain.

9. Yes, you may find it difficult to get a test 72 hours before you come to Spain and, yes, Christmas will make it worse. Just because you are finding it difficult will not be an excuse because you will be breaking the law if you attempt to enter Spain by Sea or Air without one. However, if you find you can't get a test then you have a couple of choices. Stay where you are or go somewhere else. The final choice is to alter your arrival dates so you can get the test 72 hours before arrival.

10. There is no indication that the test can be taken on arrival nor are there any references to being able to take it or facilities for doing so on arrival.

11. If you are transiting through another country to come to Spain by road, make sure you check the restrictions on travel in that country first. Some require mandatory quarantine whilst others allow travel for specified reasons like returning to main place of residence. UK, at the moment, doesn't allow foreign travel outside UK except for specified reasons. There are already reports of drivers being fined at the ferry ports and the tunnel for trying to travel without having a legal reason to do so and being turned back. Visiting a second home, visiting relatives (unless they are disabled and require your special assistance) or looking for some sun are not legal reasons. Those reasons can be found on the UK advice to travellers page along with updates.

Also posted here: https://www.costablancaforum.com/area/r ... in-118851/

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 8:46 pm
by Archie Fox T
THANK YOU ALEX FOR THIS EXCELLENT PIECE OF INFORMATION
We will now have to review our plans to travel back to the UK in December and our return to Spain in January 2021
Thank you
Best
Archie

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Thu Nov 19, 2020 8:30 pm
by BritOverseas
So, I have a question for anybody that might be able to answer it.

I will be coming back to Spain, end of the 2nd week of Dec, from one of the exempt portions of Norway. I had a direct flight, which got cancelled, and now I am being routed through Amsterdam.

As I am in an exempt zone, I don't have to get a test, but I will be in Amsterdam (for 1.5 hours) before I land in Spain. Getting a Covid test in my area in Norway will be pointless, because it doesn't mean anything to Spain, and of course I am not going to stay in a hot spot for 3 days to get a negative Covid test, so that I can catch it while I am there..

Do you think they will understand this when I get there, or would they really expect me to stay in Holland for 3 days on my way back?

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Thu Nov 19, 2020 9:01 pm
by marcliff
Why would a PCR test from Norway not mean anything to Spain? What would people from non-exempt parts of Norway do?


As long as it's within 72 of arrival in Spain then it will be accepted providing it is in English or Spanish. Same as if you were coming direct from the Netherlands.

Plus, won't you be an international transit passenger with your flight ticket showing you boarded in Norway? Providing you don't exit customs at Amsterdam you may not need one but, to be safe, get one done in Norway.

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 8:16 pm
by webbshirley
Where in. UK can I go and get this PCR test done?

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:18 pm
by cheflady
Thanks Alex for putting it in order. Marcliff thanks for info in laymans terms so we don't need a degree to understand! Please don't forget Bee who as took time to publish the flood victims list with out her easy link to info people like me wouldn't have a clue! Cheers you guys!! Jules xx

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 11:52 pm
by Planet Janet
This might be of interest.

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:40 am
by wilbhoy67
Any idea why NHS tests are not allowed?

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:41 am
by wilbhoy67
Any idea why NHS tests are not accepted ?

Re: PCR testing for Spain

PostPosted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 3:53 pm
by jpeg
Published on Tuesday, November 24, 2020
IATA develops Covid-free app to kick-start air travel recovery


The International Air Transport Association says it is in the advanced development phase of its 'Travel Pass' app which would provide proof of a passenger's Covid-free status.


The Travel Pass would display test results as well as proof of a Covid vaccination, and would link to a digitized copy of their passport to prove their identity.


A pilot program will start with British Airways parent International Airlines Group (IAG) later this year.





The app's security features would allow authorized labs and test centers to securely share test and vaccination certificates with passengers.


It will also display a global registry of health requirements for passengers based on destination.


The app can 'manage travel documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout the journey,' IATA said.


Travelers will be able to present a QR code for scanning at border points.


"Our main priority is to get people traveling again safely. In the immediate term that means giving governments confidence that systematic Covid-19 testing can work as a replacement for quarantine requirements, and that will eventually develop into a vaccine program. The IATA Travel Pass is a solution for both," IATA said.





Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor