Spain: British expat questions enforcement of Covid passes

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Spain is a popular tourist destination, but the whole country was not created equal when it comes to tourism. In November, the country attracted 3,348,451 holidaymakers.

The most popular destination for tourists in November were the Canaries.

The islands saw over 1 million tourists in November, followed by Andalucia, at just under half a million.

Britons were the largest market, with over 300,000 in the Canaries and 93,000 in Andalucia.

Nationwide, 597,548 Britons travelled to Spain for a holiday in November.

But the most popular region from January to November last year were the Balearics.

Holidaymakers flocked to the Spanish islands, whether the Balearics or the Canaries.

The four Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are major tourist hotspots all year round.

So are the Canary Islands, with Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Fuerteventura.

Spain has plenty of popular holiday destinations and 4 million Britons holidayed in the country in 2021.

Despite the country’s popularity, the tourism industry in Spain took a hit last year.

Numbers fell well below what they were pre-pandemic.

Spain currently requires Britons to be fully vaccinated to enter the country.

The requirement applies to all holidaymakers over 12 years old. Spain defines fully vaccinated as being double jabbed.

Many British families have had problems with the rule, as children under 12 are usually not double vaccinated in the UK.

On Twitter, Ruth Valentine said: “We have holiday to Spain booked six days after daughter turns 12 years old. Impossible to get two vaccines. Shouldn’t it be over 12 years and three months? Loophole?”

And Mrs B replied: “We have this same scenario! Daughter turns 12 at the end of July, going to Spain on the 4th…

“From what I’m reading she won’t be able to enter even if we paid for PCR tests.”

Holidaymakers wanting to travel to Spain will also have to keep a close eye on a new rule that could be implemented by the EU as early as February.

The Covid certificate allowing passengers to travel around the bloc could be valid for only nine months.

While the new rule was agreed on by the Commission but could still be blocked by a majority of EU Governments, but Reuters reports officials believe there is support for it.

The rule will apply to EU residents and it is not yet clear whether a pass proving full vaccination from outside the bloc will also be limited to nine months validity.

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