Spain Advice

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houseboy
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Spain Advice

Post by houseboy » Sun Sep 25, 2022 3:45 pm

Just booked a last minute trip to Spain. Has anyone been in the last few months? They still have some basic COVID rules on entry for none EUs. Have looked online but it’s all a bit vague. We have first, second and booster COVID passes and the booster one is still valid (exp November and we go next weekend) but some advice suggests that the last injection should be within last 270 days (9 months basically). And ours was January so just outside that. All a bit confusing so thought I’d ask the experts. 😁

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Jimmymaccer » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:11 pm

Went thru Malaga last week………airline didn’t look for any evidence but as we went thru passport control having landed, there was then a check that we had the NHS covid travel pass confirming we’d had the jabs including booster dose 3- my pass saved in iPhone wallet shows expiry date of December 22- they just looked at it and waved me through.

Enjoy Spain, the weather is still fab out there!

Vino blanco
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Vino blanco » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:19 pm

Mrs Vino says if you have had your two vacinations plus booster you are fully covered, however your actual NHS certificate might need updating. No need for a spth locator form. In Malaga, they are only doing very random checks at the airport.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by SussexDon1inIreland » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:26 pm

Arrived in Malaga Sat night.
At Heathrow although BA Website asked us to 'upload our Covid documents' we ignored that. Bag check was done by machines we had our boarding passes and had no interaction with anyone until we boarded when we only had to produce our passports and boarding passes.
On arrival in Malaga after passports were checked there was a small group of people wearing white coats who seemed dis-interested in stopping anyone so we walked through unchallenged.

Its over hopefully.

UTC

houseboy
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by houseboy » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:31 pm

Thanks all. Really helpful.

quoonbeatz
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by quoonbeatz » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:33 pm

Went through Malaga last Saturday and they checked everyone's vaccination status after passport control. NHS app is fine, it will update when you open it (it doesnt expire - the date refreshes each time you open the pass itself). If you've had 2 plus the booster you're fully covered no matter when the most recent was.
Last edited by quoonbeatz on Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

RVclaret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by RVclaret » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:35 pm

Is Spain the only country in Europe still bothering with this rubbish?
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arise_sir_charge
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by arise_sir_charge » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:40 pm

Same as above but in Alicante, random checks.

So if you have your Covid pass it will have an expiry date on.

houseboy
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by houseboy » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:41 pm

We’re going to Salou (never been on that coast) so flying to Reus near Barcelona. Hoping to talk Mrs Houseboy into a trip to Neu Camp but I’m not holding my breath.

houseboy
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by houseboy » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:44 pm

RVclaret wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:35 pm
Is Spain the only country in Europe still bothering with this rubbish?
It seems so, we had no probs in Cyprus three months ago, just masks on public transport. I don’t know why with Spain it’s no checks for EU visitors, like the virus knows the difference between a German a Frenchman and a Brit. 😂

RVclaret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by RVclaret » Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:51 pm

houseboy wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:44 pm
It seems so, we had no probs in Cyprus three months ago, just masks on public transport. I don’t know why with Spain it’s no checks for EU visitors, like the virus knows the difference between a German a Frenchman and a Brit. 😂
Didn’t realise that, how bizarre!
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Tribesmen » Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:17 pm

Just came back from Almeria yesterday evening no problems from what i saw , now going there we did see 3 girls in white coats chatting but nobody was stopped .
All the English got their passport stamped and nothing else really .
Enjoy your hols
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Nori1958 » Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:21 pm

Tribesmen wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:17 pm
Just came back from Almeria yesterday evening no problems from what i saw , now going there we did see 3 girls in white coats chatting but nobody was stopped .
All the English got their passport stamped and nothing else really .
Enjoy your hols
Up to June they were Checking everyone's vaccination forms, since then it's been a bit more random, but officially still required
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Tribesmen
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Tribesmen » Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:56 pm

Nori1958 wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:21 pm
Up to June they were Checking everyone's vaccination forms, since then it's been a bit more random, but officially still required
Look even as a EU member i had all my paperwork up to date in case they asked .

By the time they would ask you I was passed passport control so it was ramdon to sat the least .

4midable
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by 4midable » Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:58 pm

I think it depends what time you land

During day was checked back in Aug
Some arrived at night with not a soul to be seen checking for covid vac

ElectroClaret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by ElectroClaret » Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:10 pm

Random checks at Alicante, as said above.
Most people just waved through.

ChrisG
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by ChrisG » Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:10 pm

We went to Ibiza last month, got asked for Covid pass after we'd got our cases, but wasn't exactly scrutinised.

You do need a mask on buses and the drivers won't let you on without

conyoviejo
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by conyoviejo » Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:20 pm

When being asked what you want by the waitress always say " Deme una
Mamada" and don't forget to say Por Favor.

Sozturf7
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Sozturf7 » Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:27 pm

Oh you are a one. Not a good idea. But very funny.

conyoviejo
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by conyoviejo » Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:30 pm

Sozturf7 wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:27 pm
Oh you are a one. Not a good idea. But very funny.
Sorry,couldn't resist .😁

Top Claret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Top Claret » Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:10 pm

Tribesmen wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:56 pm
Look even as a EU member i had all my paperwork up to date in case they asked .

By the time they would ask you I was passed passport control so it was ramdon to sat the least .


Nowt to brag about being an EU member

1968claret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by 1968claret » Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:23 pm

Just back from Mallorca. They were checking all Covid passes on entry. They just scanned out NHS App.
As others have said, if you have had two jabs plus the booster you are considered to be fully covered regardless of the date of your last jab.

IanMcL
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by IanMcL » Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:29 pm

Coming to Girona last week, Ryanair still pointed to the Spanish form and need for Covid cert.

I actually had my 4th jab on Friday, before Bristol City and left Monday am.


Nothing in Bournemouth. Arrived Girona and as passengers passed through, they asked to see NHS Covid pass. Cursory glance at phone, as I went past.

Jel
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Jel » Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:37 pm

Literally on the tram from the airport. You will need your NHS covid pass for the airport in Spain. That's it.
If you are planning on using public transport then you need a mask and it has to be a mask. Scarfs etc don't cut it.
Enjoy, we've just had a great week in Santander

Top Claret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Top Claret » Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:43 pm

Spain is a bureaucratic nightmare there public sector is even more bloated than ours

Jimmymaccer
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Jimmymaccer » Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:53 pm

Ah yes, caught the train from Malaga airport but didn’t have a mask so some over enthusiastic police wouldn’t let me on to the train so I had to run and get one from the vending machine……then on the train quite a lot didn’t have masks on so just to save some hassle, if using the train just take a mask….

Vino blanco
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Vino blanco » Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:11 pm

Also, if you have to go into a hospital or a Centro de Salud you will need a mask. You are also supposed to wear one if you go into a pharmacia (chemists), though this is becoming more lax.

Billy Balfour
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Billy Balfour » Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:13 pm

Top Claret wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:43 pm
Spain is a bureaucratic nightmare there public sector is even more bloated than ours
Out of my way, you foreign customs chappie! I'm British and also in possession of a blue passport.

Claretforever
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Claretforever » Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:20 pm

It’s just been scrapped hasn’t it?
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Nori1958
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Nori1958 » Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:40 pm

Tribesmen wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:56 pm
Look even as a EU member i had all my paperwork up to date in case they asked .

By the time they would ask you I was passed passport control so it was ramdon to sat the least .
Other than last July, the covid stuff has always been after passport control, they're just not checking everybody's now

Stockbrokerbelt
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stockbrokerbelt » Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:11 pm

Hi, I live in Spain, you need to have a mask on you at all times, if stopped & you don’t it’s a €100 fine, need a mask on all public transportation, pharmacy & medical centres & hospitals. As for the comments regarding around Spain still having these rules, you might want to check how low Covid rates are in Spain! I suggest you don’t get in discussion with the Gurdia or national police around the rules as they have a no tolerance policy regarding the rules & ignorance is no defence. I came back on Sunday after the game & the Spanish crew insisted on masks, no masks no getting on the flight, first time I’ve had that since last year but their argument was that it was a flight into Spain & came under Spanish transportation rules. As for Ryan air the strikes are Monday to Thursday & any flight Friday to Sunday are not affected.
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Stayingup
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stayingup » Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:14 pm

houseboy wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 3:45 pm
Just booked a last minute trip to Spain. Has anyone been in the last few months? They still have some basic COVID rules on entry for none EUs. Have looked online but it’s all a bit vague. We have first, second and booster COVID passes and the booster one is still valid (exp November and we go next weekend) but some advice suggests that the last injection should be within last 270 days (9 months basically). And ours was January so just outside that. All a bit confusing so thought I’d ask the experts. 😁
No.need for anything ref Covid records etc since last week

Stockbrokerbelt
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stockbrokerbelt » Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:17 pm

Top claret, Spain is not a bureaucratic nightmare & infact very simple as long as you follow the rules, it black or white & no grey areas.

Stayingup
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stayingup » Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:22 pm

Stockbrokerbelt wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:17 pm
Top claret, Spain is not a bureaucratic nightmare & infact very simple as long as you follow the rules, it black or white & no grey areas.
Try getting a Spanish driving Licence or selling your place there. It can be very beaurocratic.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by peter_nobles_fringe » Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:27 am

went through Malaga last week no issues but did notice on arrival there were heat detector cameras pointed at the arrivals queue and a few people in white coats think if you have a temperature you will get hauled out for a covid check

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by IanMcL » Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:35 am

Top Claret wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 7:10 pm
Nowt to brag about being an EU member
I think it probably/certainly is.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by IanMcL » Mon Sep 26, 2022 11:37 am

Stayingup wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:14 pm
No.need for anything ref Covid records etc since last week
NHS covid cert seems likely still. Just the health doc gone.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Quickenthetempo » Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:01 pm

Spain have missed out on lots of Brit tourists this year.

Everyone seems to have gone Turkey for their family hols this year, as well as their Turkey Teeth.

Top Claret
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Top Claret » Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:23 pm

Turkey is fine but the quality of food and drink is dreadful

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Claretforever » Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:24 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:01 pm
Spain have missed out on lots of Brit tourists this year.

Everyone seems to have gone Turkey for their family hols this year, as well as their Turkey Teeth.
They must have had more from other countries though, because they were running at 98% of 2019 levels mid-summer.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by NRC » Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:43 pm

houseboy wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:44 pm
It seems so, we had no probs in Cyprus three months ago, just masks on public transport. I don’t know why with Spain it’s no checks for EU visitors, like the virus knows the difference between a German a Frenchman and a Brit. 😂
You ask them to speak in a foreign language
The German says, in perfect English, “which language would you like me to speak in?”
The Frenchman says “je ne veux pas”
The Englishman says “I can’t”

jos
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by jos » Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:58 am

Landed in Malaga yesterday, no covid checks, masks required on public transport.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Garnerssoap » Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:58 am

Keep the updates coming - going to Marbella end oct. Couple of us havent had any jabs or have an nhs app/ pass. Read somewhere as non eu I might need a test but don’t really fancy that either if they’re not checking

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stockbrokerbelt » Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:46 am

Stayingup wrote:
Sun Sep 25, 2022 9:22 pm
Try getting a Spanish driving Licence or selling your place there. It can be very beaurocratic.
Like anywhere there can be issues, the biggest one here is normally UK buyers who don’t do their homework, ask for advice in the nearest bar or in online Facebook pages, instead of getting good legal advice who legally are responsible for all aspects of buying the house including making sure utilities get connected etc. it’s really not difficult , there are also good companies who offer services around residency, driving licences etc.

Stockbrokerbelt
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stockbrokerbelt » Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:48 am

A good online site to visit is SUR which is an online paper for English speakers & has all the latest advice.

Stockbrokerbelt
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Stockbrokerbelt » Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:53 am

Quickenthetempo wrote:
Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:01 pm
Spain have missed out on lots of Brit tourists this year.

Everyone seems to have gone Turkey for their family hols this year, as well as their Turkey Teeth.
It’s been a record year here & was quite close to being one last year for visitor numbers, slightly down on UK visitors but big increases from German, French, Belgium & Scandinavian who are also now the biggest house buyers.

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by arise_sir_charge » Wed Sep 28, 2022 7:20 am

Garnerssoap wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:58 am
Keep the updates coming - going to Marbella end oct. Couple of us havent had any jabs or have an nhs app/ pass. Read somewhere as non eu I might need a test but don’t really fancy that either if they’re not checking
Not worth the risk for the sake of about £10-£12.
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Garnerssoap » Wed Sep 28, 2022 8:41 am

arise_sir_charge wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 7:20 am
Not worth the risk for the sake of about £10-£12.
Yep I agree as the kids are with me. Can you do tests online at home now or do you still have to go to some opportunistic quack station?

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Re: Spain Advice

Post by arise_sir_charge » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:06 am

We used these for our kids in August and will be doing again in October.

https://www.c19testing.co.uk/

Was really easy.
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Quickenthetempo
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Re: Spain Advice

Post by Quickenthetempo » Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:18 am

Stockbrokerbelt wrote:
Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:53 am
It’s been a record year here & was quite close to being one last year for visitor numbers, slightly down on UK visitors but big increases from German, French, Belgium & Scandinavian who are also now the biggest house buyers.
That's good to hear.

It was only based on people I know. One family I know quite well who go to Furengirola every year said half of it was shut in August.

The hospitality trade has taken a huge battering in recent years. Hopefully it's recovering.

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