COVID-19: What You Should Know

American Pilgrims is echoing official advice from numerous sources that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated and have received the appropriate booster shots. We will continue to pass along news from the official and authoritative sources listed below.

Regarding entry requirements to Spain and the latest EU guidance:

Effective October 21, 2022, Spain has lifted all its remaining COVID-19 restrictions. Both EU and non-EU citizens no longer have to show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative Covid test. Follow this link for more information.

We also share this website in English produced by the Ministry of Tourism that lays out who can enter Spain and the requirements for entry: travelsafe.spain.info/en and this link to the Latest News on countries and risk areas.

As of April 20, 2022, masks are no longer required outdoors or indoors, with some exceptions. Masks may be required in some countries if you are traveling by plane, train or bus, as well as on all public passenger transport, as well as in health centers, hospitals or pharmacies/drugstores.

A few caveats:

1) The Ministry of Tourism is not the agency determining the entry requirements. That responsibility falls to the Ministry of Health. As the Ministry of Health provides more clarity, the information by the Ministry of Tourism may change accordingly.

2) This information was posted on the website TravelSafe.Spain.Info where there is a disclaimer saying “This information is non-binding and has no regulatory effect.”

While we aim to provide official sources of information directly from the Spanish government, it is ultimately your responsibility to understand the rules of your destination and comply with them. We recommend that closer to your departure date, you check official sources in case anything has changed. This applies not just to Spain in general but to the regions within Spain you will be traveling through.

Some final thoughts…

Travelers entering Spain should be flexible and understand things can change quickly. Be kind and patient with those you encounter (hotel and hostel staff, airline workers, border officials, etc) as we navigate the measures, rules, and protocols. Think about the flexibility and adaptability that we usually embrace on the Camino. You may need it as you travel in Spain if you become ill during your trip. Travel restrictions can be imposed in Europe with short notice.

As of June 12, 2022, the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs no longer requires a negative COVID-19 viral test or proof of recent recovery before entering the United States. US embassy websites and the website of the CDC have information about entry requirement.

The Association of Municipalities of the Camino de Santiago has up-to-date information on restrictions, including cross-border travel closures. (Spanish with some English).

US Embassy Links

The US Embassy in Spain
The US Embassy in Portugal
The US Embassy in France

This is a site (Spanish) that seems to be timely and comprehensive: Travel Safe Spain. The section “What is the current situation in each area of Spain?” about two-thirds of the way down the page offers province-by-province information.

Follow this link to the U.S. State Department’s COVID-19 Country-Specific Information page.

Some official and reliable sources
• National Institute of Health
• Centers for Disease Control
• The World Health Organization (WHO)
• The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

Spain-specific information sources
• The Spanish Health System is posting timely announcements in their Twitter feed: twitter.com/SaludPublicaEs
• The Spanish Ministry of Health (Spanish):
mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/home.htm
mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/situacionActual.htm
• Status of COVID-19 in Spain, including regional details (Spanish):
experience.arcgis.com/experience/50d6c4c5599a43f4bebf517daa3a97b6
• El Camino con Correos has posted helpful information on their blog:
• “El País“ in English for current news.

Join our American Pilgrims Facebook group and learn what people are experiencing first-hand.

Our local chapter coordinators continue to consult state and local public health authorities for current guidance and recommended COVID-19 precautions in their area. Coordinators may, at their discretion, require stricter requirements for indoor events or refrain from holding indoor events due to high community levels. This is intended to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Remember, this information can change quickly. Stay informed and make informed decisions. Don’t forward unreliably sourced information.