The Times on Tuesday (1 February) reported that Spain will defy new EU guidelines and refuse to accept Covid-19 recovery certificates from UK arrivals, citing Spanish tourism officials.

Anyone over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated to enter the country – and this includes a booster jab if their second dose is more than 270 days old.

However, the UK stipulates children aged 12 to 15 who catch Covid between their first and second doses must wait 12 weeks before having their second, making them ineligible to enter Spain in the meantime.

Spain’s stance is contrary to EU guidelines, adding to another layer to existing confusion around pandemic travel rules for children.

A UK spokesperson for the Spanish Tourist Office told TTG: “We know Spain is in discussions with the EU and its partners about a possible review of the entry requirements for tourists from third countries with a view to making the current measures more flexible. 

“The situation could change in the near future.”

Agents have highlighted the issue to TTG as a particular concern, with Idle Travel boss Tony Mann highlighting the additional precautions the independent has taken to make clients’ aware of the situation.