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COVID Testing - Spain

Posted by (Massachusetts ) on

We are flying in/out of Madrid, leaving two weeks from today and returning 10 days later, and I'm trying to figure out whether we should bring antigen self-test kits. We are five vaccinated adults (US citizens, so the CDC cards) ... and I know we need a negative test to get back into the United States, and assume we may need one at other times (checking into hotels, going to restaurants/museums, etc.). The info on this website has been super helpful - but I know may also be outdated with the new requirements.

So, my questions are:

  1. Are negative tests regularly required in Spain for vaccinated people?
  2. Are self-test kits readily available in Spain (e.g., at hotels for check in and for the negative test to return to the US)?

Thanks much!

Posted by
2267 posts

I flew home from Spain last week, just before the new rules, and my understanding was that a self-test was not sufficient for my return home—it had to be administered. I went to a clinic and paid 35Euro for a rapid test—was handed the results letter after waiting 15 mins.

While in Spain I was never asked for my vax status or any test result.

Posted by
2712 posts

I got back from Spain two weeks ago. My experience may not be relevant since it was before the recent changes. We were not asked for anything -- vaccine card, test, etc. -- once we left the airport.

My main purpose in responding is to let you know you can get tested at the Madrid airport. You need to schedule an appointment online in advance -- travelcovidtestcenter.com, then select the appropriate airport. It cost 25 Euros. You get results in 15 minutes via email. It was very professional and efficient.

We scheduled our test for 3 hours before our plane was scheduled to leave. We arrived half an hour early and were able to get right in. Once we had our test results, we got in line to check in with our airline. We showed them the negative test results on our phones. We flew American Airlines, and we had a very long wait to get checked in. Despite arriving so early, we just made it to the gate 5 minutes before boarding started.

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