The Spanish Tourist Office in London has been criticised for a sudden about-turn of a pledge to allow unvaccinated UK travellers into the country.
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said described the tourist board’s error as a “spectacular blunder”.
The STO in the UK said earlier on Wednesday that rules for unjabbed British tourists had been relaxed as long as they show evidence of a negative Covid test or proof of recovery.
But just hours later the STO admitted that the statement was incorrect due to a misinterpretation of an official notice from the Spanish government.
Travellers from the UK must still show proof of being fully vaccinated or a certificate of recovery.
Pedro Medina, deputy director of the STO in the UK, said last night: “We apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication earlier today which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.”
The lone exception is for those aged 12 to 17 who can show a negative Covid test – PCR of similar – taken within 72 hours before arrival in Spain.
For vaccinated travellers, the STO said: “If more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, certification of a booster vaccination is also required, except for teenagers aged 12 to 17 (inclusive).”
Children under 12 years old are now exempt from the need to complete a Spanish health control form in advance when travelling with an adult with an NHS travel pass.
The country had previously insisted that all arrivals aged 12 or over be fully vaccinated, affecting families planning February half-term holidays.
Last night’s withdrawal of the relaxation guidance drew criticism from Lo Bue-Said, who had originally welcomed the measure as a “step in the right direction”.
After the reversal she took to Twitter to describe the U-turn as a “spectacular blunder” and “just madness”.