Spain Has Removed COVID Testing Requirements

Other countries have specific rules when it comes to travelling. This may include:

• Providing a negative Covid Test
• Providing proof of vaccination
• Wearing a mask wherever you are required to
• Quarantine on arrival
• Complete a passenger locator form on arrival.

To see the rules for a specific country, click here.

With over 120 clinics nationwide, it’s never been easier to book the appropriate test you need,

it’s as simple as heading over to our website. Simply take our questionnaire, whether you are entering or leaving the UK. We would also recommend that before even booking your tickets to travel, you become familiar with the government guidelines on travel.

Please note that whether you feel ill or not, taking a test is a requirement to ensure the safety of other passengers.

Unless the country you visit has eased its travel requirements like Spain, or Unless you have a medical exemption clarified by your doctor, the likelihood is you will not be allowed to travel abroad without taking a test.

Once you know which test you need to do, you can click this link and enter your address to find your nearest test centre, then proceed to book your test.

Below we will be explaining some testing options, and how to perform them if you are doing them at home.

The PCR test

PCR stands for ‘Polymerase Chain Reaction’ which is a common technique used in laboratories for research and clinical purposes. PCR’s amplify or copy small segments of genetic material.

Using COVID-19 PCR kits as an example, they use a ‘primer’ which is a strand of DNA sequence that matches and amplifies a strand of the virus in question if detected, in this case, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

PCR tests can be performed at a clinic or at home, either way, results are analysed in a lab so results do take at least a day to be confirmed to you.

After ordering and receiving your test kit follow these guidelines on how to take a PCR test:

1. Clean your hands with sanitiser, or wash your hands with soap and blow your nose.
2. Clean the surface your test kit will be on and lay all the test materials on the surface once it is dry.
3. Open your mouth and rub the swab over both your tonsils (or where they were) at the back of your throat. Do this 4 times on each side.
4. insert the same swab inside your nose (about 2.5cm up or until you feel some resistance) and wipe the inside of your nose.
5. Put the swab facing down into the tube and screw the lid tight.
6. Put the tube in the bag provided.
7. When posting the used kit, make sure to only post it in a Royal Mail Priority postbox which is for the sole purpose of receiving and delivering test kits.

If you are in need of booking a PCR test for travel, we recommend you take a read of our blog which provides extra information when it comes to a ‘fit to fly PCR test’.

Antigen testing kits:

Antigen test kits differ from the PCR. As mentioned earlier, PCR test kits use a primer (a particular strand of DNA of the subject being looked for) to ascertain whether the testee is infected. Whereas Antigen test kits use lab-made antibodies to search for antigens from the COVID-19 Virus.

Because antigen testing kits can be done from home, results are made apparent in a much shorter frame of time, just 15 minutes. Antigen test kits have become a common method of testing due to this convenience.

The method of testing follows a simple procedure, different to the PCR method and is as follows, to take a rapid antigen test:

(Not all rapid antigen tests are the same. E.g. some test kits come with the tube and liquid in separate parts. So, always read the instructions on the box or leaflet before you do the test.)

Start by washing your hands with soap or cleaning with a sanitiser, then prepare a watch or timer.

In the antigen test kit, there should be a:

• The white strip which shows you the test result
• A long stick with 1 soft end (swab)
• A tube with liquid inside
• A lid for the tube

When taking the test, make sure to:

1. Take the long stick (swab) out of the packet. Do not touch the soft part at the end of the stick.
2. Put the soft part of the stick up your nose.
3. Put it all the way up until you feel it touch the back of your nose.
4. Rotate the swab around the inside of your nose.
5. Count to 15 slowly.
6. When the stick is in your nose, you can press on the side of your nose to ensure the swab has made proper contact.
7. Repeat the process in the other nostril with the same swab you used initially.
8. When you are done, put the stick into the tube.
9. Stir the stick in the tube 10 times.
10. Gently squeeze the sides of the tube together 10 times.
11. Take the stick out of the tube.
12. Put the cap tightly on the tube.
13. Squeeze 3 or 4 drops of liquid onto the tiny circle on your white strip.
14. Set your timer or watch to the time that the box says (this could be 10, 15 or 20 minutes).
15. When the time is up, check the strip to see what it says. Only read the strip at that time and not later. It might be incorrect then.

Do you need an antigen test kit? Our website provides these test kits for you. Want to know some more information about antigen test kits? Our blog contains all the relevant information that you need.

Here to help you

Official Rapid Tests is a trusted global supplier of Covid testing. We are the highest-rated UK Government listed provider on Trustindex. Even though places like Spain have lifted their travel restrictions, other countries may still have stricter guidance. That is why we are here to help.

All Official Rapid Tests are verified by the EU and the UK Government. We work with qualified front-line doctors and tech experts to come up with the most convenient testing solutions for travel. We blend technology and medical expertise to offer the fastest and most convenient PCR testing service on the market.

If you are not sure which Covid test you may need, take our Quiz on our webpage here, and this will tell you which type of Covid test is suitable based on your travel requirements.

Within this article, we hope to have helped give an understanding of your travelling needs whilst sharing information regarding the fact that Spain has removed COVID testing requirements.

Find out more about Official Rapid Tests by browsing our website here.

We have over 120 clinics nationwide where you can get a Covid test. Find your nearest test centre by clicking here.

We are open 24/7, seven days a week.

Read more articles on travelling and Covid tests on our blog here.