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es.usembassy.gov
I don't see any changes....anyone else?
Very little has changed. I used the Wayback Machine to compare the current version and the previous version. The changes are mainly cosmetic / formatting changes and minor updates, for example the line "Please follow government information" in the context of curfew rules is now deleted, and also deleted is the text "Travellers to Spain are not currently subject to any quarantine requirement unless directed by Spanish authorities upon arrival due to specific circumstances."
Same with me and American Airlines from Barcelona in mid-February 2022.
By choice we would continue to wear a mask due to age and health issues. The disease will not go away.
I was one of about 5% of shoppers wearing a mask at Costco today - the last thing that I need is to get Covid five weeks before I leave for the Camino! Plus, I have really been enjoying not having had so much as a cold for the last two years.
I know from discussion with air personnel that many of them hope to keep the mandates on International, long-haul flights. With an even more contagious virus, who wants to arrive in a foreign country having been put further at risk because some passenger near you in the plane is contagious. Remember most traveling to spain will not have been tested before departure. I recall a recent post of fully vaccinated-boostered Pilgrims who have caught Omicron. Getting it could not only cause need to isolate, but impair the quality of your pilgrimage.
I don't see any changes either. The only thing that was really different from last time I travelled to Spain (but this was MANY months ago) was that antigen test was allowed for return and I had more time to get the PCR test. But as for NEW changes - couldn't figure out what they were. I was HOPING the US would eliminate testing requirement for fully vaccinated and boosted.... but no so luck.
The airlines do check before you are allowed to get your boarding pass and board the plane. They certainly did for my last flight home! Did the airline not check for you?
Absolutely! I do the same. Not only will you not truly know requirements until just before your scheduled departure - as requirements may be updated - but the requirements may change WHILE you are travelling! This was certainly happening while I walked last summer - the rules kept changing - most specifically concerning mask requirements. I would assume at this point, restrictions would probably continue to trend towards loosened restrictions. However, if a more deadly variant should emerge that could change everything. Just be prepared for anything. As stated above - have masks and vaccine records (if you have been vaccinated) on hand, in case they are needed at any point during the trip.
Thank you!The US Embassy in Spain updated travel from the USA to Spain and COVID requirements.
Buen Camino.COVID-19 Information
Stephan: We'll (@Oxford Alice, my daughter and I) see you in Roncesvalles! Cheers and safe travels.
For those of us who flew from overseas and walked a camino this passed year(2021),it was no big deal if you knew the rules, kept current as you traveled,
Absolutely! And 1 more thing to add... the people working in the albergues were great at keeping us posted with changes that affected the local area. I loved my COVID Camino which is why I am doing it again! Again - I am assuming (or maybe simply hoping) that restrictions continue to be eased - but if you stay prepared and keep up with changing requirements you will be fine!
That would be wonderful. I’m not absolutely sure exactly which day I’ll arrive to Roncevalles.Probably the evening of the 6th. I get the feeling you’re leaving the on the sixth from your dates? Buen Camino!
I got my 4th on March 24 by self certifying that I was eligible. The pharmacist gave me a bit of a hard time but then just a couple days later they opened it up anyway.
Stephan: Yes, you are correct. We have a narrow weather window (Here's the Roncesvalles forecast) leaving SSJP on May 5, and then plan to leave Roncesvalles early on the 6th before the weather rolls back into the area by mid-day. Hopefully we'll be to Zubiri by then. Hope to meet you somewhere sometime. Buen Camino.
Do you mean April 5th?
I know you mean April 6.….
Yes... April it is. I have tons of issues on my mind as I scramble to leave on Sunday. We hope to do the UP and OVER Napoleon route next Tuesday. We want to recreate the "Money Shot" from 2013 in Pyrenees. Cheers
I just returned from Italy and it was very easy to get a covid test at a pharmacy in Salerno (and probably most places) the day before. No appointment, cost 15 Euros, took about 30 minutes. Just ask for one, there may not be a sign in the window but every pharmacy I asked did themThe US Embassy in Spain updated travel from the USA to Spain and COVID requirements.
Buen Camino.COVID-19 Information
But obviously we can still get covid. Hence the testing?
Me too, and I don't see this changing anytime soon. There's a lot of mask haters on Kauai who love to call any of us who have been vaccinated or wear a mask Sheep, Sheeple, or that we bow to the Over Lords
. I'm fine looking like a masked train-robbing sheep..as Ive managed to stay healthy enough to get to do this lovely walk and see my grandkids!
I understand this, but how do I find a location to get a COVD test 24 hours before return to USA? I'll be in Santiago 24 hours before but then in Madrid. I'm an inexperienced traveler and everything is new to me; adding COVID rules is worrisome, returning June 5The US Embassy in Spain updated travel from the USA to Spain and COVID requirements.
Buen Camino.COVID-19 Information
This recent post may be of help.
Great shot!
Great shot, I hope you can recreate it!
Yes - if you test positive, you will not be permitted to board the plane to the US. You will be required to isolate in Spain.
We have had the testing reserve twice returning to
They don't usually ask to see it upon re-entry to the US (at least not at the lines for US citizens but not sure about other passports) - they do require airlines to check before you are allowed to get on the plane. My airline wouldn't give boarding passes to anyone who didn't have their COVID test. Those who were transferring planes to an international flight had to stop at the airline desk at the gate to show their COVID test.
I don't remember exactly where I went - but when I was in Madrid I just did a google search and looked for Rapid PCR testing sites and was able to find the one closes to my hotel. At the time - they had to be PCR tests. I registered online - and I chose to walk to the clinic - and had a printout with my registration info and just handed it to them. It was super easy. I could have taken a bus - but after walking SJPDP to Finisterre and Muxia - I was still in the walking mood haha. There IS COVID testing at the airport in Madrid - but I didn't want to wait until the last minute.
$75 euro?!
I had to pay much more than that when Rapid PCR test were required! Now that antigen tests are also accepted - it is easier to get a less expensive test. But unlike the US - a lot of the world has to pay for their COVID tests. In the US, we only have to pay for a home tests (but I get them free from work) and rapid tests PCR (as well as antibody tests - but those aren't accepted for travel).
Pamplona is a great place to start your Camino Frances. I started there on my last Frances due to time constraints. Sure, walking through the Pyrenees from France is really cool and beautiful but if the weather sucks, the weather sucks.
Jesus, not really. That's why I hunt for the cheapest airplane tickets lol.
Exactly. You aren't allowed on the plane without the negative test (or documented proof of recovery). There's no need to make people wait in line to check again.
Yes, it is all rather discouraging at times. Something that was so simple to do, is now a complicated mess filled with possible delays and extra costs etc. My emotions over the whole wretched covid mess vary from disgust and anger to sadness and doubt.
Definitely get insurance that will cover covid quarantine, and check your airline's policy on changing dates. Many are still waiving change fees, though you may have to pay the difference if the fare has increased.
I’m pretty sure you’re talking about everybody. Or is there a whole group of people that want to catch Covid?
That makes sense because different countries all have different requirements. Going TO Mexico would be different from coming from Mexico into the US. That said... the US Mexican border treats pedestrians differently from those who are in their cars, and cars are sometimes treated differently than those traveling via plane. Doesn't make sense - but they do know that people do walking day trips across the border all the time. The US border patrol tends to be more flexible with pedestrians. At least - near me they are! If you were in a plane - the airline would have checked COVID test status. In a car - well - I will have to ask one of the local border patrol agents if they are checking anyone's COVID test status for travel by car (I live a half hour away from Mexico and we have lots of border patrol living in my neighborhood). But again - pedestrians are often walking across the border for a few hours and back - and they tend to be more loose in those circumstances. But you can't walk or drive from Europe - so just plan on having the airline check your COVID test status!
By the way, you should be pleased to know that in every public Spanish space that I was in there was 100% masking. And a significant amount of people just walking around.
