Since Spain opened her borders to international travellers on 21 June 2020, we’ve received lots of emails asking the same question: is it safe to come to Malaga? We therefore thought it made sense to compile some FAQs to give you the facts to help you decide the answer to the question.
UPDATE
For the latest information about Covid-19 in Malaga, read our FAQs
How have you compiled this information?
As Guide to Malaga followers know, our team headed by Joanna Styles lives in Malaga city. Since covid-19 first appeared on the scene, Guide to Malaga has offered updated information on coronavirus in Malaga; the lockdown; the easing out of lockdown; and the ‘new normal’.
All our information is a) based on official figures from government sources (links are always included) and b) our experience out and about in Malaga. Using these we have attempted to answer the question “Is it safe to come to Malaga?”
Read about the current Covid situation in Malaga.
Information updated on 22 April 2022
Restrictions in Malaga – UPDATE
From Thursday 7 October until further notice
- No travel restrictions within the province, Andalusia or Spain.
- No restrictions on capacity in venues including restaurants and shops.
- Beaches are closed 11pm to 7am.
- No curfew.
Municipal lockdown in Andalusia
Municipal boundaries will close if the rate of infection rises above 500 per 100,000 people in 14 days. This means you cannot travel outside your municipal borders unless you have a justifiable reason (e.g. work purposes, taking your children to school, healthcare etc).
In municipalities with infection rates over 1,000 per 100,000 people in 14 days, all non-essential services must close.
Find out latest lockdown rules in Andalusia – add the municipality you want to check in ¿Dónde vives? and click on Entrar. The data is updated daily so check before you travel anywhere.
Malaga Airport remains open so that if you want to come (and can come) to Malaga, you can unless your home country isn’t allowing travel to Spain.
What happens if my travel involves an area in lockdown?
You can only travel to and from an area in lockdown for very specific reasons. They include for work, studies (school or university) or “matters of extreme importance” (e.g. court appearance, caring for family members, etc). If it’s for work, you need to download and fill in the file in this document and get it approved by your employer. If you’re a resident in a particular area, you are allowed to return to it, but you’ll need to show proof that you live there.
What’s the covid-19 situation in Malaga now?
In mid-April, cases were still high (the rate was over 500) among the over 60s and vulnerable, the only groups currently being measured.
Are these figures getting higher?
Numbers appear to be stable. Over 86% of the population over 5 is fully vaccinated, but as we all know, the situation is volatile. If you plan to travel to Malaga, check with official sources before setting out.
Can I come to Malaga?
As of September 2020, Spain in common with the rest of the EU is allowing travellers from a list of around 20 countries to enter the country. The EU revises this list periodically.
The list is not fixed and can change at any time to check it regularly.
If your country is on the list and you come to Malaga, you will be allowed in. This applies even if your country has advised against travel to Spain.
Note also that from 7 June, travellers from outside the EU who have full immunisation from Covid (with WHO-approved vaccines, e.g. 2 doses of Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca or 1 dose of Janssen) are permitted to enter Spain.
As of Wednesday 1 December 2021, UK nationals and residents must show a vaccination certificate (full dose) to enter Spain. If you don’t have the certificate, you cannot come to Malaga.
Note also that Portugal’s borders with Spain reopened from 1 May 2021.
What does full immunisation/ dose mean?
As from 1 February 2022, your vaccination certificate must show the following:
On the date you enter Spain (or the EU), your last vaccine jab must be at least 14 days before and no more than 270 days before. The most recent jab must complete the vaccine course (e.g. 2 doses of Pfizer, Modern or AstraZeneca or 1 Janssen) or be a booster jab (second or third dose). If your last vaccine jab was more than 270 days before you enter Spain (more or less 9 months), you must have a second or third dose and then wait 14 days before you enter Spain.
What are entry requirements to Malaga?
If you have an EU or equivalent digital vaccination certificate, you need to have it available to show to the authorities.
If you don’t have a digital vaccination certificate, you need to fill in the Health Control Form (Formulario de Control Sanitario/FCS) via the website or mobile phone app prior to arrival. Full details are here. Note that from 23 November, the form includes a question about whether you have a negative Covid-19 test (see below).
Is there a required covid-19 test to enter Spain?
Yes or no.
No, if you have full vaccination and the certificate to prove it, from 7 June you don’t need a negative covid-19 test result to enter. Nor do you need a test result if you’ve recovered from covid-19 in the last 6 months and have the medical certificate to prove it. As from 2 July, this applies to travellers from the UK who have been in the UK for 14 days before their arrival in Spain.
See full immunisation rules above.
Yes, if you haven’t been vaccinated, most travellers arriving in Spain by air or sea (land travellers are exempt) must carry proof of a negative PCR, TMA or RAT test for covid-19 carried out within 48 hours before your arrival in Spain. You must bring the certificate with you (in English, French, German or Spanish, in paper or digital form) and may be asked to show it on entry. The border officers won’t necessarily ask you to show proof of the test, but if they do and you don’t have it, the fine is €600 and you need to take a test at the airport.
This applies to all travellers aged 12 or over.
What about quarantine?
Spain is not applying quarantine requirements to citizens arriving from the countries in the EU-approved list.
Where can I get a covid test in Malaga?
Numerous clinics in the city offer PCR and antigen tests. PCR test results take between 24h and 48h and cost from €60. Antigen tests take anything from 15 to 90 minutes and cost around €40. Some clinics (such as the Quirón) have walk-in clinics while at others, you need to book an appointment.
Find out how and where to get a covid test in Malaga
Should I come to Malaga?
That depends on your circumstances and what the government in your home country recommends. Check with your foreign office for the latest advice.
Are flights safe?
We have flown several times since lockdown and so can offer a personal experience:
- Hygiene on planes appears to be excellent.
- All passengers and airline staff wear masks all the time (except when eating).
- Malaga Airport has high hygiene standards and social distancing rules are observed.
Safe Travels Stamp
On 6 August, Malaga city received the Safe Travels stamp, awarded by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The seal recognises tourist destinations that have applied health and hygiene protocols according to WTTC guidelines.
Andalusian Covid-19 Insurance
From 1 January 2021, all non-resident foreign tourists can benefit from guaranteed covid-19 insurance. The policy guarantees cover for any circumstances caused by the virus and includes hospital healthcare, accommodation in an apartment and repatriation. Read our guide to covid-19 insurance in Andalucia.
The cover is currently valid until 30 June 2022.
What health and hygiene measures has Malaga introduced?
Since lockdown, Malaga city council and all businesses have worked extremely hard to keep the city as clean as possible. We certainly have never seen it looking cleaner. Hygiene measures are in place everywhere, from museums and monuments to buses and taxis; from hotels to restaurants; from shops to beaches, etc, etc.
You can read full details of the measures in our article about the new normal in Malaga.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes, in the following circumstances:
- On all public transport in Malaga including taxis.
- In all health centres and hospitals.
- In pharmacies.
You are also advised to wear a face mask indoors in a public space if a) you are 60 or over or vulnerable to Covid and/or b) the space is crowded.
And here’s how to wear your mask correctly 😍
Is it safe to come to Malaga?
We certainly feel very safe in Malaga. The city has the advantage of offering lots of attractions outdoors – most bars and restaurants have terraces, there are lots of al fresco cultural events and there are the pedestrian spaces, parks and beaches. Inside spaces (shops, museums, tourist offices, public transport etc) all have limited capacity, so you won’t find it difficult to social distance.
On balance, we think it’s a safe city at the moment providing you follow the basic rules of wearing your mask, keeping your distance and washing your hands a lot.
Avoid the (very few) eateries where staff aren’t wearing masks and the (very few) venues that appear to have too many tables to social distance.
Will I enjoy coming to Malaga?
Obviously, it isn’t the same as it was, but we are enjoying the city this winter. The museums are as good as they were (and quieter!), we have been to some lovely cultural events, our favourite places to eat are all squeaky clean and we love the social distancing on the beach so much that we hope they keep it in place forever!
But, remember, this is our opinion and not official advice. In the current pandemic, you could catch covid-19 anywhere in the world including Malaga. The decision to come to Malaga is yours and yours only.
We hope to see you in Malaga as soon as you feel ready to come here. Meanwhile, stay safe.
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Disclaimer: the information included in this article is based on facts available on the links provided and the personal experience of Guide to Malaga. It should under no circumstances be used as a recommendation to take (or not take) action. The decision to travel to Malaga (or anywhere in the world) is entirely yours and Guide to Malaga takes no responsibility for the outcome of that decision.
