Is there anywhere that states this officially?
The FCO website doesn't seem so positive:
Those individuals who are permitted entry into Spain from the UK are listed below:
- Habitual residents of the European Union, Schengen States, Andorra, Monaco, The Vatican (Holy See) or San Marino; who are travelling to their country of residence and can duly accredit their residence status with documentary evidence. For further information on documents accepted as proof of residence in Spain, see Additional requirements for UK nationals resident in Spain.
- Holders of a long-stay visa issued by a Member State or Schengen Associated State, who are travelling onto said country.
- Health professionals, including health researchers, and elderly care professionals who are going to or returning from essential work.
- Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel.
- Diplomatic, consular, international organizations, military, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations.
- Students enrolled in courses starting after 1 January 2021 who carry out their studies in an EU Member or Schengen state and who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance, provided that they are travelling to the country where they are studying, and that entry occurs during the academic year or 15 days previous. Students who started an on-site or in-person course in Spain prior to 1 January 2021 will not require a permit or visa to enter, but should be prepared to provide evidence of this, such as a residence document or proof of enrolment and accommodation (dated prior to 1 January 2021)
- Highly skilled essential workers whose work cannot be postponed or carried out remotely, including participants in high-level sports events due to take place in Spain
- People travelling for imperative family reasons who can demonstrate an essential need to travel. For this category, you should check with the Spanish consulate in the UK for further advice before travelling.
All of the circumstances above must be justified by documentary evidence. You should check with the
Spanish consulate in the UK if you are unsure whether your circumstances meet the current exemptions and for further information. You should be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Testing requirements continue to apply for travel to Spain. See
Testing requirements for details.
Additional requirements for UK nationals resident in Spain
The Spanish government has formally confirmed to the UK government that UK nationals who were legally residing in Spain before 1 January 2021, and as such are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, can use any of the following documents to prove their residence status when entering Spain:
- Residence card issued under Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement (the TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)
- Temporary or permanent EU residence certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadanos de la Unión)
- Receipt of application for the TIE (Resguardo de presentación de la solicitud de la tarjeta de residencia)
- Confirmation of the positive outcome of your residence application (Resolución favorable por la que se concede la tarjeta de residencia)
- In the absence of any of the above, other documents that credibly evidence your legal residence in Spain before 1 January 2021, such as a padrón certificate (issued by your town hall), a work contract, a rental contract, or proof of property purchase may be presented. However, due to current travel restrictions, be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the legal entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that you are returning to Spain to your habitual place of residence or can demonstrate an essential reason to enter (see ‘Permitted reasons to enter Spain’), and reserve the right to deny passage.