Prep Post 2: No Straight Answers ... Go with Your Gut!

 For the next several days, I read everything that I could find trying to clarify whether or not Spain would open to Americans on June 7th. I read published news articles, blogs, and official Spanish-government bulletins. I spoke with the airline and the travel agent. The information changed by the hour and by the source. There was only one conclusion: No one really knew what the heck was happening.

As crazy as it was, I cannot explain why, but through it all I had peace and a reassurance that on June 16th I would be disembarking a plane in Madrid, Spain. Then on Saturday, June 5th I heard the news: It was official, Americans will be allowed entry to Spain on June 7th. Geez! talk about waiting until the last minute. But we have learned that that is just how the COVID-saga rolls. 

Now begins the quest to inform myself about all the required documentation and regulations that I will need to have completed and/or in-hand in order to realize this trip... and once again: No Straight Answers. 

It became obvious after speaking with Priceline and American Airlines that there isn’t that one person or entity that I could call to find out everything that needed to be done, and that I was going to have to do some old fashioned research on my own. The guidebook for traveling to Europe post-pandemic had not yet been written.

Q1. Negative COVID PCR test - do I need one or not?

I am fully vaccinated. However, I continue to read conflicting reports on whether or not a fully-vaccinated American still needs to have a negative PCR test. The majority of the earlier reports said "yes" and that it had to be PCR, not the antigen aka rapid test. But now I have found a few articles that are claiming that the antigen test will now also be accepted. In addition, the wording is starting to change to fully-vaccinated OR proof of negative test. 

A: No Straight Answers, to date.

Q2. How do I show proof of vaccination?

Is the international community seriously going to accept only this little piece of white cardstock on which I hand wrote my own name, aka CDC vaccination card, as official proof that I am vaccinated? Really? How easy would it be to forge this? In all of my searching, I have not come across any other option. So I paper clipped the little card inside my passport. However, my searching did end up being productive because I stumbled upon a serious regulation that Spain requires.

A: CDC white paper card, I am assuming.

Q3. What is Spain’s required "health control form"?

This document is a deal-breaker. If I had not stumbled upon this information, I would have been denied boarding my flight in Dallas. I had to go to a Spanish government website and initiate the "health control form". I have to complete the form 48 hours prior to my flight. With what information and using what documentation, I still do not know. Eventually I will obtain a QR code to show authorities at the airport. But without this QR code, my trip would have been over before I left US soil.

A: Process in progress to date.

Update: Most recently, I read a post from an American who traveled to Spain on June 7th. She only had to show her CDC white paper card and the Spain health control form QR code. She also noted that she was the first off the plane and the agents acted like they did not know what to do. By the time I fly on the 15th, they should have the system in place. I am going to keep my appointment for my PCR test, just in case.

Q4. Schengen Zone Travel Insurance for COVID-19, I need to purchase it... What? Are you kidding me????

Prior to 2018, I would have laughed off the idea of buying traveling health insurance. But during my trip in 2018, I made two visits to an emergency room in Spain. Both times, I had to pay cash.  One travel blogger wrote that he decided to get the insurance because he would be doing a lot of driving in Europe. I have driven a lot in Europe... this makes a lot of sense!

Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s the unpredictability of the COVID virus, but I am considering purchasing this. There are several plans available. I chose the middle-of-the-road plan of $50,000 max with $250 deductible and the quote was $49.50. It not only covers medical expenses but also travel interruptions. Since I was cheap and did not buy any travel insurance when I bought my ticket, I am leaning towards purchasing this. According to various websites, some EU countries might be requiring in the future that travelers show proof of COVID insurance.

A: Undecided, but I probably will.

Q5. What programs are available to make it easier to get through the lines at the airports?

In 2020 I had an appointment made to enroll in the Global Entry program. For reasons that are painfully obvious to us all, the appointment was cancelled. This trip to Spain has happened so fast that I didn’t bother to try and enroll this go round  But I definitely want to get it done  In the meantime, there is TSA Precheck  I need to look into this more  It also might be too late for this trip.  In addition to these government programs, I have discovered that there are private entities with whom airlines are affiliating themselves. Clear is one that is getting a lot of good reviews. However, I read that it is only worth it if you are a frequent flyer. One or two trips a year does not warrant enrolling. I am flying American Airlines and they are encouraging the app VeriFLY.  So I have downloaded the app and created my account but it appears that I cannot do much else until closer to my flight date  

A: Various apps are available  Check with individual airline for which is recommended for you.