TRAVELLERS or returning residents to Spain can now show a TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification test) showing they are Covid-free instead of a PCR test, and children under six are exempt, the Spanish health authority has announced.
From December 10th, 2020, the TMA test has been incorporated as an accepted diagnostic test in addition to the PCR. Also, from this date, children under 6 years old are exempt from the diagnostic tests for active infection with SARS-CoV-2, in order to enter Spain.
The Transcription-Mediated Amplification test detects the presence of the coronavirus in an individual. Samples are taken in a similar way as a PCR test, via a nasal swab. Like a PCR test, the process looks for and measures genetic material from the coronavirus. The difference in practice is that the results come back in around two hours, instead of four for a PCR test, and a TMA test is usually cheaper – just under €100 compared to over €100.
In all cases, though, the test must be taken less than 72 hours before arrival in the country – not 72 hours before boarding the plane – and results must be negative in order to be able to travel. A certificate must be provided, showing the traveller's name, passport or DNI number, test date, contact details of the centre that carried out the test, the diagnostic technique employed and a negative test result. The personal identification number (passport/DNI number) that you use to get the QR code required for travel must be the same as the identification number that appears on the negative PCR/TMA certificate.
Although Spanish nationals, wherever they live, and residents in Spain of other nationalities cannot be denied entry, they are likely to be fined if they do not have proof of a negative test result.
Also, until now, test results were required to be in either Spanish or English, but they can now also be provided in German or French.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com