Covid-19 vaccines for UK nationals in Spain – what the British Embassy says

Many readers of the EL PAÍS English Edition have been getting in touch to request information about Spain’s Covid-19 vaccination program, while doubts and queries are regularly being voiced on Facebook groups that cater to United Kingdom nationals (UKNs) and other foreign residents in the country.

As such, the English Edition has requested clarification from the British Embassy in Madrid as to their advice for UKNs as the campaign progresses.

All people living in Spain are eligible for the vaccine, regardless of nationality or residency status

Spokesperson from the British Embassy in Madrid

An Embassy spokesperson said: “The Spanish Government’s Vaccination Strategy is clear that, as a matter of public health, all people living in Spain are eligible for the vaccine, regardless of nationality or residency status. At the current time, those in the priority groups are being vaccinated – irrespective of nationality or type of sickness insurance. The Vaccination Strategy is updated regularly to include new priority groups as the number of doses available gradually increases.

“Those UK nationals who are already registered in the public health system should be contacted by their regional health service to arrange an appointment. The Spanish authorities are asking insurance companies to coordinate with regional health services in order to provide vaccines to their customers. We are in touch with the Spanish authorities regarding progress of the rollout and what that means for UK nationals. Meanwhile UK Nationals living in Spain can contact their local health centre or insurer for more information.”

The embassy also recommends that people check the Spanish government’s list of frequently asked questions at this link and can also find information about priority groups here (Spanish text). The Health Ministry’s Twitter account is also regularly publishing information on the progress of the pandemic in Spain and the vaccination program.

The English Edition will continue to publish regular updates about the vaccination campaign in Spain, all of which will appear under the Society section here. You can also follow our Twitter and Facebook pages to receive all of our stories via social media as we publish them.