Children over 12 from non-EU countries will no longer have to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus to enter Spain.

The country is scrapping the rule from Monday to line up with UK half term.

Children aged 12 to 17 will now be able to visit by showing a negative PCR test taken in the past three days.

It will make holidays easier for many families, some of whom had to cancel plans because of the rule.

Adults must still be fully vaccinated to go to Spain (the NHS COVID pass is acceptable) and travellers must also fill in a health control form before departure.

The Spanish tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, said: “We are committed to making travel to Spain a safe and easy experience for our visitors, especially for families travelling with children.”

Travel industry bosses have also welcomed the move, with Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy calling it “very welcome news for families”.

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It comes as rules for travellers arriving in the UK were also eased.

People who are fully vaccinated no longer need to take a lateral flow test, while people without the jab must still take tests but don’t have to isolate any more.

Read more:
Which countries are letting Britons in? Check entry requirements for the country you want to visit

With travel becoming far easier, Gatwick has said it is opening its south terminal after close to two years.

The airport is expecting flights to almost double by the end of spring.

Stewart Wingate, the chief executive, told Sky News: “We’re going to be significantly busier over the February half term.

“Gatwick is going to see somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000 passengers using Gatwick each day during the break.

“But really, our focus is beginning to turn towards the summer season at the end of March.”

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