Table of Contents
Current situation in Malaga and the Costa del Sol
Dear friends, we miss you! But we are still facing a difficult scenario and we will have to be a little more patient to be able to welcome you back, especially our British friends, as currently only those with a residence can enter Spain. Below you find all the updates in detail.
Soon we will also publish all the relevant information for our British friends regarding Brexit when they are able to travel again. Keep the spirits high, a big hug from Malaga!
Entry by air from the UK is restricted, so only nationals or residents of Spain can travel to Spain.
• Check-in, security control and boarding is done at Terminal 3. Docks C and D are operational.
• The Terminal 2 is closed.
• The use of the mask is obligatory.
• It is forbidden to enter the airport terminal for anyone who is not going to travel. Only passengers and accompanying persons needing assistance may enter.

New lighting at the T3 at Malaga Airport
Requirements for entering Spain
Negative PCR / PMA
In order to enter the Spanish territory, a negative PCR test is required from the traveller, no more than 72 hours old.
With regard to the PCR test, changes have been introduced last week, as entry is now also permitted with the negative TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) test.
This test is cheaper than PCR (about 120 euros compared to 150 euros for PCR) and above all it is much faster and gives results in a few hours.
This is especially interesting for the many travellers who had difficulty in meeting the narrow time frame to get a negative test before taking the flight.
The test results are accepted in French and German, in addition to Spanish and English as the accepted languages for this procedure.
Children under the age of 6 are now exempt from presenting a PCR and from that age this test is replaced by a blood plasma analysis.
Can it be carried on the mobile phone in electronic format?
Yes, it can be presented both on paper and in digital format.
What must the document presented at the airport contain?
The passenger’s details: name and surname and passport or ID number, date of the test, type of test, (negative) test result and the contact details of the laboratory. It is very important that the identification document (DNI/passport) on the Health Control Form (PLC) matches the one on the PCR test.
QR Code
In addition, travellers must complete the health control form and obtain their QR code, to be shown at the controls on arrival in Spain.
The form is available at this link Spain Travel Health in Spanish, English, French and German or from the app.
From 48 hours before the flight, you can send the form to the health authorities. Once sent, you will receive an email with a QR code that will allow you to access the destination airport. You must have it printed out or on your mobile phone.
There is also the option of filling in the printed form for those who do not have the means to complete it digitally.
At the destination airport you must show the QR code or the printed form at the health control, in order to access the terminal and collect your luggage.
Last minute bookings
Many travellers are leaving it to the last minute to decide whether to travel or not, so as not to risk losing a non-refundable flight ticket.
We are at your disposal if you need help to hire your rental car at Malaga airport. You can book at your leisure, we do not charge in advance nor do we charge cancellation fees.
Where to do the Covid test in the province of Malaga?
Doing the PCR in Spain is expensive, you have to calculate about 150 euros that you have to pay out of your own pocket, which undoubtedly makes the total price of our trip considerably more expensive.
The fastest way to obtain this test is through private laboratories in the province of Malaga.
At the Hospital Santa Elena in Torremolinos you can make an appointment directly in the hospital laboratory and have the result within 24 hours, on request even in English. The price is 150 euros. Address: Los Alamos, Calle Sardinero, s/n, Torremolinos. Telephone: Reception 952 385 555. Emergencies +34 952 386 266
Benalmadena: Clínica Benalmádena, Address: c/ San Juan 17. Arroyo de la Miel. Telephone: 952 96 44 16. Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 8 pm. Email: info@clinicabenalmadena.com
Estepona: Cenyt Hospital Estepona Address: Avenida de Andalucía, nº 2 y 4. Estepona. Telephone: 952 80 81 80
Fuengirola: Portales Laboratory. Address: Avenida Condes de San Isidro, 16Bis, Fuengirola Telephone: 952 46 84 47. Email citaprevia@laboratorioportales.com
Marbella: Fidustest. Address: You must make an appointment on the website to find out the address.
Inside Málaga airport
For public health and safety reasons, only passengers are allowed to enter the airport terminal. Accompanying persons are not allowed to enter the airport facilities. Only passengers with boarding passes, accompanying persons with justified cause (unaccompanied minors or persons with disabilities) and workers are allowed to enter.
If they are going to pick you up, they must wait for you outside the terminal. Only people who are going to pick up passengers who need assistance (people with reduced mobility and unaccompanied minors) can access.
Aena has reinforced the cleaning protocols in the check-in areas and the counters have been fitted with protective screens.
Most airlines have restricted the transport of hand luggage in the cabin. Check with your airline for their check-in policy.
Please arrive at the airport in good time to pass through the check-in process and security checkpoints. It may take longer than usual.
Hello,
I am travelling from Geneva Switzerland to Malaga, Do we need PCR Test interring to Malaga Spain from Geneva, Switzerland.
thank you
Michael
Hi Michael, that’s right. Indeed, you need to show a negative PCR test to pass the departures control before your flight to Malaga.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thank you for your kind reply. Our flight to Malaga will be on April 4 do you think that time do we still need a PCR test from Geneva to Malaga??
Thank you
Michael
Hi Michael, for sure. It will be mandatory at least until 2022.
You can also do a RT-LAMP test. They are also valid to enter Spain.
but when i check on the website ( https://www.mscbs.gob.es/ ) Switzerland is not on the list of Risk Countries and not requires test for SARS-COV 2 ( https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm ) Please advise please
thank you
michael
Please advise, i check on the website ( https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm ) and Switzerland are not on the list of Risk Countries and No need COV2 test.
Please advise need correct information please
thank you
Hi Michael, Switzerland is included in the third countries annex:
https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/documentos/AnnexIIriskcountriesandareas_between29032021-and-11042021.pdf
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi. Can I arrive at Malaga airport fro the U.K. with my family and gain entry as we are invited to a family wedding there.
Regards
Michael
Hi Michael, you will need a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours.
If your flight isn’t cancelled, I think you won’t have any problem to enter Spain.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
It it possible to do a PCR test at the airport to fly back to Netherlands?
Hi Suzan, not yet.
The new clinic at the airport should be working before June.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hola! I would like to ask if it is possible to do the rapid antigen test at the Malaga airport or it is not yet?
Thank you for your answer:)
Hi Dominika,
I’m sorry, the clinic isn’t available yet.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Can anyone let me know if the PCR testing has started yet at Malaga airport? Flying out of Malaga on 15th March and need to be tested before, as I’m inland, it would be very handy to have it done at the airport.
Hi Leanne, it isn’t available yet.
Best regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hello, I am desperate… 🙁 I have a flight booked from Malaga to Vienna (via Amsterdam) for next Saturday (6th of March), and I have no idea, how and WHERE am I going to make antigen test not older then 4 hours!!! As there is no such service at the airport, it makes it impossible!!! Are there any hospitals close to the airport opened on Saturday, where I can have this test, please? And this link is useless, as it doesn´t show any Malaga options… https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19
Is there any clinic around Malaga/Marbella, where I can have LAMP test, please? Because this might be another option…
Thank you very much!
Hi Mirka,
Please try at Hospital Quironsalud Malaga:
https://www.quironsalud.es/malaga/es/centro/servicio-pruebas-deteccion-covid-19
Tel: +34 951 94 00 00
They work from Monday to Saturday.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Dears, our accommodation in estepona does not confirm yet that restrictions will be lifted. We also have concern if bars and restaurants will remain open before 6pm. Could you please advise what is the best source to check the updates on restrictions per region?
Hi Alina,
Currently, bars are open until 6pm, the problem right now is the perimetral confinement. But don’t worry, they will publish the new restrictions today. Marbella, Estepona, Ronda and others have improved a lot (below 500 cases per 100000 inhabitants), so they should leave the perimetral confinement this week.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hello! We are traveling to Malaga from Netherlands on 12th March.
Would you know if :
– we will be able to do a quick test by then in airport.
-will we be able to travel to Estepona/marbela , since there is a travel restrictions. Thanks I’m advance!
Hi Alina, about the airport tests, we still don’t have a confirmed date, I hope it will be available for your visit.
About Marbella and Estepona, they are now under 500 cases per 100000 inhabitants, so the travel restrictions will be lifted this week.
Best regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thank you for the quick reply. We been in touch with our accommodation and they can’t confirm if restriction will be lifted next week and if social life will stay opened (until 6pm). Could you please advise where can we see the latest updates on the restrictions?
Hi Alina, following the last week’s instructions, Marbella, Estepona and Ronda should leave the perimetral confinement this Friday.
The list of municipalities and the restrictions applied will be published today.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi again.
I have loged in and i have booked the time, but i can not find the way how i can pay for a test. Its asking for DNI/NIF/NIE.
https://e-quironsalud.es/pedido
Hi Kate, you can contact them via chat.
Optionally, you can generate a valid DNI/NIF number here: https://generadordni.es/#dni
But I’m not sure if that would be a problem when you go to the clinic.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hello
I will arrive 26th February and have to go to Marbella. I have heard that there are some limititations on movements in Spanish cities. Can people come from Marbella to Malaga Airport to pick me up, or do I have to take a bus?
Best regards
Geir Saetre
Hi Geir, some of the limitations will be lifted this Saturday, but Marbella will problably stay in perimetral confinement (it’s over 500 cases per 100000 inhabitants). So, unless you need some kind of assistance, you should get the bus.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
I have tried to register on the web https://www.quironsalud.es/idcsalud-client/cm/portal-paciente/tkRegisterPaciente?locale=es_ES
where is asking for my phone number. unfortunately website does not recognize my phone number.
I dont know what to do.
Hi Kate,
Please check that the country code is right and don’t use spaces between numbers.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Kate says:
February 16, 2021 at 11:39 pm
I have tried to register on the web https://www.quironsalud.es/idcsalud-client/cm/portal-paciente/tkRegisterPaciente?locale=es_ES
where is asking for my phone number. unfortunately website does not recognize my phone number.
I dont know what to do.
Reply
Malagacar.com says:
February 17, 2021 at 7:24 am
Hi Kate,
Please check that the country code is right and don’t use spaces between numbers.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Yes. Of course I have checked my country code and double checked, and triple checked. It does not recognize it.
What about this website. https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-antigenos-covid19.
There is no Malaga option for antigen test.
Hi Kate,
Please try the chat option here: https://www.quironsalud.es/qp-iberia/es#citaIberia
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Dear Malagacar.com,
Do you know when facilities are available at Malaga Airport to do a rapid COVID-test and PCR test? Both required to travel back to the Netherlands.
Best,
Didi
Hi Didi, they are still in process. We will let you know via facebook when they are operative.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hello,
I am arriving on a Friday (~15:30) in Malaga and am departing Malaga on Sunday (~16:00). I need a negative PCR/LAMP/TMA Test before departure not older than 48h since testing. Are there any quick pcr tests in Malaga?
Since I depart 49hours after I arrived on a Sunday, I have problems finding a clinic, which produces results on weekends or produces results in 6 hours.
Hopefully you can help…?
Hi Marcus,
You should get your results in time using these private clinics: https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19
When Malaga airport installs their clinics, they will provide results within 12 hours, even on weekends. But I’m not sure if this service will be available in less than 2-3 weeks.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Dear Malagacar, I am coming to Malaga pretty soon. I know we need PCR test in both directions (coming to Malaga and then leaving home). But my question refers to required (additionally) so called quick COVID test -> we need them on our way back via Amsterdam. I already know I can purchase such tests at pharmacy. But actually – where do I do the test so that the result is accepted by KLM? Kind regards, Darek
Hi Darek, soon you will be able to do both test at Malaga airport. In case it isn’t available when you travel, you can do both test at the private clinic you choose: https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thanks for your reply. I need some further clarification. Do you happen to know whether I can do the test in one of the listed clinics with a “SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit”? I happen to have such kits, bought them few months ago for some reasons. Kind regards, Darek
Hi Darek, as far as I know, you have to purchase the tests there to get a signed document. There are some clinics providing discounts depending on your airline:
https://www.quironsalud.es/qp-iberia/es
Regards,
Malagacar.com
hi, when I go back to the Netherlands I have to do the pcr test and I have to do a rapid test thats not older than 4 hours before I get on my flight. Where can I take the rapid test? is there a test location on Malaga airport?
Hi Dylan, soon you will be able to do both test at Malaga airport. In case it isn’t available when you travel, you can do both test at the private clinic you choose: https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Op 21 febr. Kom ik vanuit Nederland naar malaga met het vliegtuig om 2 kinderen van 6 en 5 jaar naar hun vader te brengen die in benalmadena woont.
Eerst was alleen de QR code genoeg maar nu is er dus ook een Pcr test nodig om spanje in te komen.
En op de terugweg naar Nederland dus weer een PCR en een sneltest nodig om te kunnen vliegen. Moet Dexx van 6 jaar ook alle testen doen. waar kan dit redelijk goedkoop gedaan worden in de buurt van torremolinos.
Alvast bedankt voor jullie antwoord
Waar
Hi Jaqueline,
There is a clinic in Benalmadena that you can find here: https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19 (Provincia: Málaga. Selecciona tu centro: LAB RODRIGUEZ VERGARA).
The price is 99€ per PCR. Children under 6 years don’t need to show a PCR test result.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi,do I need a negative PCR test to enter Malaga airport? I travel to Hungary via Frankfurt with Lufthansa. On the Lufthansa webpage I can see that passangers who transit, don’t need a test and as I am Hungarian, I don’t necessaryly need a test.
I just want to make sure that I don’t need a test to enter Malaga airport and get in my flight. Thank you!
Hi Daniel, if you are in transit you don’t need a PCR (only when you flight from other airport to Malaga, and from Malaga to other destination without leaving the airport). But if you are staying in Malaga, you need a negative PCR test.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thank you for information,looking forward to returning to Lovely Spain soon and of course using Malaga Cars
Hi Johnny! We hope to see you again very soon.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Is it possible to gain entry to Spain next week provided I have a negative (72 hour) PCR test?
Hi Emma, it is possible. Unless you are from the UK, in that case only residents can travel to Malaga.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
https://tur43.es/general/aena-adjudica-los-laboratorios-para-realizar-test-covid-19-en-quince-aeropuertos.html
That’s really good news! It seems it’s not available yet, but it will be announced very soon.
Bonsoir
Est il vrai qu’au départ de Malaga, il y a moyen de faire un test rapide avant l’embarquement ?
Merci
Hi Marie Claire,
There are quick tests at the pharmacies, but they are not valid for flying. You need a PCR.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi,
I’ve got a flight on Tuesday at 2pm to Amsterdam. In order to go back I need a negative PCR test. I’ve been having a hard time trying to find a clinic that takes the test on Sunday or give results within 24H on Monday. Could anyone please help me out?
Thanks in advance!
Kind regards,
Sabine
Hi Sabine,
Here is a list with private clinics provided by Sanitas:
https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19
You can book on the same page.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hoi Sabine,
Ik vlieg volgende week voor een paar dagen heen en weer naar Spanje. Is het bij jou nog gelukt met de test? En nu moet je bij je terug reis vanuit Spanje naar Nederland 2 testen kunnen overhandigen; een normale en een sneltest. Hoe heb jij dat gedaan? Het is allemaal lastig uit te zoeken!
Can I do a LAMP test on the 31st of Jan if I fly back to Amsterdam? If so, where can I make the apointment please, thank you!
Hi Richard, you can do a PCR test at any private clinic in Málaga. Here you can search for the nearest one: https://portalsalud.sanitas.es/test-geneticos-preventivos/test-pcr-covid19
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thanks but Im asking for a quicktest like Anitgen or LAMP. I see that I can do a PCR test but that is as expensive as my ticket and that is too long before departure. So NO option to do this prior to flight at the airport?
Many thanks and kind regards,
Richard
You can buy an antigen test on any pharmacy, but as far as I know, that’s not valid. You need a negative PCR test to take your flight (unfortunately they are very expensive, usually more than 100€).
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Apparently, they are available at pharmacies but the one I checked only on prescription. I don’t understand..
Hi Christiane, that’s weird, it should be sold without prescription.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
According to the UK government website: The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml
this could include tests such as:
a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
Hello. I had a question about travelling from the UK – I am a citizen of the EU (not a resident in Spain, but my parents have a flat there) I am currently in the UK and I am currently looking to travel into Spain. Would I be allowed in?
Also, my companion is not a resident of the EU but does not need a visa to enter Spain. They are also in the UK and need to travel to Spain. Likewise, would they be able to enter?
Thank you very much for your response.
Have a lovely weekend
Hi Eva, as residents, you shouldn’t have any problem. Just prove you are staying at your home (maybe you can print a water bill, in case you need to show it).
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Got here byy accident as i was looking for information about rapid tests – very useful!
Are those rapid tests available in any pharmacies ? Referring to first comment.
Hi Anna, yes, I’ve seen them in several pharmacies, most of them have it by now.
Regards,
Malagacar.com
Do they give the fit to fly certs..thank u x
Hi,
You will need to go to a private clinic. They can provide you with a signed document.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi there!
Our home country (The Netherlands) is asking for a negative rapid test result + PCR test before going back home. The PCR test can be done 72 hours before flying back, but the Rapid test can only be 4 hours old.
Do you know if it’s possible to do a rapid test at Malaga Airport when departing?
Thank you!
Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Malaga airport does not provide rapid tests, but you can buy one at any pharmacy.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thank you Malaga Cars! Hope to see you in February when Andalusia is open again (hopefully!)!
Great! See you soon Adrienne!
hey, volgens mij mag je geen sneltest kopen. het moet er een zijn met een verklaring op papier maar dit ik weet niet of dit haalbaar is? heb jij misschien enig idee hoelang het duurt om een sneltest te laten doen in het ziekenhuis?
groetjes, Dylan
Can i get a quick test at the airport before boarding?
Before flying home off course
Hi Holst, you need a PCR test. Those are different from the quick tests you can buy in pharmacies.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Is Malaga airport doing tests?
Hi Linda, no, they require a valid PCR, but they are not doing the tests there.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi.
I was intending to travel to marbella from ieland on 2nd Jan
Do I have to get a pcr test in Ireland before I go before I go .
Thanks for the email and all the info provided .
An early reply would be appreciated.
I didn’t think that I had to do a test.
Regards
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne, sorry I couldn’t see your message before.
Yes, you need a valid PCR test 72 hours prior to your arrival.
Best regards,
MalagaCar.com
thanks for the info, we have already booked a trip to Malaga in April and we are looking forward so much and until then hope that this epidemic is gone and everything is normal again.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
See you soon
Thank you Hani,
See you in April!
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Thanks for the info and we hope to be with you in March 2021, in the mean time have a merry Christmas
Hi Robert, thank you very much, see you soon!
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hi, many thanks for useful information. Our incoming flight is scheduled on April 24th. Hope to see easier formalities, meaning no test, no quaranteene by then. We’ll make our car booking once we see that the trend with covid has turned steadily positive. Merry Christmas to you all.
Thank you Kyösti, let’s hope everything goes as planned with the vaccine so we can return to normality as soon as possible.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Gracias we are looking to return in February and of course using Malaga cars.
Hi Brian,
See you in February!
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Very useful information, many thanks. I have used malagacar many times and sincerely hope you are able to keep going through this epidemic.
Thank you very much Charles,
Let’s hope the situation gets better in a few months.
Best regards,
MalagaCar.com
This is really helpful information – thank you for publishing this blog!
You are welcome!
Best regards,
MalagaCar.com
Hello
I have two questions:
– as I understand the regulations now, there are no restrictions for tourists to enter Malaga province from abroad (except for PCR en Spain Health form)? Is that correct, because in Belgium they say you can only enter Andalucia if you are going to visit family.
– can we travel in one car if passengers do not live on the same address (in my case, my parents).
thank you for your response and we hope to come soon
Gisèle
Hi Gisele, you are right. You only need to show a negative covid test on arrival (made within the last 72 hours).
You can travel in the same car without problems.
Regards,
MalagaCar.com
Excellent information. Thank you.
You are welcome Sandra!
Regards,
MalagaCar.com