Americans welcomed back to Spain; Here's what it was like the first day
Americans can now again enjoy enticing España once more. As we've been reporting, it's been a very stressful couple of weeks for Americans hoping to go to Spain. Back in May, we first heard Spain would reopen on June 7, and then there were reports that Americans might not be able to go until June 30 or even later.
Well, after some last-minute maneuvering, Spain reopened to Americans today after all.
The Points Guy reader Liz Ender sent TPG founder Brian Kelly a note that she would be among the first American visitors to get to Spain. Naturally, we wanted to hear her story. She and her brother Brian Ender made the last-minute plans the moment they heard Spain would reopen back in May.
We talked to Liz and Brian Ender today about the brother-and-sister trip. They flew New York-JFK to Madrid, Spain's Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), and landed at 8:45 a.m... probably among the very first Americans under the new rules.
Brian Ender told me Spain is one of his favorite countries; he studied abroad in Spain and he's gone back at least 10 times. He told me he and his sister Liz are "impulsive," and when they heard Spain was reopening, they booked tickets on Delta One without second-guessing themselves.
Related: Country-by-country guide to reopenings
Brian said, "When I saw it was going to reopen on June 7, My birthday is on June 6th. (I thought there's) no better way to spend my birthday than going to my favorite country."
Related: I was one of the first Americans on a COVID-tested flight to Italy
They told me the airlines don't ask when you book if you are allowed to go or not under the rules covering entry during COVID-19. Brian said, "Once you book the flight, they'll start emailing you. You might need this test, but they don't say you shouldn't book this."
I asked them if they were nervous since the rules kept changing ahead of time. Brian said, "It did get a little tense. I did a lot of reading, translating what they (the Spanish government) put out, IATA, etc." They were also reading TPG articles on the reopening -- articles that were updated at least four times!
The pair told me they were both nervous. Brian said, "I couldn't get a straight answer."
They even emailed the U.S. embassy in Madrid and the consulate in Washington D.C., but "even the embassies didn't have the info."
Related: Everything you need to know about Europe's digital "vaccine passports"
Brian said, "We knew there was a bit of a risk, but I was willing to take a chance... We're brave."
Brian continued:
"We called Delta a few times. I tried to get information about PCR test or not. I was told I would need a PCR test or would be denied boarding at JFK. We erred on the side "we're not getting a test. I was reading in Spanish that we wouldn't need it. So we went to counter and they only asked for vaccine card, your Spain QR code and no mention of a test despite the Delta App saying I would need a test. It turned out to be the right choice."
Brain says, "I will confirm 100% that vaccinated Americans did not need to show a PCR test in Spain -- only that we had our two vaccine doses taken within 15 days and the QR code (from Spain Travel Health (SpTH) form)."
They told me that nobody ever asked for test results, and, in fact, at the gate, they were only asked for their passports.
Liz said that once they arrived, they were super nervous. They were the first ones off the plane. At first, the border patrol agent didn't know what to make of it when they got to the window and told him they were Americans there for tourism. They showed the agent their vaccine cards and their passports, and she said he looked "confused" and went to get a supervisor. Liz said they never said two words to the agent or his supervisor. Eventually, after much deliberation, their passports were stamped and they were waived through. They did have one more stop to show QR codes to workers dressed in PPE, but that was it. Welcome to Spain.
Related: Why you shouldn't miss Madrid on your next trip to Spain
Interestingly, after they arrived, the Spanish consulate wrote back to them with the new rules:
"From June 7th onwards, all passengers departing from the U.S. to Spain shall be granted entry if they can prove upon arrival, with their vaccination card, that they completed their vaccination process more than 15 days earlier. This requisite does not exempt from obtaining a visa for those categories who are required to. In all cases, it will be compulsory to obtain a QR code in the site https://www.spth.gob.es/ , prior to boarding."
I asked Liz and Brian if it was worth all the stress. Liz said, "Definitely worth it. We've been cooped up... we love traveling. It was hard for us not to be on an airplane."
Brian told me, "Once we got in, knowing that we are one of the few global tourists in the country at the moment is very gratifying. People asking where we're coming from; they are generally happy to have us back."
Related: The cheapest way to get to Spain with points and miles
If you want to know more about the rules for visiting Spain, you can check out this article. Vaccinated Americans can enter Spain without a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers from the US still are not permitted to enter if traveling for tourism purposes.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.