Antigen tests now valid for recovery-based EU Covid passports

Antigen tests – performed by healthcare professionals or other qualified personnel – will from now on be valid as proof of recovery for European Union digital Covid certificates.

The new measure, approved by the European Commission on Tuesday, comes into effect immediately, meaning member states can now issue recovery certificates after a positive antigen test. Previously, recovery certificates could only be issued based on a PCR test result. Self-tests done at home are not elegible.

In addition, the measure can be applied retroactively, allowing health services to issue recovery certificates based on positive antigen tests dating from October 1, 2021. Self-tests done at home are not elegible.

The measure is aimed at "relieving some of the significant pressure" the Omicron variant is putting on testing capacities across Europe, according to European Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakides.

It is now up to individual member states to begin implementing the issuing of certificates.

The so-called digital passports can also be issued based on vaccination or a recent negative test. You can check out our full guide on Covid-19 certificates in Catalonia here. 

Travel rules

Covid certificates are currently only needed for international travel as they are no longer required for entry into bars, restaurants, sports centers, care homes or nightclubs in Catalonia.

Requirements to enter Catalonia from abroad are determined by the Spanish government and all passengers arriving by air or by sea have to fill out a health control form before their departure.

While the new measure means antigen tests done by professionals are valid for EU certificates, for most countries outside the EU, proof of vaccination is required to enter Spain. The only exceptions (as of February 22, 2022) are: China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

Current restrictions

In Catalonia, with the sixth wave subsiding, restrictions have been gradually easing again since late January, when the curfew was lifted.

Currently, facemasks must be worn by everyone aged six and older in all indoor places open to the public, and also in outdoor areas when distances cannot be kept. For a full list of restrictions and recommendations see here.