The Official State Gazette (BOE) publishes this Tuesday the modification of the Resolution of June 4, 2021 of the General Directorate of Public Health, by means of which the validity of the negatives obtained through antigen tests is adapted to the new European regulations , as a requirement to enter Spain.

In this way, as of today, February 1 and, in line with Council Recommendation (EU) 2022/107, of January 25, 2022, on a coordinated approach to facilitate free movement during the COVID- 19 that replaces Recommendation (EU) 2020/1475, only the negative results of the antigen tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, whose sample has been obtained in the 24 hours prior to arrival, will be considered valid. to Spain and not 48 hours, as before.

As indicated in the aforementioned Recommendation (EU) 2022/107 of the Council, of January 25, 2022, the wide availability of rapid antigen tests included in the common list agreed by the Health Security Committee, justifies establishing this period valid for no more than 24 hours for said tests.

On the other hand, and as has been the case to date, COVID-19 active infection diagnostic test certificates with a negative result belonging to molecular nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), whose sample has been obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

In any case, the diagnostic test certificate must include, at least, the name and surname of the holder, the date the sample was taken, the type of test performed and the issuing country.

A health worker performs an antigen test. Photo: RTVE.