UPDATE: Spain’s outdoor mask rules have changed since this article was originally published. Here are updated rules from February 2022 onwards.

After meeting with regional leaders last Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a last-minute decision to reimpose compulsory mask wearing outdoors in Spain starting on December 24th 2021, in light of the fast increase in Omicron coronavirus infections during Spain’s sixth wave.

So six months after the measure was shelved last summer, it’s now back in place again for the country’s 47 million inhabitants and the millions of tourists Spain receives every month, even as the pandemic rages on. 

As could be expected, the return of the face mask rule has had its fair share of criticism from the public and health experts, but people are once again abiding by this legislation and respecting the rules. 

When do I have to wear a mask outdoors in Spain?

Under the new rules, you must wear a face masks outdoors even if social distancing norms (1.5 metres between people) are being observed.

According to the legislation, it is mandatory “in any outdoor space for public use or that is open to the public,” which implies on the street, in parks and, as a general rule, in any open space, except for certain exceptions we’ll detail below.

As Minister for Health Carolina Darias described it: “every time we go out, we have to leave with our mask on.”

When can I take my mask off outdoors in Spain?

There are a two exceptions: face masks are not considered necessary outdoors  “during individual sports” (for example, going for a jog or a cycle on your own) or “during activities that are not sporting in nature, but are carried out in natural spaces”, such as hanging out at the beach or hiking in the forest. 

These exceptions are contingent on the 1.5 metre social distancing rules being maintained.

The face mask can also be removed outdoors in Spain by those travelling by boat, an exception that was included in the previous law. However, the new rules make masks mandatory below deck, even if social distancing is maintained.

Face masks will not be mandatory inside residences, centres for people with disabilities, or similar homes, provided that the vaccination rate is 80 percent or higher with the full schedule and booster doses.

External visitors and workers at these centers are still required to wear face masks.

From what age do Spain’s mask rules apply?

Children under six years old are exempt from wearing face masks in Spain, as are people with respiratory diseases that can be aggravated by the use of the mask, and those who cannot remove it themselves.

How long will the rules be in place?

Government describes this as a “temporary” measure , which will be in force for “the essential time until the current epidemiological situation improves”.

What happens if I don’t wear a mask outdoors in Spain?

According to Spanish law, failure to wear a face mask in public spaces – including outside on the street – will be considered a minor offense and is punishable with a ‘multa’ (fine) of up to €100.

What are the face mask rules for indoor spaces in Spain?

Logically, you must still wear a face mask in indoor spaces such as shops and other indoor public spaces as well as public transport, as has been the rule in Spain since May 2020.

Although you don’t need to wear a mask in bars or restaurants when eating or drinking, it is recommended that you wear one inside when not consuming, especially if social distancing measures can’t be observed. 

If you’re in a car with people who you don’t live with, all passengers will be expected to wear a mask.