Everything You Need To Know About Spain QR Code
A Spain QR code is a mainstay in this Mediterranean country. If you’re traveling to the land of tapas, fiestas, and siestas, expect to see at least one during your stay.
Like many other countries around the world, Spain initially implemented QR codes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These pixelated squares were used to streamline entry processes at the border and ensure the health and safety of travelers.
Although the pandemic is over for the most part, Spain remains one of the countries to fully embrace QR codes. With how convenient and versatile they are, they’ve become an inevitable part of Spanish daily lives.
Free QR Code Generator lists everything you need to know about the use and implementation of QR codes in Spain.
How did Spain use QR codes at the peak of the pandemic?
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain had a widespread use of QR code for government public services to help manage domestic and foreign travel.
These two-dimensional barcodes offered a contactless method to collect, handle, and process health data efficiently. Here’s how this southern Mediterranean country used QR codes during the pandemic.
Health checkpoints on borders
The primary use of QR codes in Spain was to facilitate health checks at borders. Travelers needed a Health Control Form (FCS) to enter the country.
It was a mandatory document as a part of the country’s health control measures.
The FCS form generated a Spain QR code containing all the necessary health details and documents of the traveler.
Border control authorities scanned these codes to access travelers’ data and ensure compliance with health regulations.
You, too can create a system alike. All you have to do is create an online form where individuals can input their details, which go directly to your database. Convert this link into a Google Form QR code for easy distribution.
Contact tracing purposes to mitigate outbreaks
Contact tracing was one of the most effective ways to mitigate localized and even nationwide COVID-19 outbreaks.
Spain is no exception; in October 2020, it launched “Radar Covid,” a contact tracing app.
Aside from the app, many establishments used QR codes from trusted generators, such as Free QR Code Generator.
These 2D barcodes store records of traveler’s movements, which allows Spanish health authorities to trace and contain potential virus outbreaks quickly.
Validate vaccination status and certificates
Most importantly, QR codes were used to validate the COVID-19 status, vaccination certification, and medical history of citizens and residents. This enables safe travel inside and outside its borders.
When the European Union started rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, it gave the EU Digital COVID Certificate to all member countries, including Spain.
This certificate uses QR codes to confirm whether a person has been vaccinated, tested negative, or recovered from COVID-19.
What are the uses of Spanish QR codes today?
The COVID-19 pandemic is already history in Spain, but QR codes aren’t. There are still plenty of uses where these 2D-barcodes are used throughout the nation, across various industries.
Here are real-life examples of how they are used in Spain:
Helping visually impaired navigate the city
These codes are across Barcelona’s transportation network including buses, trains, trams, and funiculars.
The Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona placed a Spain QR code for public transport near station entrances, platforms, walls, ticketing booths, passageways, and exits. Scanning these QR codes leads users to:
- Public transport timetables
- Any obstacles they need to be aware of
- A descriptive narration of their surroundings
The great thing about this technology is that the smartphone camera doesn’t need to focus on the codes. It can scan these tags for up to a 160-degree angle and even while in motion. Moreover, it can scan over 200 tags in a single frame.
Scanning the code opens audio messages that can help people with vision impairments use public transportation more confidently.
For wayfinding among other tourists, a Google Maps QR code is recommended.
Streamlining inspections with a QR code for Spain
In June 2023, Spain’s General Directorate of Transport issued a new regulation that streamlines inspections for administrative control document submissions.
This new regulation focuses on QR codes, which no longer require drivers to upload paper-based CMR documents on the transport ministry’s portal.
During inspections, authorities simply need to scan a Word Document QR code during inspections.
In line with this new regulation, the directorate developed advanced scanning technology. This scanner allows officers to scan the codes on digital transport documents, which contain information like the type of goods, quantity, and delivery conditions.
Using a Spanish QR code for eCMR documents streamlines inspections, reduces the workload for both drivers and officers, and guarantees the accuracy of transport data.
Enhance visitor experience in popular tourist destinations
For example, the Museu Valencià de la Festa in Valencia, Spain, promotes local famous monuments through QR codes.
Scanning these codes gives users more context to the cultural heritage and allows users to enjoy a virtual tour of the Basilica of Sant Jaume Apòstol. This virtual tour includes:
- Panoramic images of the Museu Valencià de la Festa and the historic center
- Audio guides of the most famous tourist spots in the city
- Files and videos for the historical context of the tourist sites
Moreover, The Royal Palace of Madrid used museum QR code to create an interactive palace tour, which explains in-depth about the artifacts on display. The information includes:
- Historical importance
- Background information on the art and the artist
- Audio-video content to explain the context in detail.
By scanning the Spain QR code, visitors can delve more into the exhibitions, tours, displays, or items of interest.
Contactless payments with QR codes
While a majority of Spain still uses cash, the number of contactless payment options and methods is on the rise.
Many restaurants, retailers, and stores offer QR code-based payments in mobile payments and discount codes on purchases.
Getting a grasp on how to use QR codes for contactless payments will pave the way for convenience and digitally-inclined payment method.
How to create a QR code using Free QR Code Generator
Many industries across Spain have now adopted the use of QR codes. If you’re in one of the sectors that can take advantage of these black-and-white pixelated squares, great news. You can do it for FREE!
Simply follow these seven steps to generate a QR code:
1. Open Free QR Code Generator on your browser.
2. Select a QR code solution that fits your needs.
3. Enter the information to embed in the blank field.
4. Select between Static and Dynamic QR codes.
Pro tip: Dynamic QR codes offer more advanced features, such as editing and tracking of your scan data through in-platform analytics. They are recommended if you want to unlock more functionalities for business use.
5. Customize QR code based on your branding guidelines for colors, frames, and logo. Make sure your QR code for Spain is distinguishable. Write a 60-character call to action to go with it.
6. Do a test scan to see if the QR code is readable in different angles and lighting.
7. Once you have confirmed that all the details are correct, hit the Download button for either PNG or SVG.
Pro tip: SVG offers higher print-quality resolution compared to PNG. SVG is scalable for print without losing quality.
Go to your dream destination with a Spain QR code
Spain is a dream destination for many and for a very good reason!
Warm climate, blue waters of the Mediterranean, top-class cuisine, and stunning architecture—who can say no to that?
If you’re traveling to Spain anytime soon, QR codes will be a part of your travel.
Know the potential and possibilities you can do with these two-dimensional barcodes. Visit Free QR Code Generator to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a form to enter Spain?
You may need to complete some forms to enter Spain, but these are simply customary measures for immigration purposes.
When it comes to forms related to COVID-19, there is no need to fill out the FCS form or download Spain Travel Health-SPTH.
What is the FCS Form in Spain?
The FCS form, or Health Control Form, was a digital document that travelers must complete before entering Spain during the COVID-19 crisis. It acted as the country’s health monitoring system to control the spread of COVID-19.
Travelers needed to provide their personal information, travel details, and health status in the form. Once completed, it creates a QR code that travelers must present upon arrival.
How to get a QR code for travel to Spain?
If you’re traveling to Spain, the great news is that you don’t need QR codes for forms anymore. Travelers from all countries are no longer required to fill out an online health form and show QR codes upon arrival.
While you may not encounter it at the airport, you’ll surely encounter a Spain QR code during your visit—be it in museums, restaurants, or tourist attractions.
What form do I need to fill out to go to Spain?
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers needed to fill out the FCS form. The form contained essential health-related information and travel details to determine appropriate health measures.
This was required for all travelers on land, sea, or air.
