British residents in Spain can finally roll up their sleeves to give blood after a ban that lasted more than two decades was quietly lifted this year.
The restriction, which dated back to the early 2000s, was originally imposed over fears surrounding variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) – better known as mad cow disease – following outbreaks in the UK during the 1990s.
For years, Britons were automatically excluded from donating blood in Spain, even if they met all other health criteria.
But under updated health regulations, Spain’s National Transfusion Centre has confirmed that the ban no longer applies to British nationals or anyone who spent extended periods in the UK during the affected years.
The decision aligns Spain with several other EU countries, including France and Italy, which have also eased restrictions in recent years.
Officials say modern testing methods and the very low number of vCJD cases now make the risk negligible. Spain recorded no transmission cases related to blood donations in over two decades.
The change has been welcomed by expat groups and health authorities alike, who say the move could help bolster blood supplies ahead of the busy winter period.
‘It’s great news for the thousands of Brits who call Spain home and want to contribute to the community,’ said a spokesperson for the Andalusian Blood Transfusion Service. ‘We encourage all eligible residents — regardless of nationality — to consider donating.’
Those wishing to donate can register online or visit regional donation centres, which operate throughout Andalucía, including Málaga, Seville, Granada and Cádiz.
