With nearly all coronavirus restrictions now scrapped in the UK and further afield, many of us might be considering finally booking a holiday for this summer. Entering another country for the last two years has not been simple, with a lot of travellers asked to check the latest travel rules before travelling from Wales or any part of the UK before heading to your holiday destination.
But a lot has changed since then, with many countries scrapping their travel rules. Here's everything you need to know about entry requirements for travellers from the UK to popular holiday destinations, such as Spain, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.
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Spain
The documentation you present on entry when travelling from the UK to Spain is determined by your reason for travel. If you are travelling to Spain for tourism, you must show a valid proof of one of the following:
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Being fully vaccinated: your vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities’ validity period requirements.
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A negative COVID-19 test: either a PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.
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Having recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months. You can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your Covid-19 status on entry to Spain.
It should be noted that there are some different entry requirements for children under 12 years old, such as completing an online Health Control Form before travel and taking diagnostic tests prior to arrival. You can find more information on this matter here.
All entry restrictions have been removed for travellers from any European Union and Schengen Area countries. This includes the requirement to present proof of vaccination against Covid-19, recovery from the virus, or a negative test result, according to Schengen Visa Info. This rule change became effective on Thursday, June 2.
Turkey
All Covid-19 restrictions in Turkey have been lifted since June 1. Passengers arriving in Turkey are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results.
However, Covid-19 entry requirements may change at short notice and it is recommended that you check the specifics with your chosen airline before you travel. As it stands, entry requirements for Turkey are the same for all travellers, regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status.
For British citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes, there is the ability to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For more information, click here.
Greece
Holidaymakers arriving in Greece do not need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative Covid test, or a certificate of recovery from the virus. You do not need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
The requirements for entry to Greece apply to all travellers, regardless of vaccination status. Precise rules are subject to change and you should follow any instructions given on arrival at immigration or airport testing facilities. For more information, check the Greek authorities’ advice.
In Greece however, certain rules are still in place. It is mandatory to wear a mask on public transport and in hospitals and care facilities for the elderly. Until Wednesday, June 15, it is also mandatory to wear a mask in pharmacies, taxis, and indoor spaces on boats. But in all other spaces, there is no legal requirement to wear a mask. For more information, click here.
Cyprus
At the start of this month, rules were changed in Cyprus so that passengers travelling to the island no longer have to present any sort of vaccination or recovery certificate, nor a negative Covid-19 test result. However, it is recommended that you continue to track developments through the Press and Information Office.
Entry requirements for Cyprus are the same for all travellers, regardless of Covid-19 vaccination status, or if you have recovered from Covid-19. For information on visiting the north of Cyprus, click here.
