Holidays are back on the cards for many this year as Covid restrictions are easing, with many of the strict and costly rules being scrapped altogether.
Covid tests when returning back to Scotland are no longer needed and in many places in Europe, if you have proof of being fully vaccinated, you no longer need any test for entry.
Spain have also announced this week that it is not mandatory for people to test for Covid if they have symptoms, with officials saying they are treating it more like an illness.
READ MORE- Nicola Sturgeon to make Covid announcement on Wednesday as patients reach record high
But the Spanish Government will keep an eye on the statistics as the hospitalisation rates are currently below five per cent of Covid cases.
If you're looking to book a last minute trip for the Easter holidays, here are all the travel and Covid rules for Spain, France and Greece as of March 29.
Spain
- All travellers (including children under 12 years old, see Children and young people) travelling by air or sea must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form.
- Everyone aged 12 and over needs to show proof of being fully vaccinated.
- If it has been over 270 days since your second dose, you need to have the booster jag 14 days prior to arriving in Spain to be considered fully vaccinated.
- If you are not fully vaccinated but have proof of being recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months, that can be used to gain entry.
- Travellers from the UK aged 12 to 17 inclusive can enter Spain by having proof of a negative PCR test. Antigen tests are not accepted.
As Gov.uk explains: "The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 years old on all forms of public transport in Spain and in many other indoor public spaces. Face masks are also mandatory at large, open air, standing events and seated events where social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed. There are no other requirements to wear face masks outdoors."
Greece
Travellers no longer need to complete a passenger locator form.
To gain entry into Greece UK arrivals can show either,
- A valid vaccination certificate. There must have been at least 14 days, and not more than nine months, since the completion of your primary vaccination for COVID-19. If it has been over nine months, you must have the booster to be considered fully vaccinated.
- A certificate of recovery from Covid. See ‘Demonstrating your COVID-19 status’ for further details.
- Proof of a negative PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece.
- Proof of a negative rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 24 hour period before your arrival into Greece.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you can visit by showing either,
- A certificate of recovery from Covid. See ‘Demonstrating your COVID-19 status’ for further details.
- Proof of a negative PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece;
- Proof of a negative rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 24 hour period before your arrival into Greece.
Travellers must be aware that proof of vaccination is required to enter public spaces such as shops, restaurants (indoor and outdoor) and museums.
And everyone must use a face mask in all indoor public and communal spaces. In certain areas, such as in supermarkets and pharmacies, and on public transport, you will be required to wear either double masks (at least one of which should be surgical), or an N95/FFP2 mask.
You can read more about Greece's Covid rules here.
France
Fully vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over must continue to provide:
- Proof of vaccination.
- A sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from Covid-19 symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.
Gov.uk adds: "For travellers aged 18 and over, France will recognise you as ‘vaccinated’ for entry purposes if you completed your initial vaccine course within the last 9 months. If more than 9 months have elapsed since your initial course, and you did not have a booster in that 9-month period, you will be considered as unvaccinated and must follow the separate rules detailed below."
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated need to provide:
- A completed international travel certificate to prove the reason for essential travel (not required for children under 18 who are accompanied by vaccinated adults). This can be found on the French government’s website (in English). In exceptional circumstances, the French Consulate in London may be able to assist with travel for a compelling reason not listed as an ‘essential reason for travel’.
- A negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or an antigen test result taken within 48 hours pre-departure if aged 12 years and over.
- A sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.
You may also be required to take a test on arrival. If you produce a positive test result on arrival, you will be required to self-isolate according to the rules in France, which can be found on the French Government website.
If you are travelling with children under 12, they are exempt from all COVID-19 travel restrictions.
When in France, it is important to note that wearing masks on public transport is compulsory for all users aged 11 and over and if you don't, you could be hit with a fine.
France will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. More information on how to obtain a certificate/QR code is available, if vaccinated in Scotland.
