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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Kate Lally & Kieran Isgin

Covid vaccine travel rules ahead of summer holiday - including Spain, USA, Turkey, France, and others

With summer right around the corner, many Brits will be looking for an opportunity to jet off for scorching temperatures and lovely scenery.

And while many countries in recent months have either relaxed or completely dropped their travel requirements following the Covid pandemic, there may still be some lingering rules that could catch travellers out if not prepared. Rules and regulations may even vary dramatically depending on which country you're planning on travelling to, the Liverpool Echo reports.

We've broken down all the rules, regulations, and Covid vaccine requirements for some of Britons' favourite holiday destinations...

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Spain

Travellers from the UK are not required to have received a Covid vaccine in order to cross Spain's borders. However, the popular holiday country does require anyone travelling from China to either show proof of a negative Covid test, or proof of full vaccination.

The rule was enforced in January after growing concerns around infections numbers in China. If you contract the coronavirus while in Spain, you are not legally required to self-isolate, however, you should tell people you have come into direct contact with of your illness.

People are also urged to wear face masks, reduce social interactions, and avoid contact with people at high risk - this includes the elderly and pregnant women.

USA

The United States of America will scrap its mandatory vaccine requirement for travellers on May 12 after the House of Representatives voted to lift travel restrictions in February. Until that point, holidaymakers will be required to present proof of vaccination.

However, the particular Covid vaccine must be one approved by the US Food and Drug administration, including AstraZeneca, BIBP/Sinopharm, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTec, and Sinovac.

Turkey

Turkey has lifted all of its coronavirus travel restrictions and there is no legal requirement to display proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Despite this, the British government still advises travellers: "Entry requirements may change at short notice, you should check the specifics with your airline before you travel."

France

Since August 2022, travellers coming into France are not required to prove vaccination status or a negative test result. Since February 1, 2023, there is no longer a mandatory requirement to self-isolate following a confirmation of coronavirus infection.

However, if you do test positive or come into contact with someone who tested positive, the French authorities recommend you follow basic hygiene rules, take a test, and avoid contact with any vulnerable people.

Greece

Greece does not require travellers to be vaccinated. However, masks must still be worn in all healthcare and social care facilities at all times.

If you contract coronavirus during your stay in Greece, you are not legally required to self-isolate. But, you are advised to take precautionary measures such as informing your accommodation provider, avoiding unnecessary contact with others and wearing a mask.

Cyprus

Passengers travelling to Cyprus are no longer required to present vaccination status, recovery certificate, or a negative covid test. However, Gov.uk states: "If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there."

Indonesia

All passengers arriving in Indonesia are legally required to be fully vaccinated and must show proof of vaccine status. The exceptions to this are if you are under 18 years of age and travelling with vaccinated parents, if you are a foreign national who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical condition, if you are a Diplomatic/Service Visa holder for the purposes of a Ministerial/Official visit, or you are active flight or ship crew.

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