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Erin Santillo

Latest travel restrictions for UK's top 10 overseas holiday hotspots as Australia opens up

Fully vaccinated tourists will soon be allowed to travel to Australia for the first time in nearly two years.

The reopening on February 21 marks a significant change in border policy from one of the UK's most popular overseas travel destinations.

But what restrictions are currently in place for the remainder of our top 10 holiday hotspots?

Research by travel association ABTA found the most popular destinations for 2022 will likely be: Spain, the United States, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Australia, Canada and Turkey.

Here we detail each country's latest entry requirements and coronavirus reproduction (R) values, according to Our World in Data.

Note there are currently no countries listed on the UK government's Covid red list, but holidaymakers are still advised to check the Foreign Office's overseas advice before booking international travel.

Spain

Mallorca, Spain (Getty Images)

UK tourists over the age of 12 must show valid proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain.

Unvaccinated people are currently not granted entry unless they are exempt.

There is no requirement to quarantine or take a test, but some passengers may be subject to additional checks up to 48 hours before departure or on arrival.

Everyone, including children, travelling by air or sea must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.82

United States

Grand Canyon, United States (Getty Images)

Fully vaccinated UK tourists can enter the US with a valid visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver.

Unvaccinated people are currently not granted entry unless they are exempt.

Before departure, passengers are required to provide contact information and show a negative Covid test taken no more than one day before travel.

There is no requirement to quarantine on arrival, but travellers are recommended to take a test within 3-5 days.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.61

France

Riquewihr, France (Getty Images)

UK tourists over the age of 12 who are fully vaccinated can enter France if they present a negative test taken within 48 hours before departure.

Unvaccinated people can enter France if they provide a reason for essential travel, take a test, provide contact details and self-isolate on arrival for 10 days.

Passengers may be asked to complete a passenger locator form ( EU PLF ) before boarding a flight.

Everyone must complete a ‘ sworn statement ’ self-certifying that they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.96

Italy

Torbole, Italy (Getty Images)

If you travel from the UK and can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Italy without needing to self-isolate.

Those who are unvaccinated are also allowed entry, but only if they self-isolate for five days on arrival with a confirmatory test at the end.

For all arrivals, evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before entering Italy or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before is required.

A passenger locator form ( EU PLF ) also must be completed by all.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.73

Greece

Corfu, Greece (Getty Images)

As of Monday, travellers able to demonstrate full vaccination status will be exempt from the requirement to take any pre-departure test in order to enter Greece.

Unvaccinated people are allowed into the country provided they take a PCR test within 72 hours before arrival or a certified rapid test within 24 hours before arrival.

Authorities "strongly recommend" everyone takes a certified rapid or PCR test on both days two and four after arrival.

A passenger locator form ( EU PLF ) also must be completed by all.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.94

Portugal

Praia do Camilo, Portugal (Getty Images)

UK tourists can currently enter Portgual regardless of vaccination status.

An online passenger locator card and evidence of a certified negative test – either an antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure or a PCR taken within 72 hours – is needed.

Temperatures are screened on arrival. If you are 38ºC or over or showing signs of being unwell, you may be required to take a test and remain at the airport.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.96

Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany (Getty Images)

The UK is currently designated as a "high-risk area" by the German government, so only fully vaccinated travellers are allowed entry.

People aged six or over must possess either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test prior to arrival.

Unvaccinated people are currently not granted entry unless they are exempt.

All travellers entering Germany from the UK are required to complete pre-departure digital registration, regardless of vaccination status.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 1.31

Australia

Sydney, Australia (Getty Images)

Entry to Australia is currently only available if you are exempt or have been granted an individual exemption.

A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure is required for travelling to, or transiting through, the country.

Each state and territory is responsible for determining and managing quarantine requirements.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that fully vaccinated tourists will be allowed in from February 21.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.65

Canada

Vancouver, Canada (Getty Images)

Fully vaccinated UK tourists can enter Canada if they are not symptomatic and have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Mandatory information must be submitted via ArriveCAN (app or website), including proof of vaccination.

Unvaccinated people are currently not granted entry unless they are exempt – and only then with a 14-day self-isolation on arrival.

Visitors travelling to Canada by air are expected to get an electronic travel authorisation ( eTA ).

Covid reproduction (R) value: 0.74

Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey (Getty Images)

UK travellers can enter Turkey without needing to test or quarantine if they are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated people must show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry), rapid antigen test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry) or proof of a recent recovery from Covid within the last six months.

All arrivals need to complete the Form for Entry to Turkey before departure and will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus at the airport.

The UK government currently advises against travel to certain regions of Turkey close to the border with Syria. More information here.

Covid reproduction (R) value: 1.20

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