With just weeks to go until the Easter holidays, you may be dreaming of a getaway.
As international travel restrictions continue to ease for travellers from Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, it could be the perfect time to book a trip away.
MPs have indicated that the requirement for all UK arrivals to fill in a Passenger Locator Form could be scrapped before the April holidays, which would be another boost for the industry's recovery after Covid.
Read more: New flight routes getting ready to take off from Belfast City Airport
Countries around the globe are continuing to lift rules, with Greece becoming the latest nation to scrap many of its regulations this month. But many spots still have regulations in place that are likely to impact on tourists.
Here is the latest advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on international travel from Northern Ireland to some popular destinations. It's important to check the latest travel guidance before you set off, as rules can change at the last minute.
Spain
All travellers, including children under 12, must complete a Health Control Form before arrival. Double-jabbed holidaymakers need to show proof of being vaccinated in order to enter the country.
Proof of a booster jab is needed if the final vaccine dose was administered more than 270 days prior to travel. Only fully-vaccinated holidaymakers or those who can prove you’ve recovered from Covid in the last six months are allowed to enter for tourism.
Children under 12-years-old do not need to show proof of vaccination, take tests before going to Spain or show proof of Covid recovery. UK travellers aged 12 to 17 (inclusive) need to take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain, or be able to show a full vaccination certificate or a recovery certificate.
France
Fully-vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over must provide:
- Proof of vaccination
- A sworn statement certifying the traveller is not suffering from Covid-19 symptoms
If you’re not fully-vaccinated you need to prove that you have an essential reason to travel to France (this is not required for children who are under 18 and are accompanied by vaccinated adults), provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a lateral flow test taken within 48 hours pre-departure and complete a sworn statement.
All children under 12 are exempt from all Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Netherlands
Fully vaccinated NI nationals who can provide acceptable proof of vaccination, which includes the NHS COVID Pass, are allowed to enter the Netherlands.
Fully vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over arriving in the Netherlands from the UK via aeroplane, ferry, passenger car, train or bus must show one of the following:
- a negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before departure), or;
- a negative antigen test result (taken no more than 24 hours before departure)
Travellers by aeroplane must also complete a health declaration form and have it ready to show upon request during their journey.
Those who are not fully vaccinated and who do not meet requirements of an EU entry ban exemption category, are not allowed to enter the Netherlands from the UK.
Greece
Travellers from Northern Ireland need to be able to provide one of the following:
- A valid vaccination certificate. If your final dose was administered more than nine months ago then you need to have received a booster.
- A certificate showing recovery from Covid-19.
- Proof of a negative PCR test undertaken within the 72 hour period before arriving in Greece
- Proof of a negative lateral flow test from an authorised laboratory, taken within the 24 hours period before arrival in Greece.
Arrivals in Greece may be required to take a rapid Covid test, and self-isolate if the result is positive.
Portugal
All passengers to mainland Portugal and the Azores are required to complete a passenger locator form before arrival. It’s also recommended for holidaymakers travelling to Madeira and Porto Santo.
Travellers who are fully-vaccinated do not need to test in order to enter Portugal. If vaccines were administered more than 270 days before arrival, proof of a booster jab is needed.
Fully vaccinated tourists need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry, or a lateral flow test within 24 hours. Anyone testing positive for Covid in the last year can enter mainland Portugal with a Covid-19 recovery certificate, indicating recovery no more than 180 days before travel.
Italy
All arrivals aged six and above must produce one of the following:
- Proof of vaccination
- Evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Italy or a lateral flow taken within 48 hours
- A Covid-19 recovery certificate stating confirming recovery from Covid with the past six months
Tourists must also complete a passenger locator form.
Anyone not fully vaccinated, exempt from vaccination or cannot demonstrate full vaccination, must produce either:
- Evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Italy or a lateral flow taken within 48 hours
- A Covid-19 recovery certificate confirming recovery from Covid in the last six months
Masks must be worn throughout flights to and from Italy.
Read more: Face mask rules for airlines travelling from NI
Read more: Glamping site named the best in Northern Ireland
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