Countries around the world have been relaxing their coronavirus entry restrictions in a bid to attract tourists ahead of the Easter break. The global travel industry has been badly disrupted by the pandemic over the last couple of years and wants holidaymakers to spend their money and travel around the world during their off-time.
As travel rules are eased, this means there will also be a big demand for foreign holidays with people looking to escape to a new citybreak or a relaxing time in the sun. But the exact restrictions in place still vary from country to country, so it’s important to be aware of the rules in your chosen destination before you head over and enjoy your holiday.
Here are the current travel rules in some of the most popular holiday destinations, Birmingham Live reports.
Spain
Fully vaccinated people can enter Spain without needing to quarantine. You’ll need to present proof of vaccination upon arrival and you must have had your last regular Covid vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to travel.
However, if you had your last regular vaccine dose more than 270 days before travelling to Spain, you’ll need to have had a booster jab in order to be considered fully vaccinated. You do not have to wait 14 days after having your booster to travel to Spain.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from Spain’s testing and vaccine requirements. Those aged between 12 and 17 can enter Spain if they have proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in the country.
People who aren’t fully vaccinated but have recovered from Covid within the last six months can enter Spain for tourism purposes. A medical certificate or recovery record will be required as proof by Spanish border authorities.
Unvaccinated people cannot enter Spain for tourism purposes, despite recent confusion on this point. Spanish authorities have clarified that British travellers - except children aged 12 to 17 - must present proof of either full vaccination or recent recovery.
France
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter France by providing proof of vaccination at the border. However, you must wait at least seven days after your last vaccine dose (or 28 days for the Janssen jab) before travelling.
Also, if your last regular vaccine dose was more than nine months ago, you’ll need to have a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. Otherwise, you’ll need to follow the entry rules that apply to unvaccinated people.
People who aren’t fully vaccinated can now travel to France so long as they can provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to travelling or a negative lateral flow test result from no more than 48 hours before departure.
Under-12s are exempt from French Covid travel restrictions. Those aged between 12 and 18 will be subject to the same rules that apply for vaccinated and unvaccinated arrivals, depending on their vaccination status.
Portugal
Fully vaccinated people can enter mainland Portugal so long as they can provide proof of vaccination upon arrival. You must have had your last regular vaccine dose at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before your arrival in Portugal.
If your last regular vaccine dose was more than 270 days ago, you must have had a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. You must wait until at least 14 days after having your booster jab to travel to Portugal.
People who aren’t fully vaccinated will need to provide a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Portugal or a lateral flow test from no more than 24 hours before arrival.
You can also enter Portugal without having to take a test if you can prove you’ve recovered from the virus. People who’ve recovered from Covid at least 11 days and no more than 180 days before travel can enter Portugal without a test.
Children aged 11 and under are not required to take a test or provide proof of entry to enter mainland Portugal or the Azores.
United States
Most fully vaccinated people can enter the United States for tourism purposes. Fully vaccinated arrivals are not required to quarantine upon arrival, though they are advised to take a Covid test within three to five days of entering the country.
However, if you can provide proof that you’ve recovered from the coronavirus within the last 90 days then you are not required to take a test within three to five days, whatever your vaccination status.
Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter the US if they’re unvaccinated. This includes, except in a small number of exceptional cases, people who’ve tested positive for Covid and recovered from it within the last year.
Children under the age of 17 are exempt from vaccination requirements. Those aged two and under are not required to take a pre-departure test before travelling to the United States.
Malta
If you’re fully vaccinated and had your last regular vaccine dose at least 14 days ago, you can enter Malta by providing proof of vaccination upon arrival. Maltese border authorities will accept the NHS Covid pass.
From April 11, people who aren’t fully vaccinated will be able to enter Malta without needing to quarantine for 14 days, as they previously were. They must, however, be able to present proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Children aged between five and 11 can travel to Malta provided they have a negative PCR result from no more than 72 hours before arriving. Those under five are exempt, while 12 to 18-year-olds are subject to the same rules as adults depending on their vaccine status.
Dubai
Fully vaccinated people do not need to take a pre-departure test before travelling to Dubai. People with a recovery certificate dated within 30 days of departure, under-12s and those with severe disabilities can also enter Dubai without testing beforehand.
Turkey
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Turkey without having to quarantine. You’ll need to wait at least 14 days after your second vaccine dose to travel, and you must present proof of full vaccination upon your arrival in Turkey.
People who aren’t fully vaccinated will need a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before entry, a lateral flow taken no more than 24 hours before, or proof of recent recovery from the coronavirus in order to enter Turkey.
If you’re not fully vaccinated but have recovered from Covid within the last six months, you can travel to Turkey. Turkish border authorities will require you to present proof of a positive PCR test taken more than 14 days and no more than six months ago.
Children under 11 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements in Turkey.
Greece
Fully vaccinated travellers from the UK can enter Greece by providing a valid vaccination certificate, a certificate of recent recovery from Covid, or by providing a negative test result. A PCR taken within 72 hours or a lateral flow from within 24 hours will be accepted.
To be considered fully vaccinated in Greece, you must have had your second regular vaccine dose at least 14 days and no more than nine months before travelling. If your last regular dose was more than nine months ago, you’ll need a booster jab.
Unvaccinated people can enter Greece by providing a negative PCR test result from no more than 72 hours before arrival, a lateral flow test verified by an authorised laboratory from no more than 24 hours, or a certificate proving recent recovery from the virus.
Children aged under five do not need to take a test before travelling to Greece. However, those aged five and over who are not fully vaccinated will be required to follow the same rules as unvaccinated adults.
Cyprus
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Cyprus with a valid vaccination certificate. You must have had your last regular vaccine dose at least 14 days before you travel.
Unvaccinated people aged 12 and over must provide a negative PCR test result from no more than 72 hours before departure. They will also be required to take a PCR test upon their arrival in Cyprus and self-isolate in their accommodation while awaiting the result.
The country's government has announced, however, that from April 18th unvaccinated tourists will be allowed to enter Cyprus with a negative test result alone. The outdoor mask mandate in Cyprus is also being scrapped from April 11th.
Children under the age of 11 are exempted from testing and vaccination results in Cyprus. These rules only apply in the Republic of Cyprus; the UK does not recognise Northern Cyprus and different rules may be in force there.
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