With all coronavirus travel rules drawn to a close in the UK, many other nations have also eased restrictions in recent weeks.
Passenger Locator Forms have been scrapped in the UK in a bid to boost the country's tourism industry. And it's not just the UK making travel easier, there are now some thirteen countries Brits can travel to without being vaccinated or having to take a test.
After so much time at home, many of us are clearly keen to get away. Airlines such as Jet2, TUI and Ryanair have already said bookings for places such as Spain and the Canary Islands have increased over the past few months.
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But for those of us who manage to go abroad, what are the rules? Will we still have to wear masks, or socially distance? As has been the case previously, the restrictions are slightly different depending on your destination.
For example, in Greece masks must be worn in all public spaces. In some venues, such as in supermarkets and on public transport, people must wear either double masks (at least one of which should be surgical), or an N95/FFP2 mask.
All restrictions remain under regular review. In some parts of the country where the spread of covid is particularly high and hospital capacity is limited, restrictions may be tighter or re-imposed with limited notice. People are advised to check the latest local guidance and follow the advice of local authorities.
Proof of vaccination is required to enter public spaces such as shops, restaurants and museums. You should be prepared to demonstrate your proof of vaccination and present ID when asked.
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated will not be allowed to enter nightclubs, restaurants (indoors), theatres, cinemas, museums, exhibitions, conferences, gyms and stadiums; and must also present proof of a negative test, taken up to 48 hours before entry, to visit other public spaces including shops and restaurants (outdoors).
Failure to comply with these rules may be met with fines of up to €5,000. Unvaccinated children aged 4-18 also require a negative self-test to enter public spaces such as shops, restaurants (indoor and outdoor) and museums.
Church and other religious services have restricted numbers in place. A maximum of three people, unless related, can travel in a taxi together, and people are "strongly recommended" to take a test before any outing.
Here, we take a look at the rules for other destinations that are popular with British tourists.
Spain
In Spain, people are to observe social distancing measures at all times. This means keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from others.
Face masks are 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 must also be worn at large, open air, standing events and seated events where social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed.
People are asked to wash their hands frequently and carry a face mask at all times. While not obligatory, it is "recommended" that children aged 3-5 wear masks.
Tourists should also refer to local authorities for any additional measures where you are as this may vary from one region to the next. These can include:
- a requirement to present a ‘Covid passport’ – a document certifying that you have been fully vaccinated – in order to access bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hospitals, care homes etc
- an overnight curfew (specific curfew times vary between regions)
- social gatherings may be limited to a maximum number of people
- people from different households may not be permitted to meet indoors in private homes (unless they have caring responsibilities for a dependent)
- capacity restrictions at beaches or other public areas such as the delineation of plots and the use of booking systems. You should refer to local authorities for information on the measures in place
Anyone who doesn't comply may be fined. Those with respiratory problems or those unable to wear a mask due to other health conditions or disabilities are exempt.
France
Face masks are mandatory on public transport and in all health establishments (hospitals, clinics, retirement homes, nursing homes and assisted living, as well as establishments for people with disabilities). A vaccine pass is also required to enter health establishments.
The "pass sanitaire" can be obtained from the French government by fulfilling one of the following criteria:
- A vaccination certificate (France will accept the UK’s proof of Covid-19 recovery and vaccination record)
- A negative PCR or antigen result from a test taken within the last 24 hours
- A document (dated more than 11 days ago and less than six months ago) proving you have recently recovered from Covid-19
Children under 12 are exempt from the pass sanitaire requirements.
Portugal
Everyone in Portugal must keep a social distance of 1.5 metres. You should also use a face mask in enclosed public spaces and outdoors where social distancing of 1.5 m cannot be maintained.
People are also asked to wash your hands frequently and follow any safety measures put in place by hotels, restaurants, bars and shops to reduce the risk of infection. Most restrictive measures have been lifted, but you will still need to show either a vaccination certificate showing you had a booster vaccine at least 14 days before visiting one of these facilities, a negative test, or a recovery certificate, when entering a medical facility. These requirements do not apply to children aged 11 and under.
In Madeira and Porto Santo, you must show you are fully or partially vaccinated or have recovered from covid on entry to retirement and nursing homes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, cultural, social, sporting and recreational events. If you are unvaccinated, you will have to show a negative antigen test, which must be renewed weekly.
These measures do not apply to children aged 4 and under. The measures also do not apply to those who, for medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated. In this case, you will need to show a formal declaration from your doctor confirming that you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
In the Azores, restrictive measures include the need to show a negative test on entry to medical facilities, retirement and nursing homes, as follows:
- certified PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours, or
- a rapid antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours and certified by a healthcare professional
These requirements do not apply to children aged 12 and under or those who have a Covid-19 recovery certificate.
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