Many people in the UK will be spending the last few weeks of summer abroad.
Following the discovery of several variants, most Brits opted in the past two years for a staycation. And while some will be continuing to explore everything this country has to offer, others may be looking to visit somewhere abroad.
So with this in mind, we've rounded up the latest Foreign Office travel advice for Spain, France, Turkey, Portugal and more.
Turkey
Coronavirus
As of June 1, all COVID-19 restrictions in Turkey have been lifted, and passengers arriving in Turkey are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results.
Safety and security
The FCDO advise against all travel to:
- areas within 10km of the border with Syria
The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to:
- Sirnak
- the province of Hakkari
Portugal
Coronavirus
There are no longer any COVID-19 vaccination, testing or passenger locator form requirements for entry to mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores.
Natural disasters
The Portuguese Civil Protection authorities in the Azores are monitoring an increase in seismic activity on the island of São Jorge. Mainland Portugal is in a state of alert due to a heightened risk of forest fires. Measures in place include a ban on:
- Walking through or remaining in woodland areas, including forest, woodland and rural trails
- Burning garden and other agricultural waste
- Clearing agricultural land by resorting to burning
- Using garden and farm machinery in or near woodland areas
- Setting off fireworks
Greece
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Greece do not need to show a proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID. You do not need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Travellers are still required to wear a mask on public transport.
Natural disasters
Forest fires often occur during the summer months across Greece due to the dry/hot weather. Current weather conditions (extreme heat and high winds) mean fires are more likely. The Civil Protection Authority publishes a daily map detailing fire risk by area (1= low risk to 5= Emergency).
In the case of wildfires, the situation on the ground can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice and alerts by subscribing to the Civil Protection’s SMS or email service, or via “112 Greece” on twitter (to translate to English, click on the tweet and press ‘Translate Tweet’).
Spain
Coronavirus
If you are travelling to Spain you must show valid proof of one of the following on entry:
being fully vaccinated. Your vaccination status must meet the Spanish authorities’ validity period requirements.
a negative COVID-19 test: either a PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.
having recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months. You can use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your COVID-19 status on entry to Spain.
These requirements do not apply to children under 12 years old. Travellers from the UK who can either show proof of being fully vaccinated, or of having recovered from prior COVID-19 infection in the last six months, or who are aged under 12 years old, do not need to complete Spain’s Travel Health Control form. Everyone else must complete Spain’s Travel Health Control form no more than 48 hours before travel to Spain.
Natural disasters
There is currently a heightened risk of forest fires due to exceptionally high temperatures in Spain. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.
Access to some areas such as natural parks and nature reserves may be limited or closed as a result. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if you need emergency assistance.
If you need urgent consular assistance you should call +34 91 714 6300.
France
Coronavirus
From August 1 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to France have been lifted.
Natural disasters
There is currently a heightened risk of forest fires in many areas of France. You should familiarise yourselves with local emergency procedures and restrictions in place.
Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Access to some areas such as natural parks and nature reserves may be limited or closed as a result.
You should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if you need emergency assistance. If you need urgent consular assistance you should call +33 1 44 51 31 00.
Travel
The coming weeks are likely to see an increase in traffic between the UK and France on trains, planes, ferries and the Channel Tunnel, which could lead to delays at certain times. Industrial action in France and resource constraints of travel operators could also cause further disruption.
Before travelling, you should check for the latest information with your travel operator or airline, including their advice on how early you should arrive at the terminal or airport to check in. Where possible, you should make sure you have a confirmed booking before you travel and ensure you are fully prepared for your trip, including for the possibility of delays, with enough food and water.
Cyprus
Coronavirus
As of June 1 2022, passengers travelling to Cyprus will not be required to present any sort of vaccination or recovery certificate, nor a negative COVID test result.
Croatia
Travellers are no longer required to show a COVID-19 vaccine certificate, proof of a negative test, or a certificate of recovery to enter Croatia.
Travellers are no longer required to complete an online entry form before arriving in Croatia.
Italy
Coronavirus
From May 1, travellers will no longer be required to complete a passenger locator form (EU PLF) to enter or travel through Italy as a visitor. As of June 1, COVID-19 restrictions on entering Italy have been lifted. Italy does not require any proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate to enter the country, regardless of your vaccination status.
All passengers entering Italy by ferry, train or coach must wear an FFP2 mask in order to enter the country. Masks are no longer required on flights in, to or from Italy.
Natural disasters
Parts of Italy, especially in the north, are currently facing a severe drought and may see water rationing. Forest fires are a risk during the extended summer months.
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