The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for several countries popular with people in the UK. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office shares advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
The Liverpool Echo reports that over the past week travel advice for Spain, France and Turkey has been updated and has rounded up the changes which include health requirements and information following a natural disaster.
Spain
Some public health measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 remain in force across Spain and may vary between regions. Regional governments retain legal powers to ease or tighten restrictions within their region if deemed necessary.
The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of six years if you are visiting a hospital or medical centre including other healthcare settings such as dentists, opticians, pharmacies or visiting a care or nursing home. This is regardless of your whereabouts in Spain.
However, Spain has recently lifted the requirement to use face masks on public transport.
France
In August 2022, Covid-19 travel restrictions for travellers to France were lifted. The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to France no longer apply. However, it had been mandatory to still self-isolate if you tested positive for Covid-19, but on February 1, this rule was axed.
In new travel guidance to British nationals, the Foreign Office said: "As of February 1 2023, it is no longer mandatory to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 test but remains recommended.
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"If you test positive, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, the French authorities also recommend you follow basic hygiene rules, take a test and avoid contact with vulnerable people. Further information is available on the TousAntiCovid digital app. The French health ministry also operates a dedicated coronavirus helpline on +33 0800 130 000."
Turkey
Following two earthquakes and after-shocks, the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Turkey. A 7.8 earthquake hit Gaziantep and neighbouring provinces in the southeast of Turkey on 6 February 2023. On the same day, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the neighbouring province of Kahramanmaras.
There have been several strong after-shocks. The Turkish government has announced a national emergency in the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake.
These are the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Malatya, Diyarbakır, Kilis, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana. The Turkish Government has stated that only vehicles which carry aid teams and aid materials will be allowed to enter cities deemed to be inside the area of the disaster.
If you are in Turkey or planning to travel there you should follow the information and advice from local authorities/your tour operator.
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