The travel sector are relaxing their rules allowing tourists to finally jet off abroad.
Despite Scotland scrapping their pre-departure tests as well as day two tests, holidaymakers wanting to go abroad this year will still have to take covid tests when arriving into certain countries.
Although tests are required in some cases, if you are fully vaccinated you may not need to do this - saving you money.
However if you do, it's worth checking what tests you need and which ones are approved as in many cases, the Gov.uk website has stated that the NHS covid tests will not be accepted and travellers must buy them from another company or take them at the airport before travel.
But what are the covid travel rules when it comes to popular tourists destinations such as Dubai, Egypt and France?
Covid travel rules from the UK to Dubai
Travellers arriving to the UAE must have proof of a negative PCR test before their departure and present the certificate at check in.
This covid test must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure whilst travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi will also be required to undertake another covid PCR test upon arrival.
Travellers arriving in Dubai may be required to undertake a further covid PCR test upon arrival and will have to isolate pending the result.
If you test positive, the Gov.uk website states that "depending on your symptoms and your accommodation plans, you may be required to self-isolate in a government facility, a hospital, your hotel or privately arranged accommodation for at least 10 days.
"If you are transiting through the UAE to a country that requires a covid PCR test on arrival, then you must obtain a negative covid PCR test before travelling."
In some cases, you may have to provide proof of a 'green pass' to enter Abu Dhabi from within the UAE. More information on this requirement can be found on the Abu Dhabi Media Officer website here.
In addition, all visitors must have international health insurance before travelling.
Fully vaccinated travellers
- Vaccinated travellers from the UK to Abu Dhabi will be required to have a covid PCR test on arrival
- A PCR test must also be taken on day four and on day eight - no quarantine will be required
Unvaccinated travellers
- You will be required to have a covid PCR test on arrival and must quarantine for 10 days
- Travellers must also take another PCR test on day nine
Further information is available on the UAE Government Portal and Etihad Airways website.
Children under 12 years and individuals with official exemptions do not need to take a PCR test upon arrival.
The Gov.uk website also states: "Stringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival at all airports in the UAE which may include, but are not limited to, a Health Authority covid PCR test on arrival, mandatory quarantine period, usually via self-isolation at a private address if suitable, or a hotel or Government facility and follow up testing before you are able to complete quarantine.
"Once any quarantine period is complete you must continue to comply with all measures put in place by the UAE authorities to prevent the spread of covid."
They add: "Visitors must register via the ICA Smart Travel Service prior to travel and take a COVID-19 PCR test up to 48 hours before they fly. Vaccination is not a condition of entry. Visitors will also need to take a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International airport without the need to quarantine, download the Al Hosn App and take further PCR tests if staying in the emirate
"Arrivals from certain countries as listed on the Visit Abu Dhabi Green List will not be required to isolate regardless of their vaccine status. The UK was removed from this list on 3 January 2022. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved home quarantine without the use of wristbands for international travellers and those in contact with positive cases with effect from 19 September 2021. Positive cases must still wear a wristband."
Covid travel rules from the UK to Egypt
People arriving into Egypt are required to complete a paper health declaration which will be issued by your airline or upon arrival.
In addition you must provide confirmation of a valid health insurance policy to airport authorities.
Arrivals (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) must show proof of one of the following to gain entry to Egypt:
- A full course of covid vaccination which must be completed at least 14 days prior to arrival
- A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from these rules and proof of covid recovery will not be accepted.
Approved vaccines include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V or Janssen (Johnson and Johnson).
The Egyptian authorities have advised that PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. PCR certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue, and must be stamped or have a QR code.
Egypt will accept the UK's NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination.
Passengers arriving from countries where variants of concern have been identified may still be required to undertake a rapid covid test after their arrival, which if positive, may require another PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.
Covid travel rules from the UK to France
Travellers aged over 18 and one month who are fully vaccinated can travel. Those who have not had their full course of the vaccine can travel however their restrictions will be stricter.
However there is a time-limit when it comes to your vaccines.
This means that if you have not had your second dose within the last 270 days (or nine months) you must have had your booster vaccine - and you will need to show proof of this.
If you are unable to do so, you will need to follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France meaning you must self-isolate on arrival in France for 10 days, subject to police checks.
In addition to being fully vaccinated, you must provide:
- A negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 24 hours pre-departure if aged 12 years and over - this cannot be from the NHS
- A completed 'sworn statement' (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This can be found on the French government’s website
Travellers might be asked to take a test upon arrival in France, including at Gare du Nord for Eurostar arrivals. Anyone testing positive for covid will be subject to mandatory self-isolation for 10 days.
You may also be asked to complete the European Digital Passenger Locator Form (EU-PLF) before boarding.
If you are not fully vaccinated you must provide:
- A negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 24 hours pre-departure if aged 12 years and over
- Contact details before travel to France, including the address they will be staying at, to the French authorities via an online form
- A completed international travel form to prove the reason for essential travel. This can be found on the French government’s website. In exceptional circumstances, the French Con-sulate in London may be able to assist with travel for a compelling reason not listed as an ‘essential reason for travel’
- A completed 'sworn statement' (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This can be found on the French government’s website
You may also be asked to complete the EU-PLF form before boarding.
