Travel UK: Covid rules for tourists flying from the UK to Australia, Canada and Costa Rica

Many places are now re-opening their borders to tourists as covid cases start to decline around the world.

This is much welcomed news, not only for the public, but the travel and tourism sector who have been struggling over the past couple of years.

Countries such as Germany, Spain and France have not long updated their rules with the likes of France removing the need to covid testing in travellers who have been fully vaccinated.

But what about other destinations? We've taken a look into the latest covid requirements when it comes to travel.

Here's what you need to know when travelling from the UK to Australia, Canada and Costa Rica...

Australia

The Gov.uk website states you must hold a valid visa to enter and that from February 21 2022, "all fully vaccinated visa holders will be able to travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption."

However for those without the full course of the covid vaccine, the Australian government has stated that "unvaccinated visa holders will still need a valid travel exemption to enter."

You may be able to enter as an 'exemption' which means you must be:

• A permanent residents of Australia
• Immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents

They add: "In some cases an individual exemption may be required. A full explanation of exemptions, including how to apply, can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website."

Travellers will also need:

• A negative covid PCR test result - this is required for travelling to, or transiting through, Australia
• Proof of a negative covid test taken within 72 hours of your scheduled departure - unless travelling on a quarantine-free flight from New Zealand
• Complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before departure

The UK Government warns that each state and territory is responsible for determining and managing quarantine requirements so some rules could change at short notice.

Travellers may need to undergo enhanced health screening upon arrival. (Getty 2022.)

Testing and screening upon arrival to Australia

The Gov.uk website also warns travellers that they may need to undergo enhanced health screening upon arrival such as taking their temperature.

Obtaining a visa during covid

Discussing the via situation during covid, the Gov.uk website added: "The latest covid guidance on visa conditions and details on how to apply for a visa is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

"The guidance is clear that any visa application will be assessed considering the covid enhanced border measures and the applicant’s individual circumstances. Applications for new visas should be made before a current visa expires, and if a current visa holder has a “no further stay” condition, a request to waive this condition must be made.

"If you’re unable to leave Australia and your visa is nearing expiry or has expired already, you should contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. Australia does not issue visa extensions so you will need to apply for a new visa to remain lawful in Australia, and provide relevant supporting documentation.

"The type of visa you can apply for to remain in Australia usually depends on the type of visa you currently hold. For example, those on Visitor visas would be expected to apply for new Visitor visas.

"You can find more detail for temporary visa holders, including visitors, students and working holiday makers on the Department of Home Affairs webpage."

Canada

Canada have just updated their covid travel rules for those who are fully vaccinated.

The Gov.uk website states that "fully vaccinated foreign nationals may enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism."

This means that those will a full course of the covid vaccine must:

• Be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Have no covid symptoms
• Submit your mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan in case you do not meet the necessary requirements at the border
• Wear a face mask during the flight and in airport terminals

If travellers cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, you must be in possession of a medical certificate.

The latest changes means that some people do not need to take a PCR test when travelling to Canada.

You can read about the latest changes below.

Costa Rica

Travellers from any country will be able to fly to Costa Rica so long as they comply with the requirements.

This means that travellers must:

• Have been double-vaccinated with an approved vaccine more than 14 days previously - this applies to tourists under 18 and visitors over 18

• Complete an advance epidemiological information form

If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to buy insurance with specific cover requirements.

List of authorised covid vaccines:

• Pfizer & BioNTech (Comirnaty / BNT162b2 / Tozinameran)
• Moderna (Spikevax / mRNA-1273)
• AstraZeneca (AZD1222 / Vaxzevria / Covishield, ChAdOx1_nCoV19)
• COVAXIN
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals / Ad26.COV2.S)
• SINOPHARM (BIBP1)
• SINOVAC
• Medical Precondition

Costa Rica have also confirmed that it will accept the UK’s proof of covid recovery and vaccination record.