Many of us will be heading abroad on holiday in the coming weeks as Brits make the most of the first travel restriction-free summer in two years in the UK. Gone is the need to take any tests or complete complicated forms before returning home.
Lots of popular holiday destinations have also scrapped their travel restrictions in time for the summer season making it easier to travel overseas. Some still have entry requirements in place depending on your vaccination status though, so it’s always worth checking before you travel.
However, once you’ve arrived at your destination it’s important to know what coronavirus rules are in place. Depending where you’re staying, you may need to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19 or you may have to wear a face mask in certain environments.
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Below is the latest coronavirus guidance for popular holiday destinations in Europe. You should always check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before you travel as new measures can be introduced last minute.
Spain
Coronavirus rules vary between regions in Spain. The FCDO advises that you observe the following while anywhere in Spain:
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Obligatory use of face masks for anyone over the age of six on public transport, in pharmacies, medical centres and care homes
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Follow any safety measures put in place by establishments such as hotels, bars, shops and restaurants, such as social distancing
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Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and use hand sanitizer gel where soap and water is not available
The Spanish government also recommends the use of face masks in enclosed public spaces and at large events, such as concerts and sporting events.
If you have Covid symptoms or test positive for the virus during your time in Spain, you are not required to self-isolate but you should inform direct contacts and take precautions such as wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places for 10 days from diagnosis or from when symptoms began.
Italy
Until at least September 30, the use of FFP2 masks is compulsory in Italy in the following cases:
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When entering Italy by ferry, train or coach
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On public transport within the country, including boats, ferries, interregional trains, buses, subways, cars and taxis with a driver
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When visiting healthcare facilities such as hospitals and care homes
It’s still recommended in Italy to wear masks in all indoor public spaces. If you test positive for Covid-19 while in Italy you must immediately self-isolate in your accommodation and call your regional hotline. You may be able to stay in your existing accommodation, or be required to transfer into a state hospital or other government-provided accommodation. For more details about testing positive while in Italy, click here.
Greece
In Greece it is mandatory to wear a mask on public transport and in hospitals and care facilities for the elderly. Masks must also be worn in pharmacies, taxis and indoor spaces on boats. There is no legal requirement to wear a mask in any other spaces.
If you test positive for Covid-19 while in Greece you must self-isolate for five days from the date of the positive test result. You can end your self-isolation after five days if you have not had a fever in the past 24 hours, otherwise you should continue to self-isolate. Tourists may leave self-isolation early in order to travel home, you must wear a high protection mask and not have a fever.
Inform your accommodation provider if you test positive for Covid-19. If you have serious symptoms you may be transferred to a medical centre dedicated to Covid-19 treatment. For more information on coronavirus guidelines in Greece, click here.
France
Mask rules vary at a local area so check before travel. It’s recommended that you wear masks on public transport. Face masks are mandatory in all health establishments.
If you test positive for coronavirus while in France and you’re fully vaccinated (including a booster) or if you’ve had Covid-19 in the last four months, you must self-isolate for seven days from when you first had symptoms or the date of the positive test. This can be reduced to five days if you test negative (with a supervised test) on day five and have had no symptoms during the last 48 hours. These rules also apply to children under the age of 12, regardless of vaccination status.
Those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated or haven't had Covid in the last four months must self-isolate for 10 days, which can be reduced to seven days with the same criteria as set out above.
You will have to extend your stay until the end of your isolation period, which can be at your accommodation.
Portugal
If you test positive for Covid-19 in Portugal you will have to self-isolate. If you’re staying in mainland Portugal you will have to self-isolate for at least seven days at your own expense, while those in Madeira, Porto Santo or the Azores will have to self-isolate for five days.
You still need to wear a face mask in mainland Portugal in the following circumstances:
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Entering medical facilities, retirement and nursing homes
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Public transport
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In taxis and private hires
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When travelling by air
These requirements do not apply to children aged nine and under.
In Madeira and Porto Santo everyone aged six and over must wear a face mask:
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In medical facilities and services including pharmacies
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On public transport, inter-island ferries and in taxis and private hires
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Up to to the 10th day from the onset of symptoms or a positive test result, if you have had Covid and are no longer isolating
In the Azores you must:
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Wear a face covering on entry to pharmacies, medical facilities, retirement and nursing homes, on public transport, in taxis and private hires and when travelling by air. This measure applies to everyone aged nine and over
Cyprus
As of July 8, the use of a face mask is compulsory in all indoor venues and on all public transport for everyone aged 12 and above in Cyprus. Failure to comply with restrictions may result in a €300 fine.
If you test positive for coronavirus while in Cyprus you should self-isolate at your accommodation, if you are unable to then the Cypriot authorities will ask you to move to a quarantine hotel, which is covered by the Cypriot government. For more details regarding coronavirus guidelines, click here.
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Read next:
- People with red passports urged to check this key detail
- Holidaymakers heading to Cyprus warned about new face mask rules
- Popular holiday destinations you can visit without being fully vaccinated
- What happens if you test positive for Covid on holiday in Spain, Greece, Italy and more?
- How to check if your Ryanair, BA, TUI, Jet2 and EasyJet flight is cancelled
