With the half-term holidays almost upon us, families across the UK will currently be busy planning a much-needed family getaway.
But the coronavirus pandemic has brought about drastic changes to the way we travel - and the differences in travel rules between different countries has caused a great deal of uncertainty and confusion.
As a result, many families have been left wondering where exactly they can travel to. Here, we’ll look at the travel rules for children in some of the most popular holiday destinations.
Spain travel rules for children
Under current travel rules, people arriving in Spain from the UK need to be fully vaccinated in order to be granted entry.
This meant that children aged between 12 and 17 who haven’t been fully vaccinated were effectively barred from Spain, causing dismay among would-be holidaymakers.
However, the Spanish government has announced that from Monday (February 14th), the rules will be eased to make it easier for British families with children to visit the country.
Arrivals aged 12-17 will be permitted to enter Spain, so long as they’re able to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arriving.
Children aged 11 and under can already enter Spain without being jabbed, and don’t need to provide a negative test.
Over-18s, however, will still need to prove they’ve been fully jabbed in order to enter Spain. All arrivals will continue to be required to complete a passenger locator form.
Tenerife travel rules for children
The same travel rules will apply in Tenerife as in mainland Spain, so from February 15th, 12 to 17-year-olds will be able to travel to Tenerife provided they have a negative PCR test.
The rules come into place from midnight on Monday when children aged between 12 and 17 will be allowed to enter the Canary Islands so long as they’ve got a negative test result.
Turkey travel rules for children
Fully vaccinated people can visit Turkey without having to test or quarantine. At least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of a vaccine approved by Turkish authorities, according to Gov.UK.
Unvaccinated people can also visit Turkey provided they can show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in the country.
Children aged 11 and under are exempt from Covid entry requirements. Arrivals aged over six must complete an online entry form within 72 hours before they arrive in Turkey.
Austria travel rules for children
Anyone trying to enter Austria must provide proof of full vaccination - defined as two doses - or proof of past infection, along with either a negative PCR test or proof of a booster jab.
Arrivals providing proof of recovery from a past Covid infection must be able to present a medical document with the date of recovery. NHS emails or text messages providing notification of a positive test are not sufficient, the Austrian government says.
Those who are not fully vaccinated and cannot prove they’ve recovered from a Covid infection within 180 days will not be permitted entry into Austria - unless they have an exemption.
Children under the age of 12 do not need proof of vaccination/recovery or a PCR test if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated or recovered adults. However if an accompanying adult has to quarantine, the child must quarantine too and the child can only leave self-isolation at the same time as the adult.
Children aged 12 or over and born on or after 1 September 2006 can use a so-called holiday ninja pass to enter Austria. The pass allows them access to all places which usually would only be open to double vaccinated people (e.g. bars, restaurants) if they take at least two PCR and one lateral flow test during a week-long period and record the results in the Holiday Ninja Pass. The PCR tests are valid for 72 hours, lateral flow test for 48 hours with the PCR test required when entering Austria counting as the first of the three required tests.
For anyone born before 1 September 2006, the adult entry rules apply.
