France, Spain and Greece are updating their Covid rules as nations adapt to life 'after the pandemic'.
Already in the UK we have seen travel rules relax, with the scrapping of any testing requirement for those who are fully vaccinated and those who are not fully vaccinated no longer need to isolate on arrival.
Although most things feel 'back to normal' - or as normal as they can be - international travel can still be a risk as rules can change quickly and each country is in charge of implementing their own regulations.
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This is why it is vital to stay up to date with the entry requirements and Covid rules of the country you are visiting when you arrive at your destination.
Edinburgh Live regularly shares updated travel information and you can also see more at Gov.uk.
Before booking, make sure you know the entry requirements and travellers are encouraged to get insurance that covers anything related to Covid-19.
Here are the latest travel rules for Spain, Greece and France, as on March 8 2022.
Spain
Spain have recently updated their entry requirements, making it easier for Brits to visit.
The Foreign Office website reads: “Tourism: you must show valid proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or a dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain.
“If you are traveling from the UK to Spain for tourism purposes, are not fully vaccinated but have recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months, you can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your Covid-19 status on entry to Spain.”
Everyone flying from the UK to Spain must:
- Fill out an Online Health Form.
- Show proof of being fully vaccinated (two doses or if it has been over 270 days then a booster will be required).
- If using a paper copy or PDF, the QR code must be present and the date when printed or downloaded has to be from November 1 2021.
- Those aged between 12-17 and are not double vaccinated, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours will be accepted.
- You may be subjected to a temperature check and other health tests, including PCR tests within the first 48 hours after entering the country.
- Proof of Covid recovery is accepted if you are not fully vaccinated.
- The Covid Pass is accepted in Spain but each region can also have their own rules in terms of how many people can meet and entry requirements for hospitality.
- A negative PCR test is not accepted from anyone 18 and over.
- Children under 12 must fill out the OnlineHealth Form but do not need a Covid test or show proof of vaccination.
Greece
From March 15, Greece will be updating their rules and travellers will no longer need to complete a passenger locator form in order to enter the country.
Until then, all travellers must:
- Show proof of being fully vaccinated OR proof of Covid recovery.
- If either of them are not applicable, you must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours.
- Complete Passenger Locator Form.
- If it's been nine months since your second Covid jag, you will need proof of a booster vaccination taken at least 14 days before arrival.
France
Fully vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over must continue to provide:
- Proof of vaccination. Further details on what counts as being fully vaccinated can be found below.
- A sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.
Travellers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.
Those who are not fully vaccinated, no longer need to isolate on arrival but they need to complete the following.
- A completed international travel certificate to prove the reason for essential travel (not required for children under 18 who are accompanied by vaccinated adults). This can be found on the French government’s website (in English). In exceptional circumstances, the French Consulate in London may be able to assist with travel for a compelling reason not listed as an ‘essential reason for travel’.
- A negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or an antigen test result taken within 48 hours pre-departure if aged 12 years and over.
- A sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.
- You may also be required to take a test on arrival.
In France, face masks are no longer compulsory in outdoor settings or in venues which require a vaccine pass in order to gain entry. From March 14, they will no longer be compulsory in any venues, though they will be mandatory on public transport.
On the same day, “pass vaccinal”, or vaccine pass, for people trying to gain access to certain venues and services - including hotels, bars and restaurants will also be lifted.
