Holidaymakers are being urged to stay updated with any changes to Covid travel regulations amid a resurgence of the virus in popular hotspots. Travel trade body Abta warned travellers to ensure they have the correct documentation to travel to their holiday destination.
The message comes as Spanish authorities backtracked on a promise to allow British passport-holders to use automated border control e-Gates to avoid airport queues. However, the UK Foreign Office has highlighted that use of the automated gates is restricted to adult travellers.
Anyone travelling with children to Spain must still have their passports checked manually following a U-turn by the country's border authorities. There are also fears some of Europe's most popular resorts may bring back some Covid rules to fightback against growing infections.
Abta said: “While many overseas destinations have relaxed or removed their Covid-19 requirements, some of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, including Spain and France, do still have restrictions in place. Both these destinations require visitors aged 12 and over to present either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test for entry, so Abta is encouraging travellers to double check they’ve got the right Covid-19 documents and have them ready for check-in.
“As many holidaymakers will be heading to Europe for the first time since the UK left the European Union, Abta is also reminding holidaymakers of the differences they need to be aware of and prepare for, before they head to their favourite European destinations.
“This includes checking if there are additional charges to use their mobile phone while abroad, making sure they don’t take any items that contain milk or meat into the EU and being aware that they will need to use the non-EU visitor lanes when passing through passport control.”
Abta communications director Graeme Buck added: “This summer is set to be the busiest travel period since the pandemic began, with families in particular making the most of the school holidays to enjoy an overseas break. Following our checklist will help make journeys as smooth as possible.
“This includes keeping a close eye on the latest Covid-19 requirements for your holiday as your departure date nears to make sure you have everything you need. It’s especially important that families travelling to Spain or France, where some Covid-19 restrictions are still in place, have read the FCDO travel advice and are clear on the documentation that each member of their family will need to present for entry.”
Abta checklist ahead of a foreign holiday
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for the destination you are visiting, including the latest health advice and any Covid-19 entry requirements.
Passports
If you have a British passport, it can’t be more than 10 years old when entering the EU and most places will require you to have at least three months left on your passport on the date you depart from your destination.
You can find the passport validity rules for the country you’re visiting by checking the FCDO’s advice and reading the entry requirements section. More information is available on ABTA’s passports page.
Visas
If you are going on holiday or travelling for business, you don’t currently need a visa for short trips to Europe. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Health insurance cards
If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid up to its expiry date (cards are valid for five years when issued). If your EHIC has expired, or you don’t have one, you can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. More details here.
As usual, it is advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any planned activities.
Using a mobile phone on holiday
Rules around mobile data roaming have changed meaning some networks may charge for using a phone in the EU, including for making calls, sending messages or using the internet.
Border control
In many nations, UK passport-holders are unable to use the EU or EEA passport lanes and should join the lane for ‘third country' or ‘non-EU’ visitors instead. Your passport will be stamped by the border officer on entry and exit to make sure you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays. Some EU countries are currently rolling out an e-gate system to replace some of the manual passport checks.
In early 2023, the EU is aiming to bring in a new visa waiver system, called ETIAS, which will be similar to the ESTA for travel to the US and be valid for three years. Once introduced, British passport holders travelling to the EU will need to apply and pay for an ETIAS, via an online system.
Items you can take in and out of the EU
You can’t take any meat, milk or any products containing these items into the EU. There are exceptions for powdered baby milk, baby food, or pet food required for medical reasons.
