There’s been no better time to jet away on a trip abroad than this Easter as countries ease their travel restrictions. The UK has already scrapped all of its coronavirus rules so you no longer have to fill out complicated paperwork or take a test on your return.
Even unvaccinated travellers no longer have to test when they return to the UK. There’s also lots of countries which are accepting holidaymakers who are not jabbed.
If you are planning a holiday then it’s worth checking what the entry requirements are before you travel. Unlike the UK, many countries still have travel restrictions in place.
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Read on for the latest entry requirements for popular holiday destinations. As travel rules can change quickly, always check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for the latest travel advice.
Spain
All passengers need to complete a health control form. If you're fully jabbed you need to show proof of vaccination (your final dose must have been administered within 270 days before travel, if not you must have had your booster jab).
You can only enter Spain for tourism purposes if you’re not fully vaccinated by showing a certificate showing Covid-19 recovery in the last 6 months prior to travel.
Children under 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination or take a test. Those aged 12 to 17 can provide a full vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test result or a Covid recovery certificate.
Portugal
If you’re fully vaccinated:
- You must have a vaccination certificate showing a full course of the vaccine, with a booster jab if your last dose was administered more than 270 days before arrival
- You must show proof of full vaccination at check-in
If you’re not fully vaccinated you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry or proof of a negative lateral flow test taken no more than 24 hours before entry. Your test must be carried out by a trained healthcare professional.
If you’ve had Covid in the last year you can enter Portugal with a recovery certificate, showing you recovered from it no less than 11 days and no more than 180 dates before travel.
Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test or show proof of vaccination or recovery to enter mainland Portugal.
Turkey
All travellers aged six and over need to complete an online form for a maximum of 72 hours before travelling in order to enter Turkey. If you’re fully vaccinated you can enter Turkey without needing to test or quarantine.
If you’re not fully vaccinated you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry, or a lateral flow test taken no more than 48 hours before entry, or proof of Covid recovery in the last six months.
Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test or quarantine to enter Turkey.
Greece
UK Travellers arriving in Greece need to show either:
- A valid vaccination certificate (with the last dose administered no more than nine months ago, or showing you’ve received a booster jab)
- Or a Covid recovery certificate
- Or proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival into Greece
- Or proof of a negative lateral flow test from an authorised laboratory taken within 24 hours before arrival in Greece
These requirements apply to all travellers who are aged five and over. Children under five do not need to provide a negative test for entry.
Malta
All travellers must complete a passenger locator form before travelling to Malta. If you’re fully jabbed you’ll need to present proof of full vaccination.
If you’re not fully vaccinated you will need to provide evidence of a negative PCR test dated within 72 hours before arrival, and quarantine for 14 days on arrival at a designated quarantine hotel. You cannot use a Covid recovery certificate to travel to Malta.
Children aged 5 to 11 can travel if they are accompanying their vaccinated parents/legal guardian and must show evidence of a negative PCR test, dated within 72 hours before arrival. Children under 5 do not need a test.
Children aged 12 to 18 will only be able to travel if they have proof of full vaccination. Or they can enter with a negative PCR test but will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
Croatia
You can enter Croatia without taking a test of quarantining if you’ve had a full dose of the vaccine within the last 270 days, or have received a booster jab. If you’re not fully vaccinated you’ll need proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry, or a negative lateral flow taken no more that 24 hours before entry.
You can also enter Croatia with proof of recovery from Covid within the last 180 days. Children under 12 and accompanied by a parent or guardian who has proof of vaccination, a negative test result of proof of recovery, do not need to take a test to enter Croatia.
France
If you’re fully-vaccinated you’ll need to provide proof of vaccination and a sworn statement self-certifying you’re not suffering from Covid-19 symptoms. If you received your last dose more than nine months ago you must have had your booster jab as well.
Unvaccinated holidaymakers are unable to travel to France - you must have an ‘essential reason to travel’ if you’re not jabbed. All children under 12 are exempt from all coronavirus travel restrictions. Travellers aged 12 to 18 must comply with the travel rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
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