Brits are advised to closely check travel rules, Covid regulations and local laws before their jet off to key holiday destinations this year.
In the next couple of weeks children across the country will be released from school and join their families on trips to the sweltering beaches and piazzas of mainland Europe, flying with the likes of TUI, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and more.
After a difficult two years for the tourist industry, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and Italy are preparing to welcome millions of UK tourists, Manchester Evening News reported.
This summer will be the first foreign holiday for many people since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
In that time every country around the globe introduced strict enforcement measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and the subsequent variants.
In recent months many of these rules and regulations have been lifted, but for some countries they still continue.
To ensure your don't get caught out, barred from entry or prosecuted while you are there, brush up on the local laws before making that trip.
We’ve rounded up the entry requirements for popular holiday destinations below.
Greece
Travellers entering Greece do not need to show proof of Covid vaccination, a negative Covid test or a certificate of recovery from Covid.
You do not need to complete a passenger locator form.
Italy
Passengers arriving in Italy do not need to provide any proof of vaccination, a negative test result or a Covid-19 certificate to enter the country, regardless of vaccination status.
All passengers entering Italy by ferry, train or coach must wear an FFP2 mask in order to enter the country, but masks are no longer required on flights in, to or from Italy.
Portugal
Portugal is currently suffering from "exceptionally high temperatures and a heightened risk of forest fires", fuelled in part by man-made climate change.
A number of measures have been brought in in an attempt to reduce the risk and keep people safe. Some of these rules restrict where people can walk or visit, and if you fall foul of these rules you could be prosecuted.
Forest fires in Portugal have left 29 people injured this week, with temperatures set to rise even higher. UK Foreign Office advice says measures in place include a ban on:
- Walking through or remaining in woodland areas, including forest, woodland and rural trails
- Burning garden and other agricultural waste
- Clearing agricultural land by resorting to burning
- Using garden and farm machinery in or near woodland areas
- Setting off fireworks
The guidance continues: "During the state of contingency, you can be prosecuted if you do not comply with these restrictions or if you do not follow the instructions of the civil protection and police authorities.
"Forest fires can occur anywhere in Portugal during the summer months. In recent years, fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures. Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.
"If you are travelling in Portugal during the summer period, you should familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities. Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Portugal, even if unintentional."
There are no Covid vaccination or testing requirements for entry to mainland Portugal, Madeira and Porto Santo.
If you’re travelling to the Azores you need to be fully vaccinated - if your last dose was more than 270 days ago then a booster is required. You must show proof of full vaccination when you check in for your flight to the Azores. Your UK Covid pass is accepted.
If you’re fully vaccinated but your airline allows you to travel without showing proof, then you will have to take a test at your own expense when you arrive at the airport.
Those who are not fully vaccinated and travelling to the Azores need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before boarding), a negative lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before boarding) or valid evidence of recent recovery from Covid-19 (no less than 11 days and no more than 180 days before you travel).
Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test or show proof of vaccination or recovery to enter the Azores.
Spain
This year different Spanish regions and cities have been introducing local rules which restrict the behaviour of tourists.
Many areas either ban barbecues or require police authorisation beforehand, so it's worth checking local websites before you head off.
In Salobrena, Granada, fines of up to £2,500 can be imposed for anyone who lights up any type of fire on the beach.
Other laws mean tourists and residents alike can be hit with fines for smoking on beaches, as well as drinking alcohol and using soap or shampoo, while one bizarre law means it is also illegal to build sandcastles, in Levante at least.
Passengers travelling to Spain need to show proof of one of the following:
- Full vaccination (if your second dose was more than 270 days ago then you must have had the booster)
- A negative Covid test: either a PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to travel
- Coronavirus recovery in the last six months
These requirements do not apply to children under 12 years old.
UK travellers who can show proof of full vaccination, Covid-19 recovery or are aged 12 and under do not need to complete Spain’s travel health control form. Everyone else must complete the form no more than 48 hours before travel to Spain.
France
All travellers aged 12 and over need to show proof of vaccination to enter France.
Travellers aged 18 and over must have received their booster jab if their second dose was administered more than nine months ago.
France does accept the UK’s recovery and vaccination certificate.
Those who are not fully vaccinated need to provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours, or an antigen test result, taken within 48 hours pre-departure.
All children under 12 are exempt from Covid-19 travel restrictions.
- Travel rules can change quickly. Always check the latest Foreign Office advice for your chosen destination before booking or going on a holiday.
