With a stack of bank holidays heading our way and summer getaways on the minds on many, it is important to be mindful that travel restrictions are still in place for holiday makers heading overseas. Popular destinations such as Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands all still have Covid travel rules in place for UK holidaymakers.
With so many Brits starved of foreign travel during the pandemic, UK residents are keen to snap up a break overseas. Holiday giants including Jet 2, TUI, Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways are offering plenty of deals and cheap flights to hotspots - especially if your aren't tied to the school holidays.
However, with travel rules in place for mainland Spain and the Islands, it is essential that those booking trips abroad check the current rules before they travel. And UK Government advice is to check and keep checking. It says: "These may change with little warning."
READ MORE: Live M1 updates as multi-vehicle crash closes lanes between J21a and J21
As an example, the Mirror reported that in recent weeks there was some confusion when Spanish authorities announced unvaccinated Brits could enter with a Covid test, only to U-turn on the decision hours later due to a misunderstanding. So, what are the latest travel rules for Spain, the Canaries and Balearics? Here's the current requirements.
Spain entry requirements
If you want to visit Spain, you'll need to show proof of either being fully vaccinated or having recently recovered from Covid.
To be considered as fully vaccinated you'll need to have completed a full vaccination course at least 14 days before travel. If you completed this over 270 days (nine months) before travelling to Spain, you'll need a booster jab to qualify as fully vaccinated.
Although the rules apply to anyone aged 12 or over, Spain has eased its restrictions for unvaccinated teens aged 12-17, who can visit if they have proof of a negative Covid test taken before travel.
If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to fill out a pre-travel health form. However, travellers entering with proof of Covid recovery, or unvaccinated teens aged 12-17 will need to fill out a pre-travel online form, which must be completed no more than 48 hours before travel to Spain.
Currently, unvaccinated Brits will not be able to enter for holidays unless they can show proof of recovery.
As for local Covid rules, Spain recently relaxed its face mask rules meaning you'll no longer be required to wear these at indoor venues such as restaurants and bars. (The country has already axed a requirement to wear face coverings outdoors).
Canary Islands travel rules
The Canaries' rules are similar to those of mainland Spain; you need to be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery to visit. (Again, unvaccinated teens aged 12-17 can visit provided they have proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours before travel).
You may also be required to show proof of a negative Covid test for your accommodation - check with your tour operator or travel agent.
All travellers will need to fill out a pre-travel online form before visiting the Canaries.
If you're travelling to the islands from Spain, the Foreign Office travel advice notes: "To travel to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may need to show a negative COVID test depending on the region you are travelling from. Check with your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements."
In a recent holiday boost for Brits, the Canaries have ended their local Covid restrictions, which included removing capacity limits for venues such as bars and restaurants, and once again allowing dancing in nightclubs.
Balearic Islands travel requirements
Travellers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid if they want to enter the Balearics for holidays. According to the Balearics Tourism Board website, proof or recent recovery or a negative Covid test will not be accepted for travellers arriving from the UK. (You can find out more on the tourism board website )
Regardless of vaccination status, anyone entering the Balearic Islands will need to fill out a pre-travel health check form online.
Children under 12 years of age are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements.
Travelling to the islands from Spain?
The Foreign Office travel advice notes: "To travel to the Canary or Balearic islands from mainland Spain, you may need to show a negative COVID test depending on the region you are travelling from. Check with your travel operator and the local authorities in your final destination for guidance on domestic entry requirements."
Remember that travel restrictions can change quickly due to the nature of the pandemic. Always check the Foreign Office's latest Spain travel advice which covers mainland Spain, the Canaries and the Balearics, before booking or going on a trip.
