Many Covid travel rules in Europe have been lifted, but there are still some requirements you'll need to follow.
Travelling with full knowledge of entry requirements could make the difference between embarking on an amazing holiday or not making it past the airport check-in desk.
Going on holiday during the pandemic is easier now to be sure, but travellers should read up on what's required for their destination.
The UK has dropped all travel testing and rules, but that doesn't mean other countries have.
Easter holidays are just around the corner, so here's what jetsetters going to Spain, France, Portugal and Greece should know.
Spain travel rules
Spain has dropped all requirements for tests and self-isolation on March 27.
But to enter the country, these are the entry requirements you'll need to follow.
- Health Control form
- Proof of vaccination
- If not vaccinated, a medical certificate or recovery record
To enter Spain from the UK, everyone (including children under 12) must submit a Health Control Form found here.
Once you've arrived in Spain, you must show the QR code issued after completing the form.
You must show valid proof of being fully vaccinated - with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine - at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain, with the dates of vaccination specified.
If you're a tourist who isn't fully vaccinated but has recovered from Covid in the last six months, you can use a medical certificate or recovery record.
There are some different requirements for children under 12 and those aged 12 to 17.
Find out more about Spain's entry requirements on the UK Government website here.
France travel rules
Fully vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over must continue to provide:
- Proof of vaccination
- A sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur)
Holidaymakers should make sure their final dose was given at least seven days before travel for AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna or 28 days after a second dose of Johnson & Johnson.
You'll need to provide a statement declaring you don't have Covid symptoms and haven't been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days before travel.
If you're not fully vaccinated, you must provide:
- A international travel certificate to prove the reason for essential travel (not required for children under 18 who are accompanied by vaccinated adults) found on the French government's website here
- 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 symptoms and haven't been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel
The UK Foreign Office says that, 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.
Check out more information here.
Portugal travel rules
Fully vaccinated people can enter mainland Portugal without a Covid test.
But to qualify as fully vaccinated, you must show:
- Both doses of a two dose vaccine, or a combination of two different vaccines, or
- An approved one dose vaccine, or
- A full course of a vaccine, plus a booster vaccine, or
- If you have had Covid after one dose of a 2-dose vaccine and your certificate shows that your vaccination course is complete after the administration of just one dose of the vaccine
Travellers need to show proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival and no more than 270 days before arrival.
That said, if it's been more than 270 days since your last dose, you must have had a booster at least 14 days before entering the country.
If you're not fully vaccinated, you'll need a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before entry) when you check in for your flight to mainland Portugal.
Read more on the UK Foreign Office website here.
Greece travel rules
As of March 15, travellers to Greece are no longer required to complete a Passenger Locator Form.
Travellers from the UK can enter the country by showing one of the following:
- A valid vaccination certificate
- A certificate of recovery from Covid
- Proof of a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours of arrival
- Proof of a negative rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory taken within the 24 hour period before arrival
The UK Government lists more information here.
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