Matt Roper | dailyrecord.co.uk
Holidaymakers will be jetting off to popular hotspots over the summer months – but countries still have rules in place for tourists.
The UK, including Scotland, has a traffic light system in place, meaning destinations are placed under green, amber and red categories depending on their coronavirus situation.
Despite people being allowed to travel abroad, different countries have various restrictions in place in a bid to stop the virus being spread further.
Covid test requirements, green and amber lists, entry rules and travel insurance are things holidaymakers need to consider before booking a foreign break.
Here are the latest entry requirements and rules for Europe’s popular summer hotspots:
Spain – Amber
Entry requirements: All UK travellers aged 12 and over must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or proof of being being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Passengers must also complete an online Health Control Form 48 hours before they travel.
Covid rules: Face coverings should be worn in enclosed public spaces as well as social distancing of 1.5m. Tourist accommodation in the Canary Islands requires proof of either full vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from Covid.
Return to UK: Fully-jabbed adults and under 18s don’t have to quarantine. But everyone aged 11 or over has to take a private test within three days before returning, and two days after they return. Children aged 5-10 also need to take a test on day 2 of return.
If you are over 18 and not fully vaccinated you will need to quarantine at home for 10 days and take an extra PCR test eight days after you get back.
Private tests in the UK can cost around £65 on the high street or as much as £200 in private clinics. Some companies, such as travel firm Tui, are offering lateral flow tests for £20, while some airlines such as British Airways and EasyJet are offering discounts for some test providers.
Entry requirements: Everyone aged 12 or over must provide either a negative PCR test taken within 72 of arriving, a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours, proof of recovery from Covid (a positive PCR test dated 30-180 days before travel) or proof of two vaccinations taken at least 14 days before arrival.
You may also have to take a rapid test on arrival, with quarantine in a hotel for 10 days if positive.
Covid rules: Face masks in all indoor public and communal spaces, proof of vaccination to sit inside restaurants and bars, only 10 people can sit together outdoors. Travel to and between most Greek islands requires a negative Covid test of proof of vaccination.
Return to UK: Everyone aged 11 or over needs to take a private test within three days before returning, and two days after they return. Children aged 5-10 need to take a test on day 2 of return. Adults who are not fully vaccinated need to quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on day 8.
Portugal – Amber
Entry requirements: UK travellers must prove they are fully vaccinated with the second jab at least 14 days before travel, or quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Anyone over 12 must also show a negative PCR or antigen test result, complete a passenger locator card and be temperature-checked on arrival.
Those aged 12 to 17 travelling with fully-vaccinated parents do not need to quarantine but must provide a negative test result.
Covid rules: Social distancing of 2m, face masks in all enclosed spaces and outdoors where it isn’t possible to socially distance. Taxis can only carry up to two passengers, nightclubs are closed and beaches have one-way systems and sunshades/towels should be 3m apart.
Return to UK: Everyone aged 11 or over needs to take a private test within three days before returning, and two days after they return. Children aged 5-10 need to take a test on day 2 of return. Adults who are not fully vaccinated need to quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on day 8.
Croatia – Green
Entry requirements: All travellers must present either a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours, regardless of the person’s vaccination status. Passengers arriving without a valid test will be denied entry. Children under 12 and accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt.
You also need to complete an online entry form before travel, and carry a copy of your accommodation booking or proof of ownership of holiday homes or boats.
Covid rules: Face masks on public transport, taxis and in shops and other commercial premises.
Return to UK: Travellers aged five and over must take a Covid test on or before day 2 after arrival. The country is on the green watchlist, meaning it is at risk of being moved to the amber list.
Cyprus – Amber
Entry requirements: The UK is on Cyprus’s ‘red list’, so travellers must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure, and then undergo another test upon arrival and remain in isolation until the result comes back – although the result should be returned within three hours. Children under 12 are exempt.
Fully-vaccinated travellers don’t need to take the test before departure.
All passengers must also complete the online Cyprus Flight Pass before their journey, where those who are not fully vaccinated must also upload their PCR test result 24 hours before departure.
Travellers to the north of Cyprus must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours upon entry. All travellers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for seven days.
Covid rules: Faces masks are compulsory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces and subject to a 300 euro fine. To enter specific areas including malls and restaurants you need a SafePass, which requires a negative test taken within 72 hours or at least one dose of the vaccine received at least three weeks prior. In North Cyprus there is a 12am to 5am curfew.
Return to UK: Everyone aged 11 or over needs to take a private test within three days before returning, and two days after they return. Children aged 5-10 need to take a test on day 2 of return. Adults who are not fully vaccinated need to quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on day 8.
Malta – Green
Entry requirements: Only fully-vaccinated adults can travel from the UK to Malta, while children aged 5-11 must show evidence of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours. Children aged 12-17 will only be able to enter Malta if they are fully vaccinated – however, the UK is not currently vaccinating this age group.
You must also complete a passenger locator and public health declaration form before you travel.
Covid rules: Face coverings in indoor and outdoor public places. Two people together, with proof of vaccination, can remove their masks in an outdoor public place. Nighclubs are closed and only six per table in restaurants and cafes.
Return to UK: You don’t need to quarantine on your return, but must take a Cover test before your return journey and take another two days after your return.
Italy – Amber
Entry requirements: UK visitors must self-isolate for five days on arrival. You must also present a negative test on arrival, or your self-isolation period rises to 10 days, and take a Covid test at the send of your self-isolation.
Visitors also need to complete an EU digital passenger locator form before travel and complete a local Covid-19 helpline within 48 hours of your arrival.
Children under six don’t need to test but do need to self-isolate.
Covid rules: Masks in indoor public spaces for all exempt children under six, social distancing of 1m. From August 6 a ‘green certificate’ will be required to attend weddings and religious ceremonies and access many public spaces including indoors seating in bars and restaurants, museums and swimming pools.
Return to UK: Everyone aged 11 or over needs to take a private test within three days before returning, and two days after they return. Children aged 5-10 need to take a test on day 2 of return. Adults who are not fully vaccinated need to quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on day 8.
