Straightforward Options for Last-minute Travel

10 January 2022

There are several countries whose COVID restrictions make it relatively straightforward for people to holiday there. None of the following destinations require quarantine on arrival, nor do they require both a double vaccination and a PCR test – it’s one or the other. We’ve outlined what’s required for each of them – particularly for children – as well as why these destinations are good to visit in winter.

Mexico

There is no need to take a test before departure or undertake any form of quarantine when travelling to Mexico, but you will need to sign a health declaration form, which will generate a QR code to show on arrival. Mexico is a classic destination for a dose of winter sunshine and Vitamin D - there is virtually no rain between the months of December and April, and temperatures are a bit cooler than in the hottest time of year (an average of 27-28°C).

I just had the amazing experience of going to Cancun right before Christmas for 2 weeks. Everyone in Cancun and in Tulum was adhering to all Government rules such as mask wearing indoors and taking temperatures when you entered shopping malls. It felt incredibly safe all the time!

Lynn
Travel Counsellor on her recent trip to Mexico

Dominican Republic

Arriving in the Dominican Republic from the UK, you need to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before your arrival, or a vaccination card demonstrating a final dose given no fewer than three weeks before your arrival. Under-7s are exempt from presenting a negative PCR or antigen test. You also need to fill in a COVID Traveller’s Health Affidavit before travel to the Dominican Republic. December to March is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic, with optimum sunshine and low rainfall.

Dubai

Visitors to the UAE must have a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure to present at flight check-in; children under the age of 12 are exempt. Scorching in summer, Dubai is the ideal winter-sun destination, with temperatures of 22°C until early April making it ideal for outdoor activities including water sports, desert safaris and dune sports.

Spain

Before travel to Spain, everyone (including under-12s) must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form, either electronically or in paper format before boarding. This will issue you with a QR code to show on arrival. Tourists must also show proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or 1 dose of a 1-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain (the date or dates of vaccination must be specified). This includes children 12 to 15, who if fully vaccinated can request an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel. Children under 12 do not need to be vaccinated or take a test.

Whether you want beaches or a city break or a combination of the two, Spain has something to fit the bill – Tenerife is a classic, ever-popular year-round destination for a beach holiday, for instance, while sunny Seville is hard to beat for its culture, history and dining scene.

Egypt

Everyone arriving in Egypt from overseas must have proof of either a full course of vaccinations (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival) or a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before departure. Children under six are exempt. Proof of COVID-19 recovery is not accepted. Passengers are also required to complete a paper health declaration (issued by their airline or on arrival) with personal details and need to provide confirmation of health insurance to airport authorities.

Winter is one of the best times of the year to visit Egypt, with cooler weather around the Nile-Delta region and the Red Sea making it more pleasant than in summer yet still lovely and sunny.

If you're ready for a winter break, contact your Travel Counsellor today and you’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.

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