A summary of entry requirements for a few popular destinations.
Something else to note is that whilst the UK may have relaxed its rules for entry if you are vaccinated, you will also need to know what the restrictions are for where you are travelling. This guidance is only in relation to entry requirements related to coronavirus. Any visa requirements for entry are in addition to this so please check with your travel provider.
When returning to the UK if you are vaccinated you are only required to complete a Passenger Locator Form in the 48 hrs before arrival. Fully vaccinated in the UK is confirmed as having 2 doses of a vaccine. Children aged 17 and under follow rules for vaccinated adults, regardless of vaccination status.
When returning to the UK if you are NOT vaccinated you are required to take a PCR test 2 days prior to travel which must be negative, complete a passenger locator form prior to travel and have a pre-booked PCR test to take by day 2 after your arrival in the UK. You do not need to self-isolate or quarantine unless you have received an unclear or positive test result. Children aged 17 and under are exempt from testing and self-isolating requirements, regardless of vaccination status.
I thought I would just highlight a few of the most popular destinations and their entry rules as well as some destinations which are open to unvaccinated travellers. So now we have briefly highlighted what is needed to return to the UK, where can you go with minimal effort?
Fully vaccinated passengers only
Spain – you do not need any pre-departure tests if you want to travel to Spain however, you will need to complete an online health form. If you are travelling with children aged 12-17 they are required to be fully vaccinated with the second dose being more than 14 days before travel. For all passengers, if a second vaccine dose was administered more than 270 days ago you will need to have received a booster vaccine to be classed as fully vaccinated.
Greece – you do not need any pre-departure tests but will need to complete the online passenger form before travel and provide proof of vaccination. To be fully vaccinated for Greece your second dose must not be more than 180 days old, if it is you will need a booster. If you are travelling with children over the age of 5 they will need to comply with the same entry requirements as the adults.
France – only very recently France have removed the need for pre-departure testing. All arrivals over the age of 12 will need to confirm vaccination status. The second dose must not be less than 7 days before travel and if the second dose is more than 270 days old you will need a booster. Children aged 12-14 can however travel within France as part of the Pass Sanitaire which requires them to have a negative test result every 24hrs to keep it updated. Children aged 15-17 will need to be fully vaccinated. Arrivals in France will also need to complete a sworn statement confirming their vaccination status and that they have not been in contact with a positive covid case in the 14 days prior to travel.
Portugal – you will be required to show proof of full vaccination status with the second dose administered between 14 and 270 days before travel. If more than 270 days you will need to have had the booster. You will also need to complete a passenger locator form. All children 11 and under are exempt from the above.
USA – you will need to provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 1 day prior to travel. You will also need to provide proof of vaccination status and complete a locator form. Children 17 and under are exempt from the vaccination requirement and children under 2 do not need a pre-departure test.
Barbados – provide proof of a negative PCR test taken in the 3 days before arrival or 1 day before if a rapid PCR test has been administered.
Unvaccinated passengers (the following requirements also apply to vaccinated passengers)
(Please be aware of requirements for return to the UK in addition to the country you are visiting)
Maldives – all travellers will need a negative test taken no later than 96 hrs before departure and to complete a health form.
Dubai – all travellers will need a negative test taken no later than 48 hrs before departure.
Mexico - register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight to Mexico, and to show the QR code upon arrival at the airport. You may be subject to health screening on arrival if you are showing any symptoms.
South Africa - you will need to produce a negative PCR COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before your departure. Children under 5 do not require a PCR test.
Just a reminder that these restrictions will be subject to change, and I advise you to always check at the time of booking and right up to the time of travel.
As always please do not hesitate to get in touch so I can arrange your next amazing holiday!
katherine.cornell@travelcounsellors.com 01872 230 036