Spain, Greece, France: These are the latest travel rules for popular holiday destinations

People in the UK can now travel abroad again. However, many countries are reintroducing restrictions due to the Omicron variant. Most countries have laws regarding who can enter, restrictions on what you can do after you arrive, and procedures to follow when you return. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind before traveling to some of the most popular holiday destinations.

Spain

All unvaccinated Britons are banned from entering Spain till December 31, after which the restrictions will be reviewed. UK visitors need proof of being fully vaccinated, with the second dose received at least 14 days before arrival. The NHS Covid pass is required as proof of vaccination, and filling out a passenger locator form is necessary. Restrictions after arrival differ for different regions, but face masks are mandatory in public and crowded spaces.

Portugal

All travelers need to provide a negative PCR or rapid antigen test done 48-72 hours before departure. Travelers also need to present an up-to-date NHS Covid pass as proof of vaccination and complete a passenger locator form if they are fully vaccinated. On arrival in Portugal, the regulations differ for different parts of Portugal that you have been to. However, a proof of negative covid test and NHS covid pass is needed almost everywhere, and face masks are mandatory in indoor places.

Germany

Only fully vaccinated people or people who have confirmation of recovery from Covid can enter Germany. Travelers need to show the NHS Covid pass as proof of vaccination and fill out an online form before departure. Face masks are compulsory everywhere.

France

Visitors above the age of twelve need to show proof of complete vaccination and a negative PCR test carried out a maximum of 48 hours before the travel. Travelers need to show the NHS covid pass as vaccination proof and fill in a ‘sworn statement’ as proof of negative covid test. After arrival, people can access public spaces by showing the vaccination status through the NHS app.

Switzerland

Travelers above the age of 16 should provide a negative covid test done a maximum of 72 hours before arrival. Visitors need to report their arrival to their relevant cantonal office within two days. After four to seven days in Switzerland, a second Covid test is required and the results should be sent to their relevant cantonal office. Upon entry, visitors need to fill in an entry form and show the NHS Covid pass as proof of vaccination, which is needed in public spaces before entering. Face masks remain mandatory everywhere.

Italy

A negative covid test took no more than 48 hours, and the NHS Covid pass is needed to enter Italy. Visitors also need to fill in a passenger locator form and show the NHS covid pass before entering restaurants, bars and other public spaces.

Netherlands

Only fully vaccinated people who can provide NHS covid pass can enter the Netherlands. Visitors also need to show proof of a negative covid test and fill out a declaration form before boarding the flight. However, the country is currently under partial lockdown, where restaurants and bars remain closed from 5 pm to 5 am. Masks are compulsory everywhere.

Greece

Vaccinated people are welcome to enter Greece, whereas people who had covid can only enter 180 days after recovering from it with a recovery certificate. For unvaccinated visitors, proof of a negative covid test is mandatory. A passenger locator form should be filled before traveling by all visitors. There are random tests that can be carried out anywhere. Visitors need to show the NHS covid pass everywhere and wear face masks in indoor establishments.

Ireland

Visitors need to show a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. Visitors must fill a passenger locator form. Post arrival in Ireland, the NHS covid pass is mandatory to enter public spaces, restaurants, bars, and cinemas. Masks are necessary for shops and on public transport.

United States

Only fully vaccinated travelers can enter the US with a proof of negative covid test taken no more than 24 hours before departure. After entering the US, the NHS covid pass will be mandatory for almost all the places and compulsory face masks in public areas.