Latest travel rules for half term hotspots including Spain, Greece and Portugal

Latest travel rules and Covid entry rules for UK travellers heading on holidays to Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, Germany, the USA, Canada and more destinations

Half term is fast approaching and while there are plenty of countries open to Brits for holidays, trying to navigate destinations’ travel rules and entry requirements can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

Then there are new EU-wide rules seeing changes to rules in Spain and rules in France, meaning that travellers who were vaccinated over nine months ago will need a booster jab if they want to visit.

Your Covid vaccination status often comes into play. For example, there are plenty of countries axeing Covid test rules for vaccinated holidaymakers.

To help you navigate it all, we’ve rounded up some of the latest travel rules for popular half term holiday destinations – you can find the full guide below.

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Spain

Fully vaccinated Brits can visit Spain for holidays. This applies to anyone aged 12 or over – which means unvaccinated children aged 12-17 won’t be able to visit under the new rules.

The country also has new booster jab requirements which mean that if you completed your vaccination course over nine months ago, you’ll need a booster jab to be considered fully vaccinated.

All UK travellers will also need to fill out a pre-travel form and obtain a QR code to show at border control.

Canary Islands

The Canaries operate under the same entry rules as Spain, meaning that currently UK travellers aged 12 or over need to be fully vaccinated in order to visit. You may also be required to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours before arrival to the Canaries.

Balearic Islands

Like the Canaries, the Balearic Islands are also operating the same entry rules as Spain, meaning travellers aged 12 and over need to be fully vaccinated to visit. You’ll also need to fill out a pre-departure health form.

Portugal

Anyone aged 12 or over will need proof of a negative Covid test result, no matter what their vaccination status. This can be a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. Travellers also need to complete a pre-departure passenger locator form online.

If you completed your vaccination course over nine months ago, you’ll need a booster jab to be considered fully vaccinated.

Greece

Greece is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated Brits. Anyone over the age of 12 will need to fill out a pre-departure passenger locator form, and will need to show proof of a negative Covid test result. PCR tests can be taken within 72 hours of arrival, or antigen tests within 48 hours of arrival.

France

Fully vaccinated Brits can visit for holidays without needing to quarantine. However, you will need a negative Covid test result taken within 48 hours before departure. There are also new booster jab requirements if you were vaccinated over 270 days ago. Passengers will also need to sign a ‘sworn statement’ confirming they are not showing symptoms of coronavirus, nor have they been in contact with a confirmed case within 14 days before travel to France.

Germany

UK travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid can visit Germany for any purpose, without needing to quarantine.

Those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will need an essential reason to visit, a negative Covid test result, and will also need to quarantine for 10 days.

USA

The US is open to UK travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid for non-essential travel. Travellers will be required to show proof of a negative Covid PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.

Face masks are mandatory in planes as well as airports. Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirements, but will need to take a test within 3-5 days of arrival.

Canada

You can visit Canada for holidays if you’re fully vaccinated against Covid, including for tourism. You’ll also need to have a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before your flight, or proof of recovery from Covid between 14-180 days before departure.

Some arrivals may be subject to taking a test on arrival and be required to self-isolate while waiting for the result.

Mexico

Mexico is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated Brits, and does not require a Covid test in order to enter the country. However it is mandatory to register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight to Mexico, and to show the QR code upon arrival at the airport.

• Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the latest Foreign Office travel advice for your chosen destination before booking and going on a trip abroad.