What are the Covid rules in Rhodes? The Holiday Guru answers readers’ travel questions 

The Holiday Guru is always on hand to answer your questions. 

Here, he advises readers on the Covid rules in places in Rhodes, Ireland and Costa Rica, and shares tips on choosing the right travel insurance. 

Q. We have booked to go to Rhodes in August: four adults and a child aged 12. Will a Covid test before travel allow the child to enter the country?

Diane Roughton, via email.

Island charm: Rhodes, in Greece, is welcoming visitors with proof of a negative test

A. As rules stand, yes. The adults will have to take tests, too: a PCR 72 hours before arrival or an authorised antigen test 24 hours before. Given how quickly things change, however, do check the latest Greece entry requirements at gov.uk.

Q. My wife and I are planning an American road trip in May. To complete the Covid documentation for the airline booking, is my UK mobile phone number and our first-night hotel sufficient?

David Marsden, via email.

A. Yes. All airlines are required to gather such information before travel to the U.S. and this should be fine.

Q. I’ve booked to go to Costa Rica with my husband in March. What are the rules?

Jayne Meylan, via email.

A. If you have proof of being double-vaccinated, you are free to enter the country. However, before going you must complete a health pass form (salud.go.cr).

More travel information is available on its ‘entry requirements’ webpage at gov.uk. See also visitcostarica.com.

Q. My passport is in my married name, but my Covid pass is in my maiden name. Is this ok?

M. Whitehead, via email.

A. No, this is likely to cause you problems. You need to contact your GP surgery at least two weeks before you travel to have your NHS details updated.

Q. I have heard there is a new train line to the northern edge of Dartmoor, in Devon. Is this true and, if so, how much are tickets?

Adam Bartwell, via email.

According to the Holiday Guru, return tickets on the Dartmoor Line (pictured) cost £8

A. Yes, the Dartmoor Line (dartmoorline.com), covering more than 15 miles between Exeter and Okehampton, reopened last November.

Originally opened in 1871, it closed 50 years ago because of budget cuts. The journey takes 40 minutes and return tickets cost £8. From the market town of Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park is just a 20-minute walk (dartmoor.gov.uk). 

Q. We are flying to Knock in County Mayo, Ireland, in April and have both had all three jabs. Is any paperwork needed?

Kathy Tyler, via email.

A. You must complete the Irish government’s Passenger Locator Form — at gov.ie — and be able to show proof of your vaccination status.

Q. We are taking our four-year-old to Spain. She needs a gluten-free diet. Can we take her special food on the plane?

Liz Jones, via email.

A. This should be fine as long as it weighs less than 2kg and is packaged or unopened. See ‘Local laws and customs’ on the Spain page at gov.uk.

Q. We hope to go skiing in La Plagne, France, on February 10. However, our 17-year-old is unvaccinated. Can he travel with us?

Christine Evans, via email.

The Holiday Guru helps one reader who is planning a family ski holiday in La Plagne, France (pictured)

A. Yes. Minors (aged 12 to 17) visiting France follow the same entry rules as vaccinated parents: they must have a negative Covid test result within 48 hours of travel and complete the French government’s ‘sworn statement’ paperwork (gov.uk). 

Q. My husband and I are in our 70s. I have secondary breast cancer that is controlled with medicine and he has mild COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but otherwise we’re in reasonable health. Can you recommend travel cover?

Mrs Carole Moore, via email.

A. I would visit the webpage ‘Best travel insurance if you have a medical condition’ at which.co.uk and search on moneysupermarket.com. The latter has specific policies from Saga, Post Office Travel and Admiral.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

The Holiday Guru is here to answer your questions. Email us at [email protected].