Everything you need to know ahead of your European holiday.
England’s travel traffic light system has been updated once again, meaning quarantine rules have been updated for many countries.
European travel hotspots including Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy remain on the amber list, meaning vaccinated travellers can enjoy quarantine-free travel.
Croatia is still on the green watchlist, and France has now moved from the amber plus list to the amber list.
This means that double-vaccinated people entering England from France will no longer have to quarantine.
Here’s everything you need to know about the updated entry requirements for these holiday destinations.
Each country’s requirements vary when it comes to travel.
Upon arrival in Spain you’ll need to present a negative Covid-19 test, taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, or proof of vaccination.
Additionally, you’ll have to fill in and provide a pre-travel declaration form.
For Greece, the requirements are a little trickier.
Travellers over the age of 12 will need to provide a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Additionally you’ll need to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arriving, as well as a negative rapid antigen test that’s been taken within 48 hours.
Travellers also need proof of two vaccinations taken at least 14 days prior to arriving in Greece, or proof of recovery using a positive PCR test from 30 to 180 days before travel.
If you’re travelling between Greek islands, you’re likely to have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
You will not be required to quarantine in Greece if you are double-vaccinated. However, if you are asked to do a rapid flow test on arrival to Greece and test positive, you’ll need to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.
This can either be your hotel, depending on circumstances, or a state-provided quarantine hotel with the expense of the stay covered by the Greek state. Local authorities will offer more guidance on this.
Like Spain, Portugal requires travellers from the UK to present proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to travel.
Those aged over 12 will also need to show a negative PCR or antigen test from the past 72 hours.
You will also need to hand in your passenger locator card.
Upon arriving into Portugal, you will be temperature-checked, too.
Following recent rule changes, UK travellers heading to Italy must now self-isolate for five days upon arrival.
This is despite needing to show a negative PCR test when arriving into the country. Following the five-day isolation, you will be required to take another rapid antigen test for Covid-19 and will be released if the test is negative.
Children below the age of six will need to isolate, but won’t need to be tested.
You will also need to fill in an online digital form prior to arrival, as well as calling the local Covid-19 helpline within 48 hours of arriving.
Following the recent move from the England’s amber plus list to the amber list, Brits will now no longer need to quarantine when returning to England.
However, only fully vaccinated UK adults can enter France, proof of which must be shown upon arrival.
You’ll also need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ that requires you to self-certify that you are not suffering from coronavirus symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the past 14 days.
You won’t need to show a negative test prior to travel to France, but children aged 12 or over must show a negative PCR or antigen test taken just 24 hours prior to travel.
Making travel a little easier, Croatia is on the green travel list.
Anyone travelling to the destination must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel or a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. This is regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not.
You must do these tests before arriving in Croatia or you will be denied entry to the country.
You’ll also need to have completed an online entry form before travelling to Croatia. Upon arrival you’ll also need to show proof of accommodation booking or ownership.
If you’re in Croatia for business reasons, please carry evidence of a business invitation or meetings.
Most European countries still have restrictions in place to ensure the safety of both travellers and locals.
This includes rules in Croatia and other holiday hotspots such as face masks on public transport and indoor or communal spaces, as well as proof of vaccination to sit indoors at restaurants and bars in countries like Greece.
Portugal’s nightclubs are closed and its beaches have one-way systems and social distancing measures in place.
As of July 19, double-vaccinated travellers returning from amber list countries back into England no longer need to quarantine or self-isolate.
You will, however, need to have had the second dose at least 14 days prior to returning to England.
All travellers over the age of 11 will need to take a private Covid test before returning to England. You will also need to book and pay for another test that is to be taken on or before the second day of your return.
Before you arrive in England, you must also complete a passenger locator form.
However, adults who are not vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days after returning from amber list countries and will also need to take a further PCR test eight days after arrival in England.
Unvaccinated travellers returning from green list countries will not need to quarantine, unless you test positive for Covid, but you will need to present a pre-departure test and PCR day two test.
These rules are correct at time of writing but may be subject to change. Visit the official country websites or their advice pages on the FCO site to stay up to date.
MORE : Four countries removed from red travel list – including India where Delta variant originated
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