Updated Easter Holiday travel rules for European countries as Spain makes changes

Spain was the latest country to make changes to their travel rules this week.

Previously, anyone aged 12 or over could visit Spain provided they were either fully vaccinated against covid, or could show proof of recent recovery. To be considered fully vaccinated, you need to have completed your initial course within 270 days before arrival, or you need a booster jab.

But now the sunny country has opened up to unvaccinated Brits with immediate effect, as from yesterday. It comes just in time for the Easter holidays.

READ MORE: EasyJet and Ryanair warning for those with less than six months left on passport

Here’s everything you need to know about the most popular travel destinations and the most up to date rules that you need to follow.

Latest Spain travel rules for Brits

Spain has opened up to unvaccinated British visitors with immediate effect, as from April 6.

Ahead of the summer holidays, the popular holiday destination has relaxed its coronavirus rules for foreign travellers. In an official state bulletin, the Spanish Government said unvaccinated people aged 12 or over who have taken a test before departure can now enter the country.

Spain requires all travellers to have one of the following certificates:

  • Vaccination certificate: confirming that the holder has received a guideline of valid vaccination against COVID-19.
  • Diagnostic test certificate: confirming that the holder has had a negative diagnostic test.
  • Recovery certificate: confirming that, after a positive result of a diagnostic test, the holder has recovered from a SARS-CoV-2 infection

Unvaccinated travellers using active infection diagnostic test certificates will be accepted as valid for entry with a negative result belonging to any of the following types:

  • Molecular nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), whose sample has been obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.
  • Antigen detection tests are included in the common list of rapid antigen detection tests for COVID-19, agreed by the Health Security Committee of the European Union, whose sample has been obtained within 24 hours prior.

Recovery certificates issued by the competent authority or by a medical service at least 11 days after the first NAAT diagnostic test or antigen detection test with a positive result, performed by health professionals or qualified personnel, will be accepted as valid.

The certificate will be valid for 180 days after the date of the first positive diagnostic test result.

Latest France entry requirements

France recently reopened to unvaccinated Brits for holidays, with no quarantine requirements. However, travellers who are not double-jabbed will need to show proof of a negative covid test result; this can be either a PCR taken within 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours.

Fully-vaccinated UK travellers can visit without covid tests or quarantine. All travellers also need to fill out an online form before travelling to France.

In good news for holidaymakers, France has eased local covid restrictions recently including scrapping mandatory face masks and vaccine passes for venues including museums and bars.

Latest Greece travel rules

Greece is open to UK tourists, but the rules differ depending on your vaccination status. If you’re fully-vaccinated, you can visit Greece without needing a pre-travel covid test. If you’re unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you will need proof of a negative covid test result.

Proof can be a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival, or an antigen test within 48 hours. Proof of recovery from covid will also be accepted. Greece has also made pre-holiday admin that little bit easier after it axed passenger locator forms for travellers.

Latest Turkey entry requirements

Fully vaccinated Brits can visit Turkey without needing covid tests or quarantine. Those who are not double-jabbed will need either proof of a negative covid test, or recovery from covid in the six months before travel. Your covid test can be either a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry, or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours.

Regardless of your vaccine status, all travellers aged six or over need to fill out an online passenger form within 72 hours before travelling to Turkey.

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