As families prepare to book their annual getaway, many are finding that the number of destinations that allow children who are not fully vaccinated to enter is becoming limited.
Popular holiday destinations including Spain and Canada are just a couple of examples of countries that now require 12- to 15-year-olds to be fully vaccinated in order to enter and avoid isolation upon arrival.
So, where can you travel as a family if you or your children are not yet vaccinated? Our team has pulled together a selection of destinations open for UK nationals to visit, whether they are vaccinated or not. Find out more below
Information correct at the time of writing*. The latest travel updates can be found on the Foreign, Common and Development Office (FCDO) website.
The Bahamas
If you fancy escaping the January Blues and starting the New Year somewhere tropical, then the Bahamas is a great destination suitable for all of the family.
Currently, all British tourists (vaccinated or not) are required to arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
However, from January 7, all travellers aged 2 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas – please note rapid antigen tests will no longer be accepted as proof after this date.
So, while The Bahamas will allow non-vaccinated Brits in, travellers will need to be able to provide proof of a negative PCR test.
The Dominican Republic
How about a holiday in the Dominican Republic? British tourists are required to either present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival, or show evidence of a full vaccine status to enter.
All passengers will have their temperature tested upon arrival. And children under the age of seven years old are exempt from presenting a negative COVID-19 test – regardless of their vaccine status.
Greece
It’s worth noting that arrivals to Greece from the UK need to complete their Passenger Locator Form before their departure – and be able to provide evidence of either a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival.
They can also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen result instead of a PCR test, as long as it is from an authorised laboratory and taken 24 hours before arriving in Greece.
These entry requirements are compulsory for all travellers aged 5 and above.
Italy
What’s good is that fully vaccinated Brits can enter Italy without needing to self-isolate on arrival. Although, they must also show evidence of a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before arrival into Italy or a negative antigen test taken 24 hours before entering Italy.
Children aged under 18, however, do not need to quarantine if they are unvaccinated but are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent and (for those over the age of 6) have a negative PCR or antigen test. Of course, all arrivals must complete the relevant Passenger Locator Form before entering Italy.
Jamaica
Now entry to Jamaica is a little more straightforward. All travellers aged 12 and above visiting Jamaica must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test that has been issued by a UKAS accredited laboratory, showing a negative COVID-19 test (PCR, NAA, RNA) or antigen test result within 72 hours prior to the date of travel. Simple!
Portugal
Again, similar to the entry requirements for Jamaica, all arrivals to Portugal must complete the relevant Passenger Locator Card and show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result certificate that has met Portugal’s testing criteria. Children aged 11 and under do not need to provide proof of a COVID-19 test result.
For more information on the necessary test requirements, click here.
Switzerland
British tourists are able to enter Switzerland if they are fully vaccinated and have evidence of a negative Covid-19 test before arrival (a PCR test must not be not older than 72 hours and a lateral flow test must not exceed 24 hours old).
However, under 18s who are not vaccinated can still enter Switzerland as long as they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adult. As always, all travellers must complete the necessary a Passenger Locator Form.
Turkey
Turkey is a little more flexible with their entry requirements. For example, all arrivals aged 12 and above must arrive with proof of either a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Turkey), or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR test (taken less than 72 hours of arrival), or a rapid antigen test (taken less than 48 hours of arrival).
What’s more is that for children aged 11 and under, no PCR test or vaccination certificate is needed to enter.
USA
Now, the USA will accept proof of COVID-19 recovery and/or a full Covid-19 vaccination record as part of their entry requirements – this is as long as the final vaccine was administered at least 14 days prior to travel.
Children aged 17 and under are exempt from the vaccination requirement. However, under 17s that are not fully vaccinated and either traveling alone or with adults who are not fully vaccinated will have to show proof of a negative viral test from a sample taken within one day of departure.
All travellers are required to take a pre-departure test when visiting the USA, apart from those under 2 years old, as they are exempt.
As always, it is essential that travellers check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s guidance for the destination they intend to visit before their departure as entry requirements can change at the last minute.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at hello@travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk, and our team will do their very best to help!
