With most European destinations now enforcing immunity expiry dates and booster jab requirements, Brits heading off to the likes of Spain and Italy must ensure they meet the destinations entry criteria before setting off.
Most European Union (EU) countries have introduced an immunity expiry date on vaccines, meaning travellers must have had their most recent Covid-19 vaccine within a stipulated number of days for the vaccination certificate to be valid. Some countries even require evidence of a booster jab to receive full vaccination status.
Exact requirements vary for each destination. For example, British visitors who have been double jabbed can enter Italy providing they have proof of both their vaccines and a negative Covid test result. However, to access hotels, restaurants, and public transport while there, travellers must be able to show that they have received their most recent vaccine within 180 days of their arrival.
Additionally, those planning a trip to Spain must also be aware that those aged 12 or over need to show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter Spain. To be classed as fully vaccinated, travellers must have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine, or one dose of a one-dose vaccine, at least 14 days before their arrival.
Travellers must have received the last dose of their Covid-19 vaccine within 270 days of arriving into Spain. Those that received their last dose of the vaccine over 270 days prior to travel to Spain must be able to show evidence of a booster jab.
With so much conflicting (and confusing) advice on entry requirements, we strongly urge anyone planning a trip abroad in the upcoming weeks to check the latest travel guidance and entry requirements for their trip destination on the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) website. If the necessary travel information on the FCDO’s website is unclear, we recommend contacting the UK Embassy for the necessary country for clarification well ahead of the trip.
The reason it is so important to arrive with the correct documentation is that denied entry to a country is not something a travel insurance provider would cover. Therefore, any additional costs in getting home or securing emergency documentation to enter would be the responsibility of the traveller. However, some travel insurance policies will cover various risks if any of the travelling party tests positive for Covid-19 either before or during a trip. The cover will vary from provider to provider, so it is important to check that the desired cover is included an insurers policy wordings.
We’re here to help with all things travel insurance related. So, if there’s anything we can help with, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at hello@travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk, and our team will do their very best to assist!
