With less than a week until most UK schools break up for the February half-term, travel restrictions across the world have started to ease.
Portugal has recently announced that British visitors no longer require evidence of a pre-departure test upon arrival, as long as they are fully vaccinated. Greece has also dropped the requirement for British travellers to arrive with proof of a negative test if they are fully vaccinated. Although anyone who received their last Covid-19 vaccination more than seven months ago will be deemed as ‘unvaccinated’ in Greece – so this is something to bear in mind.
Lastly, from February 7th, 2022, Morocco will once again welcome British tourists that are fully vaccinated and have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the pre-travel PCR test requirement, and children under the age of 18 are exempt from the requirement to present a vaccine pass, which is good news for those travelling with young families.
While the announcement of more countries relaxing their entry requirements has been welcomed by many British families hoping to get away in the coming weeks, the three most popular European holiday hotspots for Brits – including Spain, Italy, and France – continue to impose stricter restrictions on visitors.
For example, anyone aged 12 and over will be required to show proof of a full vaccination status to enter. 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. The last dose of the Covid-19 vaccine received must have been administered within 270 days of arriving in Spain. Anyone who received their most recent dose of the vaccine over 270 days ago would not be deemed fully vaccinated.
While the UK is now offering those under 18 the chance to receive a second Covid-19 vaccination, families must make sure their child allows enough time between each vaccine to pass, while also considering that the most recent jab must be received at least two weeks before a trip to Spain. Travellers can find more information regarding Spain and Italy’s entry requirements here.
Despite most countries competing for British visitors this half-term, it is important to remember that travellers will not be permitted entry to a destination if they do not have the correct documentation. For this reason, holidaymakers must keep up-to-date with the latest entry requirements for the country they intend to visit. Failure to do so could result in being turned away at the border – which is not something a travel insurance policy would cover.
As always, we’re here to help with all things travel-insurance-related. So, if there’s anything we can help you 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!
