Travel bans on UK visitors are expected to be lifted following the festive break but there will still be a minefield of regulations to negotiate before anyone can bid these shores farewell.
As well as new Brexit travel rules, there will also be a host of Covid regulations for anyone planning to jet overseas from airports across the country.
Many destinations will require a negative PCR test to be completed 72 hours before arrival, with some additionally requiring a “fit to fly” certificate.
Often the latest information for each destination is difficult to find and compare, so Holiday Extras, the UK market-leaders in add-ons such as airport parking, airport hotels, lounges and travel insurance, has created a hassle-free guide for travellers.
Most border restrictions are expected to be lifted by January 7.
Seamus McCauley, editor at Holiday Extras, said: “Covid has meant that understanding where to go and how to get there often appears more complicated than necessary. For travellers looking to book a trip, this guide reflects each popular destination’s requirements at a glance.”
Further information on the testing requirements for top destinations can be found here.
Here’s a quick and easy guide to some of the most popular.
Spain & Canary Islands
- Borders open to UK visitors
- No quarantine on arrival
- Temperature check on arrival
- Negative PCR Covid test from 72 hours before arrival
- Complete Online Health Form 48 hours before arrival
- Specialist travel insurance for a trip to mainland Spain
- Quarantine for 14 days if returning from Spain
Dubai (UAE)
- Borders open to UK visitors
- No quarantine on arrival unless tested positive
- Negative PCR test from 96 hours before arrival or tested on arrival
- Complete Health Declaration Form and Quarantine Form before arrival
- No quarantine on return to UK
- Register on COVID-19 DXB app
Portugal
- Borders open to UK visitors
- No quarantine on arrival
- Temperature check on arrival
- PCR testing on arrival upon failed health screening
- Specialist travel insurance for a mainland trip to Portugal
- Quarantine for 10 days if returning from mainland Portugal
Turkey
- Borders open to UK visitors
- No quarantine on arrival
- Temperature check on arrival
- PCR testing on arrival upon failed health screening
- Specialist travel insurance required
- Quarantine for 10 days on return
Netherlands
- Borders open to UK visitors
- Quarantine for 10 days on arrival
- Complete a Health Screening Form before arrival
- Specialist travel insurance required
- Quarantine for 10 days on return
Meanwhile, World Travel & Tourism Council president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “While protecting public health is paramount, blanket travel bans cannot be the answer. They have not worked in the past and they will not work now.
“If a comprehensive and quick turnaround testing regime were in place at airports across the country to test all travellers before they depart, it would ensure only those infected with Covid-19 are isolated and are prevented from travelling.
“There would be no need for countries to introduce damaging and counter-productive wholesale bans on UK travellers. We need to make it much easier for travellers to get a test prior to their journey.
“Travellers pose no higher risk than other members of the community if they follow all the internationally recognised health safety protocols, including the mandatory wearing of masks and regular testing.”
