Do I need Covid tests for my holiday? Entry requirements for Portugal, Gibraltar, Spain, Italy and Greece

BRITS can finally go on holiday again, after the overseas travel ban was lifted yesterday – for the first time this year.

There are still some restrictions in place, however, even if travelling to a country on the green list.

Using a traffic light system, the UK government revealed the 12 countries on the green list earlier this month which means Brits can return without having to quarantine.

Despite this, there are a number of countries still requiring certain tests to enter, even if one of the green list destinations.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that a new scheme being discussed by the government will allow Brits to take free Covid test packs on holiday so they can take the required tests before returning to the UK.

Airlines and tour operators having already started offering discounted Covid kits – TUI offers a range of green and amber destination Covid kits ranging from £20 to £50.

Here are all the Covid tests you will need for when you head on holiday this year – although is worth remembering these can change at the last minute, and may still be needed even if fully vaccinated.


Portugal – three tests

Portugal is one of the few countries on the green list which is open to Brits, having welcomed tourists yesterday.

Brits will need proof of both vaccinations to enter, or a negative Covid test.

When returning to the UK, travellers will still need a pre-arrival Covid test, as well as one on day two.

The cheapest on the market is with TUI, with the three tests costing £60 per person.

Gibraltar – no tests

Gibraltar is the only destination which is not requiring any proof of vaccine or Covid test on arrival – making it the easiest to travel to.

Brits will still need a pre-arrival Covid test when returning to the UK, as well as one on day two.

The cheapest on the market is with TUI, with the two tests costing £20 per person.

Spain – four tests

Spain has said they will welcome Brits back from June 1.

However, UK arrivals will need proof of both vaccinations, or a negative Covid test to enter.

Spanish tourism minister Reyes Maroto has said that Brits won't need a negative test from May 20 if the UK case rate remains low.

Spain is on the UK's amber list – this means Brits will need a pre-arrival Covid test when returning to the country, as well as Covid tests on day two and eight of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The cheapest on the market is with TUI, with the four tests costing £90 per person.

Italy – four tests

Italy welcomed British tourists back on May 16 and UK arrivals must have a Covid test to enter.

Italy is on the UK's amber list – this means Brits will need a pre-arrival Covid test when returning to the country, as well as Covid tests on day two and eight of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The cheapest on the market is with TUI, with the four tests costing £90 per person.

Greece – four tests

Greece has already welcomed British tourists back, having opened on May 14.

Brits can enter the country with proof of vaccination – with the NHS card being enough – or a negative Covid test.

Greece is on the UK's amber list – this means Brits will need a pre-arrival Covid test when returning to the country, as well as Covid tests on day two and eight of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The cheapest on the market is with TUI, with the four tests costing £90 per person.

Despite them not being on the red travel ban list, Boris Johnson has warned Brits not to travel to amber destinations unless for urgent reasons.

Mr Johnson said: "It is not somewhere you should be going on holiday, let me be very clear about that."

It came just hours after Matt Hancock urged Brits not to go to amber-list countries at all.

Public Health England's Professor Kevin Fenton warned that Brits shouldn't be heading abroad just yet because of the worrying variants, in particular the Indian strain which has seen cases surge by 77 per cent.

    Source: Read Full Article

    Previous post The Truth About Pink’s Kids
    Next post Employees Would Rather Work from Home Than Get a Raise