Travel to the UK: the latest Spain, Greece, Portugal and Turkey entry rules for Britons

The latest entry rules from Spain, Greece, France, Portugal and Turkey for UK tourists

Travel rules for holidays abroad are expected to change next month, with the Amber List to be removed from October 4.

Instead, countries will be placed on one of two lists – the Red List or the Rest of the World List.

Those returning to the UK from Red List destinations will need to stay in a quarantine hotel. For the rest of the global list, the rules depend on your immunization status.

Later in October (no date yet confirmed), vaccinated Britons will be able to have a side flow test on day two instead of a PCR test. For unvaccinated Britons, you will need to self-isolate for up to 10 days and have PCR tests on days two and eight.

These changes affect the rules for your return to the UK, but each country also has its own entry requirements for UK tourists.

(Not all of them are open to Brits – we’ve got a full list of vacation options here to help you out).

To help you navigate the restrictions, we’ve put together a guide to the rules for popular vacation hotspots, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, France, and Italy.

Check out our guide below.

Spain

Entry rules: Anyone aged 12 or older will either need to prove they are fully vaccinated against Covid or have had a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.

Do you need to quarantine? Britons are not required to self-isolate upon arrival in Spain when arriving from the UK. If you are arriving from outside the UK different rules may apply – consult the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs for more information.

Local Covid Rules: Face coverings should be worn in enclosed public spaces and 1.5m social distancing measures should be in place. On the way to the Canaries? Tourist accommodation on the islands will also require you to show proof of a full Covid vaccination, negative test, or recent recovery from Covid.

Portugal

Entry rules: If you have a digital COVID vaccination certificate from the EU proving that you are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before your trip, you will not need to take a Covid test to enter Portugal. This also applies if you have proof of recovery from Covid-19 between 11 and 180 days before your departure. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to have a PCR test within 72 hours of travel, or an antigen test within 48 hours. Children up to 11 years old are exempt.

Do you need to quarantine? The British are not required to self-quarantine as long as they follow the entry rules.

Local Covid Rules: Social distancing measures are in place and you will need to wear a face mask in enclosed public spaces and outdoors where a 2m social distancing cannot be maintained. You may be required to present a vaccination certificate or negative test to enter certain hotels, restaurants, bars and events.

Turkey

Entry rules: You will need to complete an online form within 72 hours of travel and also show proof of a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of your arrival in Turkey.

Do you need to quarantine? British travelers do not need to self-isolate or self-quarantine in Turkey.

Local Covid Rules: Face masks are mandatory in all public places – including streets, parks, gardens, markets, public transportation, as well as shops and restaurants.

France

Entry rules: Adults must be fully vaccinated to enter France, justify this status and complete a “declaration on honor”. Unvaccinated children 12 years of age or older can only visit if traveling with fully vaccinated adults, and will need to have a negative PCR or antigen test result within 24 hours.

Do you need to quarantine? Britons who are not fully vaccinated will need to self-isolate for seven days after arrival and have another PCR test. (Children who do not receive a double injection but who travel with vaccinated adults are exempt from self-isolation).

Local Covid Rules: Face masks are mandatory in all closed public spaces, except for children under 11 years old. You will need a ‘sanitary pass’ to enter museums or to use long distance trains. This “pass” will require one of the three proofs; complete vaccination, a test less than 72 hours old, or proof of recovery from Covid-19 between 11 and 180 days.

Italy

Entry rules: All travelers must complete a pre-departure form and test negative within 48 hours. If you are fully vaccinated, you will not need to quarantine as long as you have proof of your vaccination.

Do you need to quarantine? If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to self-isolate for five days upon arrival in Italy.

Local Covid Rules: Face masks are mandatory in confined spaces, including public transportation, and you may be required to present a “green pass” to enter the premises.

Greece

Entry rules: You can visit as long as you can either show proof of a full Covid vaccination or have a negative PCR test done within 72 hours / antigen test done within 48 hours. Proof of recovery will also be accepted.

Do you need to quarantine? UK travelers are not required to self-isolate. However, you may be subject to a health exam and if you or a member of your group test positive for Covid then you will need to stay in a quarantine hotel.

Local Covid Rules: Face masks are compulsory in all indoor public places, in all regions of Greece. You may need to show proof of vaccination to enter bars and restaurants. If you haven’t had a double bite, you may need to show proof of a negative rapid test done up to 48 hours before entering restaurants, cinemas and museums.

Croatia

Entry rules: Croatia is open to unvaccinated and vaccinated Britons – in both cases you will need to present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival, or an antigen test performed within 48 hours of arrival.

Do you need to quarantine? British travelers are not required to self-quarantine or self-isolate upon arrival in Croatia.

Local Covid Rules: Wearing a mask is compulsory for passengers on public transport, taxis and in shops and other commercial premises.

Malta

Entry rules: UK travelers aged 12 and over must be fully vaccinated to enter Malta. Children aged 5 to 11 can travel if they are accompanying their vaccinated parents / legal guardians if they have a negative PCR result carried out within 72 hours of arrival. Children under five are exempt.

Do you need to quarantine? There is no quarantine in place for the British in Malta.

Local Covid Rules: Face coverings in indoor and outdoor public places. Two people together, with proof of vaccination, can remove their masks in an outdoor public place. Nightclubs are closed and only six per table in restaurants and cafes.

Cyprus

Entry rules: You will need to show proof of vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to get a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departure and have a second test in Cyprus, the result of which is usually available within three hours.

Do you need to quarantine?

Local Covid Rules: Face masks are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces. Breaking this rule could expose you to a fine of € 300. To enter malls and restaurants, you will need a “SafePass” which requires proof of a negative result taken within 72 hours, or proof of at least one dose of a Covid vaccine.

• Travel rules are up to date at the time of writing, but restrictions can change quickly – if you are planning a trip, you should always check for the latest advice from the Foreign Office before planning, booking, or going on a trip.

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