After two years of restrictions, it is getting easier to travel abroad, particularly if you are vaccinated.
On February 11, the UK dropped the requirement for all arrivals to take a Covid test either before departure or on arrival, making the day two test a thing of the past. All that is needed is a valid vaccination certificate, which in England is accessed via the NHS App.
What are the travel rules now?
Meanwhile, the EU dropped the testing requirement for fully vaccinated arrivals from outside the bloc, although it did tighten vaccination rules: any traveller whose last jab was more than 270 days old will need to show proof of a booster jab.
However, while testing requirements have loosened, countries may still have restrictions on the ground, such as mask-wearing outside or limits on gatherings.
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How will the war in Ukraine affect travel?
There remain many nations that ban British visitors — notably in Asia-Pacific. And while travel has opened up significantly, you should factor in the possibility of flights being cancelled because of staff shortages and the faintest spectre of the return of the red list and its quarantine hotels. Be sure to read up on refunds, ticket changes and insurance claims before you commit.
But if your resolution for 2022 include taking a long-postponed trip, read on for the entry requirements for popular destinations open to British travellers.
Main photo: Hot air balloons over Uchisar Castle and cave houses in Cappadocia, Turkey (Alamy)
Europe
• Austria
• Croatia
• Denmark
• France
• Greece
• Iceland
• Italy
• Malta
• Portugal
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Turkey
Caribbean
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• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Dominican Republic
• Grenada
• St Lucia
The Americas
Middle East and Indian Ocean
• Maldives
• India
• Sri Lanka
• UAE
Africa
Australasia
FAQs
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How do I prove my vaccination status at the border?
As always, check ahead for the rules specific to your destination, especially now that boosters are increasingly required, but if you’re registered with a GP in England, in most cases your answer will be the NHS Covid Pass. This can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet via the free NHS App — note that this is different to the NHS Covid-19 app. It’s a good precaution to print off the relevant certificate with the QR codes, in case your device stops working at the critical moment, and you can also request an NHS Covid Pass letter. For Scottish travellers, proof of vaccination status comes via the NHS Inform site, and there are similar arrangements for Wales, while for Northern Ireland, residents can download the CovidCertNI to show proof of vaccination.
Do you have to wear a mask on a plane?
Many airlines including BA, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have continued to require passengers to wear facemasks while on board, although Jet2 and Ryanair have scrapped the guidance. Airports such as Heathrow have also extended the need for face coverings while inside the terminal. Although national laws will no longer compel airlines and airports to keep these policies, given that the UK government recommendation is still to wear masks in enclosed spaces, and that most countries you can fly to will have their own mask mandates, it is likely to be a while before maskless flying becomes possible. Many airlines advise a change of face covering on flights longer than four hours. There might be some small variation in mask policies between airlines, such as the age below which children are exempt, so if in doubt always check ahead on the airline website.
Where can I travel to if I’m unvaccinated?
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If you are not fully vaccinated, you still have plenty of options when it comes to holiday destinations. However, you may need to take a Covid test before travel and/or on arrival. A period of quarantine — either in an accommodation of your choice or at a government facility — may also be mandatory. In some cases you may be able to get around these extra requirements by showing proof of recent recovery from Covid, or a medical exemption from getting vaccinated. Popular holiday destinations include Greece, the Seychelles, Norway, Mexico and Cyprus.
Will the travel rules change?
Over the past two years, rules around travel have flip-flopped from border closures, to strict testing rules to everything else in between. It’s impossible to say what might happen if a new variant is discovered, particularly when it comes to other countries’ borders. The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has said made clear that the lack of domestic travel restrictions has the high level of vaccination in the UK to thank, which could make it unlikely for stricter policies to be implemented.
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