Holidays to many of the UK’s favourite destinations have been thrown into turmoil in recent weeks as the government changes its travel restrictions. Checking the latest FCO guidance has never been more important. This is the most updated travel advice for Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Turkey and Cyprus.
Spain
The FCO is warning against non-essential travel to Spain.
If you are returning from Spain you will be required to self-isolate on your return to the UK for 14 days.
On arrival, travellers entering Spain from the UK will not be required to self-isolate.
However, they will be subject to the following three requirements:
– Provide the Spanish Ministry of Health with mandatory contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19 48 hours prior to travel
– Temperature check
– Undergo a visual health assessment
READ MORE: Cruise holidays: Full list of when major cruise lines are restarting
Italy
Italy is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel.
Entry to the country is still forbidden for visitors who have stayed in or transited through a small number of listed countries in the 14 days before arrival.
You should download and complete a self-declaration from the Ministry of Interior before you travel to Italy.
DON’T MISS
Greece
Greece also remains on the UK’s travel corridor list.
If you travel to Greece, you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before travel.
Failure to do so in advance may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel, a 500 Euro fine on arrival or the Greek authorities not allowing you to enter the country.
Every traveller, including children, must have their details included on a PLF. If you’re travelling with others outside of your household, you should all complete your own form.
If you’re travelling together as a household, the Greek authorities ask for you to complete one form with all adults and children included. You can add additional members of your household at the top of the form before you submit.
Some airlines may require individual PLFs for every traveller over the age of 18 within the same household. You should check directly with your airline what you will need to show in order to be allowed boarding.
France
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to France (including Corsica).
Travellers will need to quarantine for 14 days on their return.
Arrivals by sea and air routes will need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight.
Turkey
Turkey is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel.
All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks.
If you show symptoms on arrival, you’ll be required to undergo a PCR test coronavirus.
Cyprus
Cyprus holidays are also safe for UK tourists at the moment.
As of 1 August 2020, the UK is in Cyprus’ Category B: this means that tourists are permitted to travel to Cyprus, but they need to provide a negative test on arrival, obtained within 72 hours before travel.
On 31 July 2020 The Republic of Cyprus government announced that COVID-test results can be in the form of an email or SMS, but the test result itself and/or appointment letter must include the date and time when the test was taken.
Children under 12 years old do not require a test in order to travel to Cyprus.