It is currently illegal to travel abroad for holidays, but the UK government’s roadmap for exiting lockdown states that a new taskforce to review global travel restrictions will report on 12 April. International travel restrictions from England will not be lifted until 17 May at the earliest. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to set a date for the resumption of international travel.
However, summer holiday bookings have already surged in anticipation, even while some politicians and public health experts have cautioned it is too early to be certain that they can take place. Some countries have already announced the restrictions that will apply to visitors from the UK once borders reopen and people are able to travel internationally again.
Greece
The tourism minister, Haris Theoharis, has said that Britons who have been vaccinated will be able to travel to the country in the summer, and will not face a period of self-isolation after arriving. Those without a vaccination will be required to have a negative Covid test before travelling.
Turkey
Turkey expects to welcome British tourists regardless of their vaccination status. The tourism minister, Mehmet Ersoy, has said: “We will not require vaccination passports from international travellers when entering the country,” and reassured visitors that “we have world-class border processes in place for ensuring travel will be low-risk throughout Turkey”.
In order to facilitate the tourism industry, an important component of Turkey’s economy, Ersoy said the country expects to prioritise hospitality workers in its vaccine rollout plans.
Cyprus
Tourists from the UK who have been fully vaccinated will be able to visit Cyprus. The country’s deputy tourism minister, Savvas Perdios, has said the country will recognise the Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna jabs. The second doses will need to have been administered at least seven days before travelling.
Portugal
Rita Marques, the tourism secretary, has said: “Portugal will soon allow restriction-free travel, not only for vaccinated people, but those who are immune or who test negative” and that the country hopes to welcome British tourists from 17 May.
Spain
Until 30 March, only Spanish residents are allowed to travel from the UK to Spain. One of the busiest destinations for British holidaymakers, there is as yet no official word on when Spain may reopen travel more widely. The tourism minister, María Reyes Maroto, has said that when the country does, it will be looking to implement a digital vaccine passport.
Restrictions on return
International travellers may also face restrictions upon returning. Currently those making permitted trips abroad have to provide evidence of receiving a negative Covid test result taken up to three days before departure, and must quarantine upon return. Those coming from a country on the UK government’s red list – which currently includes Portugal – must quarantine in a hotel. These restrictions will be reviewed before the summer holiday season
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