Latest Northern Ireland travel rules ahead of the Easter holidays to Spain, France, Portugal and more –

A few weeks away from Easter, you may be dreaming of a holiday.

As restrictions on international travel for travelers from Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK continue to relax, this could be a great time to book a flight.

MEPs have indicated that all requirements to arrive in the UK to fill out a passenger tracking form can be lifted before the April holiday, which would be another incentive for the industry to recover after Covid.

As countries around the world continue to scrap rules, Greece became the latest country to scrap many regulations this month. But in many places there are still regulations in place that can affect tourists.

Here is the latest advice from the UK’s Office of Foreign Affairs, Society and Development on international travel from Northern Ireland to some of the popular destinations. It is important to review the latest travel guide before departure as the rules may change at the last minute.

Spain

All travelers, including children under 12 years of age, must complete a health screening form prior to arrival. To enter the country, vacationers who enter twice must present a certificate of vaccination.

Amplifier testing is required if the final vaccine dose is administered 270 days before departure. Only vacationers who have been fully vaccinated or those who can prove they have recovered from Covid within the past six months are eligible to join the tour.

Children under 12 years of age do not need to present a certificate of vaccination, take tests before traveling to Spain, or show evidence of recovery from covidium disease. UK travelers aged 12-17 (inclusive) must pass a PCR test within 72 hours of arriving in Spain or show a full vaccination certificate or certificate of recovery.

France

Fully vaccinated travelers over 12 years of age should ensure:

• Vaccination test
• An affidavit confirming that the traveler has no symptoms of Covid-19

If you have not been fully vaccinated, you must prove that you have a compelling reason to travel to France (this is not required for children under 18 and accompanied by vaccinated adults), a negative PCR test must be performed within 72 hours. or a lateral flow test performed 48 hours prior to departure and completion of the affidavit.

All children under the age of 12 are exempted from all Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Dutch

Fully vaccinated NI citizens who can provide proof of vaccination, including an NHS COVID Pass, can enter the Netherlands.

Fully vaccinated travelers over 12 years of age arriving in the Netherlands from the UK by plane, ferry, car, train or bus must show one of the following:

• A negative PCR result (not received more than 48 hours before departure), or;
• Negative antigen test result (not received more than 24 hours before departure)

Airline passengers must also complete a health statement form and be prepared to show it upon request during the flight.

Those who have not been fully vaccinated and who do not meet the requirements for exemption from the EU ban cannot enter the Netherlands from the UK.

Greece

Travelers from Northern Ireland must be able to present one of the following:

• A valid vaccination certificate. If your final dose was entered more than nine months ago, you should get an amplifier.
• Certificate of recovery from Covid-19.
• Confirmation of a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to arrival in Greece
• Negative lateral flow test confirmation received from an accredited laboratory within 24 hours prior to arrival in Greece.

Arrivals to Greece may need a quick COVID test and self-isolate if they get a positive result.

Portugal

All passengers from mainland Portugal and the Azores must complete a passenger tracking form prior to arrival. Also recommended for travelers to Madeira and Puerto Santo.

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a test to enter Portugal. If the vaccine was administered more than 270 days prior to arrival, an amplifier must be demonstrated.

Fully vaccinated tourists must show a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of entry or a lateral flow test within 24 hours. Anyone who tested positive for Covid last year can enter Portugal with a Covid-19 recovery certificate indicating recovery 180 days before departure.

Italia

All entrants aged six years or over must submit the following:

• Vaccination test
• Evidence of negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to entry into Italy or by side flow within 48 hours
• Covid-19 recovery certificate confirming recovery of Covid in the past 6 months

Tourists must also complete a passenger tracking form.

Those who have not been fully vaccinated, are exempt from vaccination or are unable to prove full vaccination must submit:

• Evidence of negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to entry into Italy or by side flow within 48 hours
• Covid-19 recovery certificate confirming recovery of Covid in the past 6 months

Masks must be worn in the direction of Italy and during the flight.