Latest travel rules for Spain, Portugal and Italy

Vacationers in NI are making increasing choices as more tourist destinations relax Covid travel rules in recent weeks.

Vacation hotspots such as Portugal, France, Greece and Italy are easing entry requirements for Covid testing and quarantine, while longer-haul destinations including Canada, Sri Lanka and India welcome vacationers as well.

Other countries will follow suit, including New Zealand, which is seeking to gradually open its borders in the coming months.

Cyprus

NI-vaccinated travelers no longer need to undergo PCR testing prior to departure under the new travel rules.

All arrivals over the age of 12 will still have to take a PCR test – which costs between 15 and 19 euros – upon arrival at the airport – and self-isolate until they receive results online, which usually takes a maximum of three. hours.

France

Fully vaccinated travelers can visit the city for non-essential reasons, such as free days without quarantine or pre-flight testing – this applies to anyone over 12.

Under previous rules, vaccinated patients required a negative PCR or antigen test result obtained within 48 hours of arrival.

While this has already been lifted, travelers still need to have other entry requirements, such as signing an “oath” not to show symptoms of coronavirus.

There are requirements for new booster tablets if you have been vaccinated for more than 270 days.

If you want to get into restaurants and museums, you’ll need a pass-through vaccine.

Greece

Greece recently changed its rules to exempt fully vaccinated UK residents from Covid testing requirements.

Anyone over the age of 12 must complete a travel tracking form prior to departure.

If you have not been vaccinated or have been partially vaccinated, you will need evidence of a negative Covid test – this can be a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test within 48 hours.

Italia

Italy last week simplified the rules for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

As of March 1, anyone over the age of six must demonstrate one of the following; Vaccination tests, a negative PCR test done 48 hours before travel, a rapid lateral flow test done within 24 hours, or COVID-19 recovery tests within the past six months.

Previously, both a certificate of vaccination and a negative vaccination certificate were required.

The state has also changed the rules so that if you are able to meet the above criteria, you don’t have to self-isolate for five days upon arrival, even if you haven’t been vaccinated.

Travel Pass NHS COVID-19 can be used as a Super Green Pass in Italy.

Spain

Fully vaccinated people can come to Spain for holidays, even if it changed the rules recently, so unvaccinated people can visit if they have proof of Covid recovery.

The rules apply to anyone over 12 years old. However, Spain has simplified the rules for unvaccinated adults aged 12-17 who can travel provided they have a negative PCR test result and travel with vaccinated adults.

All travelers must also complete a pre-flight form and obtain a QR code for proof of border control.

To be considered fully immune, you must complete the vaccination course within 270 days (or nine months), otherwise you will need a booster vaccine.

The rules also apply to the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.

Portugal

Portugal recently changed its rules for vaccinated visitors so they can visit without having to be tested for Covid. If your vaccination cycle ended more than nine months ago, you will need booster surgery to get the full vaccination.

Anyone over 12 who has not been vaccinated will still need a negative test result to visit; This can be a PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure or a lateral flow received within 24 hours.

All travelers must also complete an online passenger tracking form prior to departure.