A country-by-country guide to half-term testing rules
Our holiday map has opened up with the culling of the red list to just seven destinations and the relaxation of testing rules for fully vaccinated adults (and under-18s).
PCR tests for travel are to be scrapped from October 24, in time for the half-term holiday – this follows the end of pre-departure tests for immunised travellers arriving in the country.
Fully vaccinated holidaymakers and under-18s will instead be allowed to use cheaper lateral flow tests when they return to England.
This should cut the cost of travelling overseas from an average of around £60 to £70 per person for a PCR test to between £20 and £35 for a lateral flow test, which must be booked and paid for through the Government’s official website.
Half-term breaks could now be up to £200 cheaper for a family of four. Travellers now looking to book a last-minute family trip to Europe should first review the entry rules of their destination. Here’s your need-to-know for our favourite holiday destinations. In each instance, see our fully country-specific guides for further detail and the full rules for travellling abroad.
Spain
Vaccination requirement: No, but testing requirements apply if not fully vaccinated. Read our guide on travel to Spain
Test before departure: Yes, if not fully vaccinated
Quarantine: No
Other test rules: No
Paperwork: Yes, a health control form
Portugal
Vaccination requirement: No, but testing requirements apply if not fully vaccinated. Read our guide on travel to Portugal
Test before departure: Yes, if not fully vaccinated
Quarantine: No
Other test rules: Some large events, bars and nightclubs require proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result for entry
Paperwork: Yes, a passenger locator form
Greece
Vaccination requirement: No, but you are required to take a pre-departure test if not. Read our guide on travel to Greece
Test before departure: Yes, if not fully vaccinated and aged 12 or over
Quarantine: No
Other test rules: You may need to show proof of vaccination to travel on domestic ferries or flights, or show proof of a recent negative test result if not fully vaccinated
Paperwork: Yes, a passenger locator form
Italy
Vaccination requirement: Yes, to avoid self-isolation if you are over 18. Read our guide on travel to Italy
Test before departure: Yes; a negative PCR or antigen test
Quarantine: Yes, if you are not fully vaccinated, there is a five-day self-isolation rule
Other test rules: Yes, unvaccinated travellers aged 12 or over will need a green pass for some activities
Paperwork: Yes, the EU’s digital passenger locator form
Cyprus
Vaccination requirement: No, but unvaccinated passengers are subject to testing and self-isolation rules – this includes children aged 12 or over. Read our guide on travel to Cyprus
Test before departure: Yes, if not fully vaccinated
Quarantine: Yes, if not fully vaccinated (and aged 12 or over); see below
Other test rules: If not fully vaccinated (and aged 12 or over) you must take another test on arrival and self-isolate until you receive the result
Paperwork: All permitted travellers must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before their journey
France
Vaccination requirement: Yes, if aged 18 or over, with limited exemptions. Read our guide on travel to France
Test before departure: Children aged 12 years or over who are not fully vaccinated, but who are travelling with a vaccinated adult must present a negative Covid test result
Quarantine: Only if over 12, unvaccinated and not travelling with a vaccinated adult or if you’re over 18 and not fully vaccinated
Other test rules: Either proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test result is required for some activities in France; this
Paperwork: Yes, see our guide on travel to France
Croatia
Vaccination requirement: No, but if you are not vaccinated you will need to take a test, see below. Read our guide on travel to Croatia
Test before departure: Only if you are an adult or child aged 12 or over who is not fully vaccinated; children under 12 who are accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from testing requirements
Quarantine: If you take a test on arrival, rather than before departure, you will be required to self-isolate until you receive the result
Other test rules: No
Paperwork: Yes, you must complete an online entry form before travel to Croatia
Malta
Vaccination requirement: Yes, only fully vaccinated people can travel to Malta from the UK (this includes children over 12, children aged 0-11 can visit without being fully vaccinated). Read our guide on travel to Malta
Test before departure: No, not if you are fully vaccinated; however, children aged 5-11, need a negative PCR test result
Quarantine: No, if you are eligible to enter. You may be subject to health screening on arrival, and if you test positive, quarantine will apply
Other test rules: No
Paperwork: Yes, everyone travelling to Malta must complete a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and a passenger locator form
Turkey
Vaccination requirement: No; but you must have proof of this or a negative test result. Read our guide on travel to Turkey
Test before departure: Yes, for travellers who are 12 or over and not fully vaccinated
Quarantine: No
Other test rules: No
Paperwork: Yes, a passenger locator form