The laissez-faire countries without any testing or quarantine requirements
The Netherlands, Germany and Spain are to relax the testing requirements for British visitors.
Germany will remove the need to present a positive test for any fully vaccinated UK travellers, while Netherlands and Spain will allow anyone in without testing or proof of vaccination so long as they come from a country with a low case rate, like the UK.
The European big-hitters would become anomalies in a world where the vast majority of destinations ask for, at least, proof of a negative Covid test. But there is a hotch-potch of outliers which do not, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not. For some, one might wonder whether the pandemic has passed them unawares.
Below we list those nations who do not ask British visitors to quarantine or present a negative test. All but one is on the UK’s amber list, making the majority somewhat a moot point, as the Department for Transport would still require you to test upon return and quarantine for up to 10 days.
This list will be updated as and when new countries relax their entry requirements.
Estonia
What colour is it? Amber
One of only two European countries not to ask for a negative test result from British visitors, Estonia does have quarantine restrictions in place, but not for travellers from the UK. Should the UK see its case rate rise above 150 per 100,000 people over 14 days, it would then pass a threshold and a negative PCR test would be required, or a 10-day quarantine; it is currently below 50.
North Macedonia
What colour is it? Amber
North Macedonia is, of course, the other. North Macedonia (Macedonia up until 2019) says anyone with symptoms should self isolate, but otherwise there is no quarantine requirement. The UK Foreign Office says of the country’s entry requirements: “There is no requirement for passengers arriving from the UK to self-isolate. No PCR test is required.”
Dominican Republic
What colour is it? Amber
The Caribbean country last week said it was dropping the requirement for a negative PCR test for British visitors. Its tourist board told Telegraph Travel: “The country, one of the most popular in the Caribbean for the British Market, will no longer require a negative PCR test to be presented on arrival. No vaccination is required either, which will mean that younger audiences and families, who may not have been fully vaccinated can still take a trip to the destination this year.”
It added: “The Dominican Republic is unfolding the most aggressive vaccine campaign in the Caribbean and Central American region and has already fully vaccinated more than 754,000 people. One million people have also already received their first dose.”
However, the Foreign Office warns: “Travellers from the UK may be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival. If a passenger tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to isolate in an authorised location.”
Costa Rica
What colour is it? Amber
“The Costa Rican Government is not requiring coronavirus tests as a requirement to enter the country by land crossings or by air, nor has it issued quarantine orders for those entering the country by air or land,” the country says.
However, visitors need to have proof of travel insurance with specific cover requirements in the case of contracting coronavirus, and must fill out an electronic form known as “Pase de Salud” or “Health Pass”.
Mexico
What colour is it? Amber
Mexico has kept some of its land borders closed, including with the US, but this is due to be reviewed on May 20, but Britons can still fly into the country. On testing requirements, the Foreign Office advises: “If you present symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival at an airport in Mexico, you should ask for the International Health Team (“Sanidad Internacional”). Upon your arrival in Mexico, you will be asked to fill out a Health Questionnaire.”
Gibraltar
What colour is it? Green
Gibraltar does require a negative test for entry, however, this can be done on arrival. It is also the only country on this list that will be green from May 17. The Foreign Office says: “Travellers must present proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Gibraltar, or take a fast test on arrival at Gibraltar Airport.”
