Beat The Autumn Blues With A Late Summer Holiday

Summer may be coming to an end but you can still experience a last-minute holiday. We’ve taken a look at the latest travel rules and restrictions for some popular European destinations.

For many people across the UK, normality is returning and one of the pleasures that people have missed the most is the ability to holiday abroad for some sun, sea, and fun. But with travel restrictions to most countries easing, now is an excellent time to book a holiday and take advantage of what remains of summer.

We’ve decided to help you by listing some of the best European destinations to visit, along with the travel restrictions that remain in place. Here’s what you need to know:

Key advice

If you make the decision to travel abroad, you’ll be required to take Covid tests but please be aware that the rules vary depending on whether you’re visiting a green, amber or red list country.

In most cases, you will need to return a negative test or provide proof that you are fully vaccinated before entering another country, on arrival at your hotel and before returning to the UK.

However, every country has its own rules, so remember to visit this Government website for a full list of requirements and up to date travel advice before travelling.

Travelling to France

You must be fully vaccinated to holiday in France. Fully vaccinated people can travel from the UK as long as they provide proof of their vaccination status and complete a ‘sworn statement’.

The NHS Covid Pass can be used as evidence of vaccination status. Children aged 12 and over need to provide proof of a negative PCR test. You can find all the travel advice from the government here.

If you’re looking for the best locations and places to touch down in France, Planetware has got you covered – listing 21 beautiful, must-see destinations all over the country. 

Travelling to Spain

Everyone aged 12 or over arriving in Spain from the UK must present either a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travelling or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before travel.

The NHS Covid Pass can also be used as evidence of vaccination status. You must also complete a health control form no more than 48 hours before travelling.

There’s lots to see and do in Spain, including buzzing cities, coastal beaches, and quaint mountain villages. In 2018, Culture Trip listed fifteen excellent cities and towns to visit in España; take a dive into its list here.

If Spain is the ideal destination for you, the weather forecast predicts temperatures in the low thirties for the foreseeable – so it’s looking very promising!

Travelling to Greece

If you’re craving some excellent weather and perfect beaches, you can head to Greece so long as you complete a passenger locator form before travelling and, if you’re aged 12 or over, provide one of the following:

• A negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours before arrival
• A negative lateral flow test, taken within 48 hours before arrival
• Proof of recovery from Covid (a positive PCR result dated 30-180 days before travel)
• Proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. The NHS Covid Pass can be used as evidence of vaccination status

You may also have to take a rapid Covid test once you arrive in Greece and, if other passengers on your plane or ferry test positive, you may be required to self-isolate. Full travel advice is available here.

As is typical for this time of year, the temperature for the coming weeks is steady at around 30°, so don’t forget your sunscreen and towels!

Travelling to Malta

Those who like warm weather and great value for money could do a lot worse than taking a trip to Malta. If you’re considering it, bear in mind that UK visitors aged 12 and over must be fully vaccinated and children aged 5-11 must show evidence of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours before arrival. The NHS Covid Pass is accepted as evidence of vaccination status.

You will also need to complete a passenger locator and public health declaration before you travel.

As for potential destinations, Malta’s capital, Valletta, boasts a huge variety of sights and cultural attractions and temperatures as high as 31°.

There are more cities than just Valletta, of course. The Three Cities and Mdina offer plenty more to explore and do in this beautiful part of the world and Voyage Tips has put together a list of the country’s must-see attractions and points of interest.

Travelling to Italy

If it’s cappuccinos and the culture you’re after, there are not many better places than Italy!

To be allowed into the country, you’ll need to complete an online digital form, prove you are fully vaccinated, and present a negative PCR or lateral flow test taken within 48 hours before arriving. The NHS Covid Pass is accepted as proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated under-18s won’t have to quarantine if they are travelling with a fully vaccinated adult. You must also call the local Covid-19 hotline to inform them of your visit within 48 hours of arrival.

Unvaccinated travellers and those without proof of full vaccination and a negative test will need to isolate for five days.

With plenty of cities to choose from, Bazaar has pieced together some of the more low-key and under-the-radar cities and islands to explore.

Need some help with your last-minute holiday?

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