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Wales Online
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Brett Gibbons

Latest Covid entry rules for UK visitors to Europe - with more changes expected

Travel rules for UK passport holders are frequently changing but the uncertainty has failed to dull demand for an overseas trip.

Tour operators and airlines have reported huge hikes in bookings since the UK Government announced that pre-departure tests for those arriving in the country would be ditched.

Cheaper lateral flow checks have also replaced the need for a PCR test on day 2 of returning to the country.

For UK travellers heading abroad, entry restrictions are gradually being eased. Ireland and Germany have relaxed rules for fully-vaccinated UK arrivals with the French expected to follow this week.

Here are the latest at-a-glance regulations for UK citizens travelling to countries in Europe:

Covid-19 safety measures are still enforced at airports throughout Europe (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

France: UK visitors "currently blocked except for "compelling reasons." However, restrictions are expected to be eased in the coming days.

Spain: Fully-vaccinated visitors allowed. All visitors aged 12 and above must have received both doses of the vaccine.

Greece: All arrivals aged five and above need proof of a negative Covid test result taken before travel.

Portugal: All visitors aged 11 and above must show proof of negative test.

Austria: All arrivals must have received the booster jab and show evidence of a negative test. Children under 12 exempt from testing.

Germany: Fully-jabbed visitors can enter the country. However, unvaccinated children must show evidence of a negative tests. Under fives are also exempt but they must quarantine for five days.

Italy: Arrivals must show proof of being fully-vaccinated and evidence of a negative Covid test from just before travel. Children under six years-old exempt from testing regulations.

Cyprus: The UK is in the island's Red category. All travellers are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travel. Passengers also require a negative PCR test result taken within 72hours before departure and, all arrivals all travellers aged 12 and above must also take a PCR test at the airport. The cost of the airport test (€15 - €19) is borne by the passenger.

Switzerland: Visitors must be fully-jabbed and have proof of a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before travel.

Netherlands : Travellers aged 13 and over from very high-risk areas, including the UK, must quarantine for 10 days. This is regardless of vaccination status. Tourists can leave isolation on day 5 if they can produce proof of a negative PCR test.

Belgium : The UK is currently classified as red zone (high risk) on the Belgian government’s travel colour code system. Arrivals from the UK must produce proof of being fully-vaccinated.

Bulgaria: UK visitors must show proof of full vaccination and a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry. The final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel.

Czech Republic : Visitors who have received the Covid booster jab can enter without further testing. Those who have received two doses of the vaccine must take a PCR test on arrival. Children under-12 do not need tests if they are travelling with fully-jabbed adults.

Turkey : All arrivals aged six and over, must complete an online form for entry to Turkey a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel.

All UK arrivals aged 12 and over, must have proof of a full course of Covid-19 vaccinations, completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Turkey; recent recovery from Covid; a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours of arrival or rapid antigen test taken less than 48 hours of arrival.

For children aged 11 and under, no PCR test or vaccination certificate is needed.

To obtain full destination details for every location, visit www.gov.uk for latest advice.

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

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