Summer is fast approaching and with many popular tourist destinations being added to the green list, seats are booking up fast and for some, the prices just keep on hiking.
Luckily for anyone missing the sun and sandy beaches, the government added several new destinations to the green list last week - just in time for the summer holidays.
So if you're lucky enough to be heading abroad, there are some rules you need to know before jetting off this summer as they can vary depending on which country you live in, and where you're travelling to.
Unsurprisingly with all these rules, things can get a little bit overwhelming - so we've put together commonly asked questions, as well as finding ways of staying safe at an airport and on the plane during the pandemic.
Are the Balearic Islands on the green, amber or red list?
The group of islands is currently on the amber list for those living in the UK however as of 4am on June 30, they will be added to the green list.
At present, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Spain, but does not advise against all but essential travel to the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
Countries being added to the green list on June 30 include:
- Madeira
- Malta
- Balearic Islands
- Caribbean nations of Antigua
- Barbados
- Barbuda
- Dominica and Grenada
- Anguilla and Montserrat
- Bermuda
- British Antarctic Territory
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Pitcairn
- Turks
- Caicos Islands.
Current green list countries are :
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Brunei Darussalam
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
- Iceland
- Falkland Islands
- South Georgia
- South Sandwich Islands
- Saint Helena
- Ascension
- Tristan da Cunha.
The Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Haiti, Mongolia, Tunisia and Uganda have now been added to the red list.
Do I need to quarantine going there or coming back?
As of Wednesday (June 30), the popular holiday destinations are being added to the green list meaning no quarantining is required regardless of whether you're arriving or departing.
The only reason you will ned to isolate is if:
- The result of the COVID-19 test you’ve taken on day 2 after arriving back in Scotland is positive
- NHS Scotland Test and Protect contact you to let you know that you need to isolate as you’ve travelled with someone who has tested positive
Before you leave the UK, you’ll need to take a PCR test and have a negative result no more than two days before you leave.
On arrival in Majorca and Ibiza, you won't need to take a test unless you have visited an 'at risk’ country 14 days prior or are travelling via mainland Spain, as Spain is still classed as high risk and will remain on the amber list.
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be asked to fill in a pre-travel declaration form. You may also be asked to have your temperature taken whilst you are there.
You will need to take a covid test on day two after you've returned home and if you test positive, or someone you’ve travelled with tests positive, you’ll need to self-isolate for at least ten days.
If you have been to a ‘high risk’ area in the last 14 days then you’ll need to prove that you have:
- Had both vaccines - at least 14 days ago
- Having a negative PCR or lateral flow test
Passengers are being advised to have a negative test regardless in case you are asked for it at the airport. If you don't need to do this but want to in order to be safe, check with the airline and country rules which tests are accepted.
Before travelling back home to Scotland from a green list country or area, you will need to:
- Complete a passenger locator form
- Take a covid test
- Book and pay £88 for a covid test – you should take this test within two days of arriving in Scotland
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel?
Not necessarily.
As of July 2, anyone travelling from the UK must present proof that they are fully vaccinated or show a negative PCR test.
What are some of the other rules ?
Children under 11 do not need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling however those who are between 11 and 18 must take a covid test.
Proof of the child's negative test result must be shown by an adult travelling with the child upon arrival in Scotland.
You do not need to take a test if you are:
- Travelling to the UK for urgent medical treatment, or supporting someone who is travelling for urgent medical treatment, and you're not able to take a covid test in the three days before your journey
- Have a medical condition that means you cannot take a test - if this is the case you must present a note from a doctor or other healthcare provider when you arrive
- Have a disability that means you're not able to take a test
- Could not get the test at any point of your journey, or in the last three days before you left for Scotland - you may be fined if you were able to buy a test but chose not to
