11 countries that have eased Covid travel restrictions for UK tourists - including Spain, Dubai and Iceland
Spain, Canada, Dubai and Greece are among the countries where Covid testing rules have been relaxed for UK arrivals
The Covid pandemic has forced many holiday plans to be put on hold over the past couple of years, but travel restrictions are now starting to ease in many countries.
Several popular tourist destinations have relaxed their entry rules in recent weeks, meaning the testing, quarantine and vaccination criteria are no longer as strict.
More countries are opening up to tourists as well, with Australia reopening its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers last month after almost two years of restrictions.
New Zealand is also rolling out a phased reopening of its borders over the coming months, while Vietnam is lifting its travel restrictions for international tourists almost three months earlier than planned.
Authorities have approved a proposal to lift border restrictions from 15 March, marking the first time it will reopen fully to holidaymakers since March 2020.
Listed are 11popular holiday spots that have recently eased entry restrictions for UK tourists and the Covid rules travellers need to follow.
Holidaymakers should be aware that rules can change quickly, so be sure to always check the latest guidance on the UK Foreign office website before travelling.
Read more:
1. Spain
Travellers must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter Spain for tourism purposes. To be considered fully vaccinated you must have completed your vaccine course within 270 days, otherwise you will need a booster dose. Booster jabs can be administered at any time prior to travel to Spain.Those who are unvaccinated but have recovered from Covid in the last six months can show a medical certificate. Spain has recently eased rules to allow unvaccinated teens aged 12 to 17 to enter if they can show proof of a negative PCR test result and are travelling with vaccinated adults.
2. Iceland
There are no Covid-related travel restrictions for visiting Iceland, meaning UK tourists can enter without having to show proof of any tests or jabs. Entry requirements for Iceland are the same for all travellers, regardless of vaccination status. The new rules came into effect on 25 February and also included dropping all domestic Covid rules in the country.
3. Italy
As of 1 March, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to show proof of a pre-travel Covid test to enter Italy. Instead, the country will accept proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid in the last six months, or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before travel, or a lateral flow test taken within 24 hours. Travellers who can meet any of these criteria will not be required to self-isolate for five days on arrival. Unvaccinated travellers will also not have to quarantine if they can show proof of a negative test or Covid recovery in the last six months.
4. Dubai
Fully vaccinated tourists no longer have to take a pre-departure Covid test before travelling to Dubai. Instead, proof of a first and second dose must be shown on arrival. A booster dose is not needed to be considered fully vaccinated. Those who are unvaccinated can enter with a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before arrival, or with a medical certificate showing proof of recovery from Covid within the past month.