Latest Foreign Office travel advice for Spain, Greece, USA, Australia and more

Many holiday destinations are altering their travel restrictions in light of the Omicron variant, with several countries recording their highest number of cases since the pandemic began in recent weeks.

Currently there are no countries on the UK’s red list, making it easier for Brits to travel abroad than during earlier stages of the pandemic – but it’s important to note that countries have their own rules in force.

If you’re planning a winter getaway it’s worth checking what restrictions and entry requirements are in place at your destination, EssexLive reports.

This is the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) about travelling to these popular holiday destinations at the time of publishing.

READ MORE: South Africa eases Covid restrictions as government says Omicron-fuelled fourth wave has peaked

USA

According to the Foreign Office, most fully vaccinated travellers can enter the country.

They advised British travellers thinking about travelling to the States to familiarise themselves with the new requirements on the CDC website before booking any travel to the country.

Current visa holders based in the USA who leave the country and then re-enter will need to follow the vaccine entry requirements unless they have an exception.

Before boarding a flight to the USA, most passengers – regardless of vaccination status – are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel.

Upon arrival, fully vaccinated travellers:

If you have recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days (regardless of vaccination status):

The USA will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination, in which the final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel.

However, the NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you’re not fully vaccinated but have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year you still cannot enter the USA unless you meet one of the exceptions detailed on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Embassy websites.

If you do have an exception to enter the US, you must present a negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months to the airline before boarding the flight.

Greece

To be able to travel to Greece, you would need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arriving in the country.

In addition, you would need one of the following:

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece; or

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 24 hour period before your arrival in Greece

Travellers may also be required to do a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival and if travellers test positive on arrival they would have to self-isolate in quarantine hotels provided by the Greek state. The length of time they need to self-isolate depends on the vaccination status.

Spain

Travellers planning to go to Spain must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form before heading to the country and must show the QR code (hardcopy or digital) when they arrive.

They also must show proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival.

If you’re fully vaccinated and travelling from the UK, you can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated can not enter for tourism purposes under the country’s current measure.

NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

However, travellers cannot use the UK proof of COVID-19 recovery record certifying that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months if they are planning to go for a holiday.

People who fail to follow the requirement may get a minimum fine of €3000.

Ghana

According to the Foreign Office, anyone adult arriving in Ghana are required to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Ghana Health Service defines a fully vaccinated person as someone who has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana.

This is one dose of Johnson and Johnson, or two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Sputnik V.

Passengers travelling to Ghana must additionally:

• undergo a COVID test 72hrs before departure

• complete additional health declaration forms on arrival

• undergo a further COVID test on arrival.

Australia

Entry to Australia is only available if you are exempt or have been granted an individual exemption.

Exempt categories include Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents, and (from 15 December) fully vaccinated holders of eligible visas.

Travellers need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of the trip and must be provided to your airline on check-in.

In addition, they need to complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before departure. The ATD includes a declaration regarding your vaccination status and you will be asked to upload your vaccination certificate.

If you are not vaccinated, you may require an exemption to enter Australia.

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