Several Mediterranean holiday hotspots, including Croatia, Greece, Gibraltar and Malta are allowing vaccinated British tourists test-free entry.
In most cases, they require visitors to show evidence of their COVID vaccinations using the NHS App or an NHS-issued certificate.
They will not accept the NHS vaccination cards.
Croatia announced this week that fully vaccinated British holidaymakers will be allowed in without being tested for COVID-19.
They must have had their second dose of a COVID vaccine at least 14 days before arrival.
British holidaymakers who haven’t had both doses of a recognised vaccine must present a negative Covid PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.
Greece reopened its borders to British tourists last Friday and it is also allowing test-free access to tourists who have had their second dose of the COVID vaccine at least 14 days before arrival.
It stressed all other visitors are welcome, subject to providing a negative PCR test. In a statement, the Greek Government said: “Entry of tourists in Greece is not subject to vaccination. Presenting a vaccination certificate greatly facilitates the procedures upon arrival. However, in no case is a vaccination or antibodies certificate considered a ‘passport’.”
Cyprus has confirmed that British tourists will be allowed test-free access as soon as they’ve received their second dose. Other arrivals must have a negative PCR test, but children under 12 are exempt.
From 1 June, Malta will also allow fully vaccinated tourists who received the second dose at least 14 days before arrival to skip the COVID test.
And Turkey no longer requires any British arrivals to be tested for Covid, regardless of their vaccination status.
But Turkey is on the UK Government’s red list, and Croatia, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are on the amber list, meaning everyone returning home from these countries will have to quarantine.
Rules for travel to red, green and amber countries
However Gibraltar, which is on the Government’s green travel list, will also allow entry to all UK visitors from Monday, 17 May. No-one will be required to take a test or present proof they’ve been vaccinated.
Portugal, which will welcome back British tourists tomorrow when the UK travel ban is lifted, requires all arrivals over the age of two to show a negative PCR test. However, the Portuguese islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are allowing test-free entry to British tourists with proof of the vaccine.
See the entry requirements for all the major holiday destinations
