31 destinations removing Covid-19 travel rules

Updated July 22, 2022
^{Published April 30, 2021}

By Steph Marinkovic

Want to holiday like it's 2019? Done! Forget forms and vaccination certificates, these destinations are dropping their Covid-19 travel requirements to make summer holidays easy again. 

Please note: This is an evolving situation and things can change both here in the UK and abroad. We are updating this guide frequently, but if you have any questions, please get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook.

Which countries have no travel restrictions?

If you’re looking to travel without Covid admin, now is the time to go. Many countries are completely removing their Covid-related travel restrictions, meaning you no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result, or complete any Covid-19 forms. In some cases, even mask mandates have been scrapped – how’s that for holidaying like it’s 2019?

Here are some of the destinations that should be on your hit list.

Malta

Malta is the latest country to announce the removal of its entry requirements, with the Maltese tourist board announcing that measures are set to be dropped from Monday, July 25: “As from the 25th July 2022, people travelling to Malta without a vaccine certificate or a recovery certificate do not need to present a negative PCR/Rapid Test before arriving in Malta.”

The country has already removed its mask mandate, though individual establishments such as shops and museums might ask you to wear one. 

Greece

Entry requirements for Greece were dropped on May 1 for all travellers, though masks are still required in indoor spaces. Whether or not you’ll need one, though, depends on how often you can be dragged away from the country’s stunning beaches! Pick one island (Crete is a classic choice for more than one reason) and discover its secrets or island hop between a few – there’s no wrong way to do it.

Croatia

Like Greece, entry requirements for Croatia were dropped on May 1 for all travellers. Mask rules have also been relaxed. As for where to go, city breakers flock to Dubrovnik, while beach escapes what islands Hvar, Brač and Vis are all about.

Portugal

Portugal dropped its entry requirements on July 1, just in time for the summer holidays. It means golden Algarve beaches, city breaks in Lisbon and island escapes in the Azores or Madeira and Porto Santo are back on the cards regardless of your vaccination status. Just remember to bring your mask for any taxi journeys or public transport trips as it’s still mandatory to wear them while getting around.

Italy

It’s been more than a month since Italy scrapped its entry requirements: travellers have been able visit the country without any Covid-related paperwork since June 1. The lingering rule is the mask mandate, which requires you to wear an FFP2 mask on all public transport and when entering the country by train, ferry or coach. 

Ireland

Ireland’s entry requirements were dropped on March 5, and while the mask mandate was dropped on February 28, the Irish government advises masks should be worn on public transport. If that’s not your thing, hire a car and take on the epic Wild Atlantic Way – one of the best road trips in Great Britain and Ireland combined.
 

Cyprus

Balmy weather, beautiful beaches and all-inclusive holidays by the bucketload await in Cyprus, where entry requirements were scrapped on June 1. And although mask mandates for indoor spaces and public transport remain in force, you’ll be too busy enjoying sun, sand and sea in the likes of Ayia Napa and Protaras to notice.

Turkey

It’s the same story for Turkey, though masks are generally not required. Visit this beguiling country and you can be taking the bustle of Istanbul, laze on beautiful Turquoise Coast beaches or get off the beaten track and discover its secret side.

Czech Republic

Entry requirements for the Czech Republic were dropped on April 9 and the mask mandate ended on April 14. While Prague is the obvious choice for holidays here, extended trips can take in fairytale town Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora (famous for the equal parts grand and creepy ‘bone church’ Sedlec Ossuary) and the photogenic Hruboskalsko national park.

Hungary

Good news for wannabe city breakers: Hungary’s entry requirements and mask mandates were dropped on March 7, making a weekend of blissful spa days and ruin bar nights in Budapest are effortless again. Melt away your stresses at the grand Széchenyi and Gellért baths, then embrace the vibrant nightlife at ruin bars including Szimpla Kert, Kobuci Kert and Doboz.

Iceland

Unforgettable adventures in stunning Iceland have been on the cards since February 25 when it scrapped all Covid-19 rules, including entry requirements for all travellers. If you’re short on time Reykjavik city breaks offer an excellent taster of all Iceland has to discover. Otherwise, summer is prime road trip time as the ‘F’ mountain roads, which take you through country’s rich interior, reopen during this time of year.

Other destinations in Europe

Looking for somewhere off the package holiday beat? Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Bulgaria have also removed entry requirements. Check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date advice for your destination.

What are the rules for other countries?

Elsewhere many countries are still enforcing Covid-19 entry rules. As with much of 2021, you can expect a combination of completing passenger locator forms or similar; providing proof of a previous infection, vaccination or a negative test result; or testing on arrival. Big holiday hitters, France and Spain, are among those that have kept the rules.

For longer-haul holidays, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Australia and Egypt, among others, have removed their entry requirements.

You should visit the FCDO website for more detail and check it regularly for the most up-to-date advice and information, as many countries have said they can reintroduce restrictions at any moment.

What are the travel rules for the UK?

All remaining Covid-19 travel measures for people entering the UK were dropped as of Friday, March 18, meaning you won’t have to show a passenger locator forms, a vaccination certificate or negative test when returning from your holiday.

Before the change, unvaccinated travellers needed a negative pre-departure test to enter the UK, and to take a PCR test on or before the second day of arrival. All travellers needed to complete the passenger locator form.

Could the rules be reinstated?

Tough travel rules are unlikely to be reinstated in the UK. According to the Department for Transport’s March 14 statement: “In future, the government’s default approach will be to use the least stringent measures, if appropriate, to minimise the impact on travel as far as possible – given the high personal, economic and international costs border measures can have – and the contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances.”

Has anything else gotten easier?

In addition to reduced travel rules, the UK has also dropped its mask mandate. Airlines and airports have followed suit: Heathrow only “recommends” the use of masks and British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI and Jet2 only enforce mask-wearing on some routes. Ryanair still enforces the use of masks on its flights.

Remember that while the UK no longer requires mask-wearing, some other countries do. Check FCDO or tourist board website for your destination for guidance while you’re abroad. In some cases, FFP2 masks are required.

How can I protect my holiday against Covid-19?

Booking a package holiday is the safest way to travel this year. Many operators, such as TUI and easyJet, promise a refund if your holiday must be cancelled as a result of the pandemic. Most holiday providers are also offering flexibility with bookings, so if you need to change the date of travel, you can.

Of course, your usual ATOL protection applies, should your provider go under before you travel or while you’re away.

And as always, we recommend that you purchase your travel insurance at the time that you book your holiday. Look for policies with added Covid-19 protection; some will cover you for scenarios such as contracting the virus in the two weeks before your holiday or testing positive while you’re abroad. 

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