Holiday inspiration: Where can I travel now?

Added 25/08/2021

Looking for inspiration for a late summer break? Some of our favourite holiday destinations are on the green and amber lists, which means you can travel there right now without having to self-isolate on return to the UK (so long as you are fully vaccinated in the case of amber countries).  

Here are some of the destinations we love, along with a summary of the current rules and links to the latest information for planning your trip.  

Please note: This information was correct at the time of writing 26-8-2021).  Always check the latest rules before you travel:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Switzerland

Arriving in Switzerland:   When you arrive in Switzerland from the UK you will need to present either proof of full vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the last 6 months.

Returning to the UK: Switzerland will be on the green list from Monday 30 August – see below for a summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Switzerland, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland

Denmark

Arriving in Denmark:   Fully vaccinated UK residents or those previously infected with COVID-19 can enter Denmark for all purposes, without the need to test or self-isolate.

Returning to the UK: Denmark will be on the green list from Monday 30 August – see below for a summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Denmark, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.visitdenmark.com/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark

Spain

Arriving in Spain:   When you arrive in Spain from the UK you will need to present either proof of full vaccination, or a negative PCR test.

Returning to the UK: Spain is currently an amber list country – see below for a summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Spain, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.spain.info/en/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
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Greece

Arriving in Greece:   When you arrive in Greece from the UK you will need to present either proof of full vaccination, a negative test result or proof of recovery from covid-19.

Returning to the UK: Greece is currently an amber list country – see below for a summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Greece, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.visitgreece.gr/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

Portugal

Arriving in Portugal:   Everyone arriving in Portugal from the UK, apart from travellers under 12, will need to present proof of a negative test result.  So long as you are fully vaccinated you will not need to quarantine.

Returning to the UK: Portugal is currently an amber list country – see below for a summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Portugal, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.visitportugal.com/en

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal

Dubai

Arriving in Dubai:   You must have proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before your departure. Random PCR testing is also being conducted on arrivals at the airport.

Returning to the UK: Dubai is currently an amber list country – see below for a summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Dubai, along with the latest Covid-19 rules:: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates

Barbados

Arriving in Barbados: If you are fully vaccinated, you will need to take a PCR test on arrival and remain at your accommodation following quarantine rules until you get the results of the test.  If you are unvaccinated you will have to quarantine for 5 days.

Returning to the UK: Barbados is currently on the green list – see below for summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Barbados, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.visitbarbados.org/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/barbados

Malta

Arriving in Malta: UK holiday makers arriving in the Malta will have to show proof that they are fully vaccinated. You are also required to have proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival in Malta.

Returning to the UK:Malta is currently on the green list – see below for summary of the rules.

Holiday inspiration: Holidays ideas and help to plan your holiday in Malta, along with the latest Covid-19 rules: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/

FCDO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta


Rules for entering the UK

This is a summary of the rules for England (the rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland may vary).  For full details follow this link:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england

Amber list countries

If you are fully vaccinated or under 18 you no longer have to self-isolate when you return from an amber list country.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to isolate at home for 10 days.

Testing is required when you enter the UK from an amber list destination:

You must take a test during the 3 days before you return. (This can be PCR or lateral flow).

You will also have to take either 1 or 2 tests when you return to the UK depending on whether you have been fully vaccinated.  These tests should be booked before you leave the for the UK.

Unvaccinated travellers will need to take a test on day 2 and 8 after arrival, fully vaccinated travellers need only do a test on day 2.

Green list countries

There are no self-isolation requirements when returning from a green list country, however testing is still mandatory:

You must take a test during the 3 days before you return. (This can be PCR or lateral flow)

You will also have to take a test on day 2 after you have arrive back. 

Flexible travel insurance with cover for Covid-19

If you have a holiday planned protect it now with our flexible travel insurance.  If your trip dates change we can change your single trip policy to match, with no admin charge*

We can cover all types of medical conditions, up to a high severity and have no upper age limit on our policies.

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