As the Omicron situation evolves, the UK is once again on some countries’ ‘naughty lists’. Here is our guide to where you can go, now, and what hoops you might have to jump through to get there.
Recently, the UK government announced a change for inbound travellers to the UK; fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide a Day 2 PCR test result upon arrival or a pre-departure test. All that’s needed is a home Day 2 LFT which can cost from as little as £12. Furthermore, the government also removed all countries from the UK’s red list on the 15th December, meaning no visitors or returning travellers need to quarantine in a government facility upon arrival to the UK.
Our ‘hoop rating’, ranging from one hoop (easy) to three hoops (difficult) will let you easily decide which destinations may be the best option for your next trip.
As always, this list is up to date when originally published, and we will try to keep it updated as often as possible. However, be aware that this information is constantly changing, and we advise to look at the official FCDO website here for the most up-to-date information, and always triple check before booking or undertaking travel.
In this post:
Recent changes
UK visitors will find it difficult to travel (except for essential reasons and/or have to quarantine) to the following:
- France (allowed for residents and citizens – expected to ease for tourists soon)
- The Netherlands (10 days quarantine)
- Qatar (pre-departure PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival in Qatar, with a negative result. 2 day hotel quarantine (including unvaccinated children aged 11 or under), where a PCR test will be conducted until negative result received). Those looking to transit in Qatar need to check the requirements with their carrier.
- Morocco (all flights suspended until 31 January)
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Thailand (except Phuket Sandbox scheme and those with a Thailand Pass QR code)
That being said, it seems that most countries are reluctant to re-impose travel restrictions despite the increase in Omicron cases across the globe. Already restrictions have been relaxed in several instances (such as France). Keep an eye on this list, as it is likely to change quite rapidly and you may find that some of these countries further relax their restrictions in the near future.
Read onwards to find out which countries you can visit now, and what you need to know before you go.
Europe
Belgium
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops
Entry requirements: Travellers who are fully vaccinated (and carrying an EU Vaccination Certificate, an NHS COVID Pass or certificate with a QR code) must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), and do a pre-departure RAT or PCR test (a RAT test either the day before or day of arrival, or PCR test no more than 72 hours before you arrive). Test result must be negative to enter.
Visitors must also take a PCR test on arrival and isolate until a negative result is received (usually within 24 hours). If staying more than 6 days, another PCR test must be taken on day 7.
Notes: there is further information and rules for unvaccinated travellers, as well as more relaxed options for those travelling via car to the country.
Croatia
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: All you need is proof of vaccination to visit Croatia. If you’re not vaccinated, you need to present either a negative Rapid antigen (LFT) test no older than 48 hours, a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or proof of recovery from COVID-19 (provided by a doctor).
Notes: Children under 12 accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from these requirements, provided the parent or guardian has one of the documents set out above.
Cyprus
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops
Entry requirements: All travellers are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travel, and must also present a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours. Upon arrival, all travellers aged 12 and above must also take a PCR test at the airport and isolate in your accommodation until a negative result is received through the online portal (generally around a 3 hour wait).
Notes: The airport test must be paid for by the traveller, and generally costs between €15 – €19. These testing measures are currently in place until 31st January.
Germany
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop (2 if you’re travelling with unvaccinated children)
Entry requirements: All travellers entering Germany from the UK are required to complete pre-departure digital registration, regardless of vaccination status. All travellers aged six or over entering Germany from abroad must possess either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival and present this proof on request to carriers or authorities.
Notes: Germany are a bit picky about how proof of vaccination is delivered. Make sure you check the requirements thoroughly before travelling. Unvaccinated visitors (including children, even if their parent or guardian is vaccinated) must isolate for a minimum of five days.
Greece
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops for the potential to have to quarantine in special hotel
Entry requirements: All visitors must have completed a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival in Greece, regardless of your method of transport. Further to this, all travellers aged 5 and above must provide either a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours before arrival, or a negative RAT (rapid antigen) test (from an authorised laboratory) no older than 24 hours prior to arrival.
Notes: Some arrivals into Greece may be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival, which must provide a negative result. If found positive you self-isolate in quarantine hotels provided by the Greek state.
Gibraltar
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: If you are fully vaccinated you need to upload your vaccination certificate to the Passenger Locator Form. Visitors must also book a COVID-19 lateral flow test before arriving in Gibraltar. This test must be taken immediately on arrival in Gibraltar and you must self-isolate until you have received a negative result (usually within 24 hours).
Notes: To book your test or find any other info, check out the Gibraltar tourism website here. There is also further information for non-vaccinated travellers.
Ireland
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: All travellers to Ireland must fill out a Passenger Locator Form before departure, and must also present proof of vaccination or recovery, or to present a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Iceland
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: Those wishing to visit Iceland must provide evidence of vaccination (which must contain the specific COVID information Iceland requires). Further to this, visitors must also provide a negative PCR or RAT test result no older than 72 hours prior to arrival. Self-tests are not accepted. There are some exemption for those with family in Iceland.
Italy
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: To visit Italy, you need to provide proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Visitors will also need to fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) before you enter Italy to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. Printed copies can be provided if you do not carry a device. A negative PCR test result (no older than 48 hours prior to arrival) or RAT test result (no older than 24 hours) must also be presented on arrival.
Anyone arriving in Italy by air, land or by sea may be subject to random COVID testing on arrival until 31 January.
Notes: If you are travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from the 1st November 2021 onwards, to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully. Also, make sure to check the regional requirements before travelling, as these may vary slightly.
Portugal (including Madeira & the Azores)
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: All travellers must complete and submit a passenger locator form.
You will also need to provide either a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours before arrival, or a negative RAT test (must be from a clinic or lab, self-administered tests are not accepted) no older than 48 hours prior to arrival.
To enter Madeira: visitors aged 12 and upwards must register on the Madeira Safe travellers platform. If you do not have a vaccination certificate, then a RAT test no older than 48 hours prior to arrival will suffice. Self-administered tests are not acceptable
To enter the Azores: visitors must complete and submit a passenger locator form, which requires uploading a negative PCR or RAT test result (taken within the same time frames as mainland Portugal entry).
Spain (including the Balearic & Canary Islands)
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: All visitors to Spain must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form. This form can also be filled in by hand if not done prior. Upon arrival, you must show the QR code to authorities, as well as provide proof of vaccination (for those travelling for tourism purposes). EU citizens may present alternative documentation to the vaccine certificate. Unfortunately, UK arrivals cannot use a COVID-19 recovery document to enter Spain. Passengers may also be contacted and required to undertake a PCR, TMA or LAMP test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in Spain.
The Balearic Islands: Same as above.
Canary Islands: Same as above, however some tourist accommodation providers may require guests to present evidence of a negative PCR, RAT or TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) test. Check directly with your hotel before travelling.
Notes: Children under the age of 12 years old do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated upon entry to Spain, but they DO have to fill out and provide the Health Control Form.
Switzerland
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: To visit Switzerland, all passengers must complete a passenger locator form, which provides a QR code via email, and be fully vaccinated. Visitors must also present a negative test result, either a PCR (no older than 72 hours prior to boarding) or a lateral flow (no older than 24 hours prior to boarding).
Notes: Unvaccinated children and adolescents arriving from the UK under the age of 18 are allowed to enter Switzerland if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adults. Not all vaccines that allow entry to Switzerland also entitle you to enter places with a COVID certificate requirement in Switzerland (e.g. restaurants).
Turkey
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: Visitors to Turkey aged 6 and over, including Turkish citizens and residence permit holders, must complete an online form a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel.
All new arrivals must provide one of the following: either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, a negative PCR test (less than 72 hours of arrival) or a rapid antigen test (less than 48 hours of arrival). For children aged 11 and under, no PCR test or vaccination certificate is needed.
All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks. Arrivals may be subject to random PCR testing on arrival.
Notes: You do not need to complete an online form if you’re transiting Turkey on the way to another country. If you are travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November 2021 to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully.
The Americas
The USA
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: Travellers heading to the USA who have received their full vaccination dose are able to visit for tourism purposes, without needing to quarantine. 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 and sign an attestation form. An LFT is acceptable but if it’s a home test it must be supervised by video. All air passengers to the USA are also required to provide contact information to their airlines before boarding.
Full requirements for pre-travel testing can be found on the CDC website. Children under 2 years old do not need to test.
Canada
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops
Entry requirements: All visitors to Canada must first fill out their information via ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan in case you do not meet the necessary requirements at the border. You will also be required to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours prior to arrival and to be symptom-free.
Notes: Fully vaccinated travellers may be selected for arrival testing. They must then quarantine in a suitable place until they receive a negative test result. The number of cases currently in Canada is high, and many tourist areas may be experiencing staffing shortages or closures.
Mexico
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: Those wishing to travel to Mexico must register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight and show the QR code upon arrival at the airport.
* This has been confirmed by recent traveller and reader Nigel, who stated that ‘nothing was asked for on arrival except for the regular immigration form. The health declaration is pretty simple!’. Cheers Nigel!
Notes: If you wish to travel across the land border with the United States for tourism purposes, you must be fully vaccinated and provide proof to do so.
Antigua & Barbuda
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: All visitors ages 18 and over must provide proof of vaccination, and fill out a Health Declaration form. New arrivals must also present a negative RT PCR test or an approved Rapid Antigen test result, no older than four days prior to departure. Home tests, self-administered tests and those using saliva samples are not accepted. PCR test are recommended, as those who submit a RAT result may still be required to undergo a PCR upon arrival at their own cost.
Visitors must also book their stay at one of the governments approved accommodation venues: you can check out the list here.
Notes: Children aged 17 and younger do not need to have been vaccinated to enter Antigua and Barbuda, but must provide a negative PCR or RAT no older than four days prior to departure. It is likely that there will be lengthy wait times upon arrival.
The Bahamas
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: All visitors (of any age) must submit a Bahamas Travel Health Visa Trip application which includes a requirement to purchase their insurance which costs $50 for the visa and insurance. An email response will be sent within 48 hours. This approval (if approved) needs to be presented to authorities upon arrival. Visitors aged 2 and older must also provide a negative COVID-19 test (either PCR or RAT) no older than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Notes: Requirements can change extremely fast for the Bahamas. Find the Ministry of Tourism’s website here for all the most up-to-date information.
Barbados
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: All visitors to Barbados are required to submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card 24 hours prior to travel, to which they should upload their negative test result via the Travel Form. The BIMSafe app can also be used. Visitors also need to provide a negative PCR test, taken at any time during the 3 days prior to arrival.
If you have recovered from recently diagnosed COVID-19 and your pre-flight PCR test is still positive, you should bring a letter from your medical practitioner with lab test results showing the date of diagnosis and recovery. You may be obliged on arrival to complete an assessment at one of the government isolation facilities for up to 48 hours before being released from quarantine.
Notes: Barbados have strict COVID protocols and testing facility requirements: check here before travelling to ensure a smooth arrival. If you test positive for COVID-19 at any point during your stay in Barbados you will be required to self-isolate. You will first be assessed by a member of staff from the government isolation facilities for 24 hours. You may be transferred to the Government’s quarantine facility, Harrison’s Point, for further assessment and treatment. You can stay there for no cost until you have recovered. Conditions at the government quarantine facilities are generally very basic – shared rooms and bathrooms! (It’s like military barracks).
Turks & Caicos
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops
Entry requirements: Visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands must first apply for permission to travel via the Turks and Caicos Islands Assured Portal. Once granted, all visitors must provide proof of vaccination, as well as uploading a negative PCR, RAT or NAA test result no older than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Notes: Travellers will also be required to provide proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover and a completed health screening questionnaire.
Colombia (coming soon)
The Middle East & Africa
Dubai
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: Visitors to Dubai must provide a negative PCR test result upon arrival, no older than 48 hours prior to departure. Travellers arriving in Dubai may also be required to undertake a further COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, and may need to isolate within their accommodation until a result is received.
Notes: Visitors to Dubai must have international health insurance before travelling, and must hold a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate with a QR code. For more info, head to the Emirates website.
Abu Dhabi
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops
Entry requirements: Visitors to Abu Dhabi must first register on the online travel portal, ICA Smart Services (where you can upload your vaccination certificates or other relevant documents), and provide a negative PCR test result upon arrival no older than 48 hours prior to departure. Fully vaccinated travellers from the UK to Abu Dhabi will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, on day four and on day eight but will not be required to quarantine.
Notes: Visitors are also required to download the ‘Al Hosn’ app. For more info, head to the Etihad website.
South Africa
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: Visitors must provide a paper copy of a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours prior to departure. There will also be a health questionnaire on the plane that needs to be filled out.
Notes: Children under 5 do not require a PCR test. Travel authorities recommend that you carry several paper copies of your test, as you may need to present it more than once on your journey. If you do not present proof of a test upon arrival, you will be required to take a COVID-19 at your own expense and may be required to quarantine at your own cost.
Asia
The Maldives
Our hoop rating: 1 hoop
Entry requirements: All travellers to the Maldives must fill in a Traveller Health Declaration form 24 hours before departure and must present a negative PCR test result upon arrival, no older than 96 hours prior to departure. Temperature checks and screening procedures will also be in place on arrival.
Notes: All visitors to Maldives are encouraged to install the contact tracing application ‘Trace Ekee’ upon or before arrival into the country. A reader has let us know that the Maldives still may enforce quarantine for those who are deemed ‘close contacts’, even if a negative test result is received.
Thailand
Our hoop rating: 3 hoops
The previous Thailand Pass system is closed for new registrations but those who have already applied and get approved should be able to travel if their pass is approved. Registration for the Thailand Pass under the Phuket Sandbox and Alternative Quarantine programs remains open.
Entry requirements: The Sandbox program allows fully vaccinated travellers to enter Thailand without extensive quarantine. It’s not without its hoops to jump through because as well as applying for the Thailand pass, departure and post-arrival testing, travellers are required to stay at specific hotels SHA Extra Plus for the first seven days in Phuket. These are government-approved hotels that meet enhanced health and safety standards. These can make them more pricey than normal.
After arriving you will need to:
- PCR test twice – once at SHA Extra Plus hotel
- On days 5-6, you will need to have paid for a second test at government-designated facilities. This needs to be paid for before applying for your Thailand Pass.
The pre-departure hoops include a vaccination certificate, a pre-arrival negative PCR test result, prepaid 7-night’s accommodation in an approved hotel, and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000.
You can then continue onward throughout Thailand without quarantine after those first 7 days.
Notes: Thailand has agreed to the reopening of three more Sandbox destinations from 11 January — Krabi, Phang-Nga and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao)—in addition to the original Phuket Sandbox.
You can read one readers experience of the Phuket Sandbox here.
There’s more official information here.
Cambodia (coming soon)
Our hoop rating: 2 hoops
Entry requirements: All visitors to Cambodia must provide a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours prior to departure/boarding. You must also demonstrate your full vaccination status to avoid quarantine.
All foreigners arriving in Cambodia will also be subject to a COVID-19 test on arrival (as well as requiring a COVID negative test before flying) depending on their vaccination status. Vaccinated travellers will be required to do a lateral flow test at the port of entry and wait for 15 to 20 minutes for the result.
Notes: All visitors from the UK to Cambodia do need to get a Visa before travelling – you can apply for one online. Health insurance is no longer mandatory but all foreign travellers are encouraged to purchase COVID-19 health insurance that includes a minimum of US$50,000 for medical cover through the Forte Insurance website. This evidence should be printed in colour.
Sri Lanka (coming soon)
Did we miss somewhere you have visited recently that was simple to visit, or has something changed? Feel free to let us know (nicely) in the comments, and don’t forget to let us know where you’re planning to travel to next!
55 comments
Where do you get a Day 2 LFT for £12?? Not by following the link!
Switzerland please?
We shall add it in 🙂
Thailand now has additional sandbox schemes effective 11th Jan . Eg) Samui sandbox is back
We shall add it in!
Cambodia please
Hey Pete, thanks for the suggestion! Stay tuned and we shall add it in over the next 24 hours. Cheers
Hi there. Can you clarify the testing requirement for Portugal. Their website says a Supervised lateral flow test within 48 hours of departure not arrival. Which is correct?
Stay tuned, we shall look deeper and update. It can be quite confusing, lots of websites saying different things!
Colombia never seems to get a mention. No tests to get in just double vax and fill in a form. Great beaches on Caribbean coast and interesting islands, great parks and culture. Off there on the 29th Jan after cancelling Phuket as it is a total faff doing the sandbox thing.
Don’t be put off by its past reputation you won’t get shot/kidnapped by the cartel!
Columbia is literally right at the top of my list! We just kept it simple to start – it’s quite a long article – but we shall add it in. Thanks for the tip 😉
Canada are now saying they will PCR test everyone on arrival and you must quarantine until you get the result.
Thank you so much – the situation in Canada is changing very quickly!
Antigua? Popular at this time of year we are due to go in 18 days and not sure whether to go or not??
Oooh, lucky duck! Stay tuned, we will check it all out for you and add it in within the next 24 hours.
The Germany rating should be 3 hoops for families with young children.
Unvaccinated kids must quarantine for 5 days, even if parents are fully vaccinated.
Thanks so much for that, we have added that info in. Definitely worth considering when travelling with kids!
I love the hoop ratings! So easy to follow.
Oh thank you! Much appreciated
No mention of South Africa? After the damage the UK government caused in December, the least Brits can do is go and spend some money there enjoying the sunshine!
Haha yes! Poor buggers. Do you have plans to visit? Stay tuned, we will be adding that one in over the next 24 hours. Thanks so much for the suggestion.
I am keen to know where the £12 LFT tests are from as the cheapest I have seen is £17. Also do Switzerland accept a home test LFT 24 hrs pre departure or does it have to be supervised. Thanks
Like the hoop rating. What about Dubai?
Thank you 🙂 we will be adding in Dubai shortly! Stay tuned
Please include Sri Lanka. Should be two hoops, I think, as despite being fully vaccinated, you still need a supervised PCR before departure.
Sure, sounds good! We shall add it in 🙂
Thanks for that. We were in SL for Xmas and New Year. We (funnily enough) flew to SL from Bangkok on 20 Dec and at the time, had to take a supervised pre-departure PCR. It seems the need for a supervised PCR has been removed, but all passengers now need to fill out a Health Declaration Form and prove insurance coverage. That may make SL a single hoop destination.
Local people glad to see tourists. They all wore face masks – properly – at all moments, but social distancing is not observed, especially in queues!
I have been trying to find out if a Covid Recovery Certificate would be an acceptable alternative to a negative PCR test result to enter South Africa from the UK. Any ideas? Thanks
Hey Val, we will be adding South Africa into the article over the next 24 hours so make sure to check back! Thanks so much for the comment 🙂
Turkey?
Sure, stay tuned and we shall add it in!
Hi, anyone know about Langkawi? I know they have a travel bubble but the current setup is that you have to book through an agent in Malaysia approved by the Malaysia Tourism Authority. I have a holiday booked in March – postponed twice since 2020 – the flights are booked direct with Qatar and the accommodation booked via a UK agent (I can’t get a refund but can only keep changing the dates). I had heard that this requirement might change in Jan – but doesn’t look to have happened yet.
Stay tuned – let us take a look for you 🙂
Thanks Jenna, looking forward to seeing the update for Langkawi and other destinations.
Great article by the way!
On the Ireland piece you have links to Gibraltar tourist board???
Simply test me.co.uk do lateral flow for 12 quid, great customer service too.
However government own website now offers for 9.89. I’m sure they will keep coming down in price.
Whoops…typo! Thanks for that. And thanks heaps for the info about testing – will be fantastic if they keep dropping in price!
Is transit through Qatar hoop free?
We shall check for you – stay tuned! Will update the article shortly
Hey David, have just checked for you – this is what the foreign office has to say:
Transit passengers travelling on to another destination can still transfer through Qatar, and many flights continue to operate.
We take that to mean that you are not subject to QATAR entry requirements, and rather those implemented by your carrier. Does that help?
Thanks Jenna. I’ll plough through the Qatar Airways info.
Could you clarify The Maldives please? We are due to go in 9 days, the guidance on the PCR test reads to me that’s it’s 96 hours before DEPARTURE, not arrival as you’ve stated. Thanks.
Sure thing Jack, you are correct and it is 96 hours prior to departure. We have updated the article. Also – LUCKY DUCK! Have an amazing time – where are you staying over there? Would love to hear about it when you get back.
Just got back from Cancun, Mexico and can report that nothing was asked for on arrival except for the regular immigration form. The health declaration is pretty simple (certainly compared to ours in the UK) anyway.
Thanks so much for that confirmation! We have added your comment into our article, hope that is ok. Mexico has been incredibly relaxed the whole time, haven’t they. Did you have a great trip, and were there any other issues visitors might need to know about?
Yes, the trip was great (BA from LGW)! Mask wearing everywhere and regular temperature checks entering hotels and shops were the only impositions to enjoy the sunshine.
Can you tell me the hoop rating for Dubai please. Travelling beginning of March.. Thank you
Yes, Dubai will be added shortly – stay tuned! Thanks for the suggestion, hope you have a fantastic trip 🙂
Do you have any relevant entry [hoops] info re. Uruguay??
Thanks
We can definitely check it out for you! Stay tuned, we will get back to you/update the article within the next 24 hours. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Whilst I know you’re focusing on entry requirements the quarantine situation in these countries is useful. For example the Maldives still quarantines for close contacts (even if you test negative!!) so that could be an expensive 10 day room bill…
That is a great point, thanks so much for that. We will add it in to our Maldives section.
Dante labs were excellent last autumn for day 2 LFT for arriving back in the UK. Sadly they seem to have stopped selling those kits.
We need some decent TP run destinations and offers! Fares ex EU are still v expensive
India! It’s three hoops for sure…
Hi,
I am due to fly to Mumbai in 3 weeks and atm it is a no go area and still waiting for BA to contact me. I’ve been trying to call them for 4 days without luck. Very frustrating.
It’s easiest to try Twitter or phone at 8am when they open or try another country’s BA office.
Comments are closed.