Three popular holiday destinations cut Covid travel restrictions for Brits
8 February 2022, 15:57 | Updated: 7 June 2023, 08:56
Three popular holidays destinations for Brits have cut their travel restrictions for international arrivals ahead of the half term break.
Greece and Portugal have both scrapped the need for fully-vaccinated passengers to present proof of a negative Covid test upon entry.
Morocco meanwhile has dropped its blanket ban on arrivals to the UK from Monday.
However, passengers are still required to take a pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours, with the exception of children under six.
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Children under 18 are also not required to use a vaccine passport.
The relaxations come into force ahead of the half term holidays in the UK, which begin on Friday for most London schools.
The changes could therefore be a boost for people - whether vaccinated or not - hoping to make the most of the holidays with an international trip.
Covid testing dropped for jabbed travellers
The relaxations abroad come as rules for travellers to the UK are also set to ease.
From 4am on Friday, fully-jabbed arrivals will no longer need to take a lateral flow test on day two.
For unvaccinated individuals, self-isolation and a day eight test will be scrapped.
They will only need to show a negative test on arrival and take a PCR test before day two.
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"All the decisions that have been taken, be it by Morocco or any country during this pandemic, has depended on the health situation, nothing else," said Adel El Fakir, the head of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, speaking of the decision to allow Brits back in.
"The whole sector today is very excited to welcome back people from around the world, especially the UK.
"Welcome is in our DNA."
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Europe has begun tentatively lifting its domestic Covid restrictions.
Spain is scrapping a mandate to wear masks outdoors as infection rates drop and hospitals report lower admissions.
Crucially, the rule includes children at school during their breaks outside between classes.
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In the UK, Health Secretary Sajid Javid recently announced a shift from Plan B to Plan A.
It means face mask mandates, vaccine passports and work from home guidance have all been scrapped as high population immunity and a less severe variant bolster the UK's ability to deal with the virus.
