“We’re going where the sun shines brightly
We’re going where the sea is blue”
So sung Cliff Richard in the film “Summer Holiday” as he drove his No.9 London bus from London to the South of France via Dover and Paris. With the lifting of restrictions on non-essential travel to certain overseas destinations we can all look forward to a summer holiday at home or abroad this year.
The full list of countries and territories exempt from advice against “all but essential” international travel can be found here. The list includes the majority of the most popular travel destinations for British tourists but not all. Beware just because a country is on the list doesn’t mean you can currently visit without quarantine on arrival or some other condition of entry.
1. SPAIN – British tourists have been free to visit Spain from 21st June. Some hotels, even in the main tourist areas have still not opened there are still plenty of options to be had. At least 48 hours before you travel you will need to provide health information relating to Covid 19, find out more here.
2. FRANCE – From 4th July UK citizens has been allowed to enter France without restriction.
3. ITALY – You are free to enter as long as you have not been outside the UK in the 14 days before you travel. Italian government advice is that you must avoid using public transport and must arrange to be collected, take a taxi or hire a car.
4. USA – The USA is NOT on the list and is very unlikely to accept European visitors for a considerable time never mind be added to the UK exempt list.
5. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND – Unless you are travelling from Northern Ireland then most visitors will still need to self isolate for 14 days. Get up to date information here.
6. NETHERLANDS – You are free to visit the Netherlands, but you are currently required to complete a health screening form. In fact many facilities have been allowed to reopen much earlier than originally envisaged.
7. GREECE – Greece is a bit messy at the moment. UK citizens have been free to enter from 1st July there are no direct flights operating until 15th July at the earliest. You can fly via a 3rd country like Bulgaria (which is not on the exempt list). You should complete the Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before you are due to arrive and strongly recommended to download the visit Greece app.
8. PORTUGAL – Mainland Portugal is NOT on the exempt list, but the Azores and Madeira are. Yet on arrival you will have to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival or take a test on arrival. However you are still required to isolate for 14 days on your return to the UK. Keep yourself updated here.
9. POLAND – There are no restrictions or conditions on travel to Poland.
Dalaman, Turkey
10. TURKEY – You are free to travel to Turkey. You will be screened at the airport and asked for you accommodation details.
British Airway currently have a sale. There are some very attractive flight and holiday deals. For example they are offering flights from £27 return to Malaga, from September to May 2021. Their holiday division is running a promotion of up to £200 off holidays taken up to 30th September 2020 (terms and conditions apply).
Contact Maggie today to book your “Summer Holiday”, she will also help you with any administration associated with your travel.
Fly with British Airways this summer. Pay with your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card and get 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways or BA Holidays. Don’t have a card, there is a 25,000 bonus Avios welcome offer, if you spend £3,000 in your first six months of Cardmembership. Spend £10,000 in a year and receive a free companion voucher.