This guidance is for those travelling from the UK and only related to Covid-19 testing and quarantine. There may be additional requirements for entry such as Visas.
For travel to many destinations, taking a Covid-19 test before departure and self-isolation on arrival have become common practice over the past year. Travelling opened up more this summer, but with cases recently rising across the globe and the appearance of the Omicron variant, many countries tightened their restrictions throughout December 2021 - making travel to some popular destinations more complicated again.
Testing before travel means an extra cost that will increase your overall travel expense and may not be feasible for many people. In addition, if you need to self-isolate upon arrival at your destination, this can make it almost impossible to enjoy a short getaway.
So, where can I travel to in Winter 2022 without needing to test before leaving or self-isolate on arrival?
We have compiled a list of 9 countries where Covid-19 travel rules for entry are currently minimal. Whilst this article provides a brief summary of the entry requirements, you should use our tool to find out full details and for links to pertinent pre-travel health forms.
You will still need to adhere the England's arrival travel rules such as booking a day 2 test to take on arrival after your holiday.
Craving somewhere warm, across the Atlantic?
Costa Rica
To travel to Costa Rica, you do not need to test or self-isolate on arrival, regardless of your vaccination status. However, if you are not fully vaccinated you will need to buy insurance with specific cover requirements.
Mexico
You will need to fill in a health form before travelling to Mexico but there are no other testing or isolation requirements.
How about a low-season Mediterranean getaway?
Croatia
If you are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from Covid-19, you do not need to take a test before travel to Croatia, or self-isolate on arrival (if you are not fully vaccinated you must take a PCR or antigen test before travel). These rules apply to everyone aged 11 and over.
Spain
You are only allowed to enter Spain if you are fully vaccinated. If you meet the criteria, you will not need to test before travel or quarantine on arrival. These rules apply to everyone aged 12 and over.
Fancy an island break? Look no further
Malta
You are only allowed to enter Malta if you are fully vaccinated. If this is the case, you will not need to test before travel or quarantine on arrival. This applies to everyone over the age of 11. Children 5-11 years old do not need to quarantine either but must take a test before arrival. Children under 5 are exempt from testing before arrival.
Madeira
If you are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from Covid-19, you do not need to take a test before travel to Madeira, or self-isolate on arrival (if you are not fully vaccinated you must take a PCR or antigen test before travel). These rules apply to everyone aged 11 and over.
Or, perhaps, keep in the winter spirit somewhere colder yet cozy.
Norway
There are no Covid-19 requirements if you are fully vaccinated or under 18 years old to travel to Norway (if you are not fully vaccinated you will need a PCR test before travel and must self-isolate for 10 days).
Lithuania
You do not need to take a test before travel to Lithuania or self-isolate on arrival if you are fully vaccinated (if you are not fully vaccinated you must take a PCR or antigen test before travel and self-isolate for 10 days). These rules apply to everyone aged 12 and over. Children under 12 are exempt from any requirements.
Hungary
If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to take a test before travel to Hungary, or self-isolate on arrival (if you are not fully vaccinated you must take a PCR test before travel).
At CTN we present guidance for travel testing (including travel rules for over 100 destinations) as you work through our comparison tool. Find out entry requirements for the above countries, and more:
Always check with your airline before travel as some require a test regardless of country regulations.
Written by Maeve Sally
Published on 06/01/2022
Maeve heads up the Provider Listings and Delivery Team handling all things operations, research and logistics as well as project managing website developments.
The information within this article is accurate at the time of publishing.
Information about testing requirements, entry requirements to the UK and travelling abroad during Covid-19 is CTN’s understanding of the requirements from multiple sources including the UK Government website at the time of publishing - always check full requirements including mandatory documentation and quarantine rules before you travel! By using our site, you confirm that you accept our user terms and conditions and you agree to comply with them. We amend these terms from time to time. Every time you wish to use our site, please check these terms to ensure you understand the terms that apply at that time.
