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Should I book a holiday to Portugal, Spain, Greece or Cape Verde?
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The UK’s green list and kick-off date for the slow reopening of international travel are now in effect.
Since we’ve been grounded more or less since March 2020, it’s no surprise that many are frantically searching for holidays.
Portugal, Greece, Spain and Cape Verde are among the tantalising destinations intriguing British travellers.
But while dreaming and planning for a future trip is great fun, should you book now for 2021 or 2022?
Here’s the latest guidance.
Should I book a holiday in summer 2021?
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You have been able to book a holiday abroad in certain countries since May 17.
Many say it’s wise to wait a little longer – but if you are keen to book for summer 2021, proceed with caution.
Thoroughly research:
- Your destination
- Its coronavirus guidelines (including by country, region, on arriving there and if you’ll need to wear a mask out-and-about)
- The rules here in the UK, which can be found by perusing the green, amber and red lists
- Your accommodation and planned activities. Are you happy with their Covid-19 policies? Are they fully operational?
Also, be prepared for sudden changes (such as a destination moving from the green or amber list to the red list).
Scrutinise your travel insurance, too. Now’s not the time to skip the T&Cs.
Most providers will offer some form of Covid coverage (including treatment and repatriation) – but if you’re travelling against FCO advice, they won’t.
If in doubt about booking independently, speak to a travel agent or book an ATOL-protected packaged holiday instead.
Should I book a holiday to Portugal?
Bookings for Portugal have, reportedly, ‘gone through the roof’ since May 7. Prices have doubled, too .
No surprise, really – as the European country is one of only 12 places on the UK’s travel green list .
Its autonomous regions, the island of Madeira and the Azores, are also part of the green list.
Guidance published on the Portuguese government’s website on May 13 said ministers had agreed to continue its current level of lockdown, known as a ‘state of calamity’, until at least May 30.
Despite this extension of the current lockdown, Portugal did confirm that UK travellers will be able to enter the country from Monday May 17 , if they can show proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test.
Current restrictions state that face masks must be worn in all enclosed spaces, and outdoors where social distancing of two metres cannot be maintained.
For most of mainland Portugal, shops are open until 9pm on weekdays.
Restaurants and cafes are open until 10.30pm, with gatherings limited to six people per table indoors and 10 people per table outdoors.
Museums, cinemas, theatres and gyms are open.
However, restrictions are in place in popular holiday destinations, including Madeira, Porto Santo and The Azores. Check out the Visit Portugal website for further details on the lockdown restrictions in place.
Should I book a holiday to Spain?
The short answer: It’s risky.
Spain is on the amber list – including the Balearics (like Ibiza) and Canary Islands (like Tenerife), meaning that leisure travel isn’t recommended.
As an amber list country, there are lots of requirements to travel there, including numerous tests and a quarantine period on return to the UK.
For all amber list countries, you’ll have to take a pre-departure test, plus two PCR tests on the second day and eighth day once you are back.
You will also have to self-isolate for 10 days and you are responsible for booking your travel test package so that you can conduct your PCR tests during your isolation.
Spanish tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, recently announced that Spain is set to scrap the requirement for a negative test or proof of vaccination for British tourists because the UK’s infection rate has fallen so low.
There is currently no requirement for travellers from the UK to self isolate upon arrival in Spain.
Despite this, it would be sage to avoid booking until the current UK travel advice changes – currently, travellers are advised against going to any amber list countries for non-essential travel.
Should I book a holiday to Greece?
Greece and all of its islands – including Corfu and Kos – are also on the amber list, meaning it carries the same travel advice, and regulations as Spain.
The British government has allowed travel there since May 17 – but you will have to self isolate on return to the UK.
Greece is currently allowing British tourists to enter if they have a negative Covid test result.
The FCO website states:
‘From 19 April, arrivals from the UK with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece are exempted from the need to self-isolate on arrival to Greece.
‘In addition to this they have announced that UK travellers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed at least 14 days before travel are also exempt from self-isolation.
‘Until there is means to certify vaccinations for international travel, all travellers should continue to obtain a PCR test as stated above.’
Keep an eye on Greece’s entry requirements – as things can change rapidly.
Should I book a holiday to Cape Verde?
The African archipelago of Cape Verde is on the amber list, like Spain and Greece.
Therefore, travel is advised against, you’ll need to self-isolate on return to the UK and numerous tests are required.
Given the current government advice, trusted consumer site Which? recommends holding off on booking for the time being .
To enter Cape Verde, you’ll need to complete a number of entry requirements – including a negative PCR test and several travel forms.
Updates to Cape Verde’s entry requirements can be found here.
Should I book a holiday to an amber list country?
Most of the countries discussed here are on the amber list, and while it may be legal to travel there, the government is recommending that you avoid booking holidays to amber list countries .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that holidaymakers need to have ‘more patience.’ Regarding people returning to the UK from amber list countries, he said: ‘There’s a heck of a lot of hassle involved.
‘It’s expensive. We’re not at the stage of saying to people, go to those places on holiday, in fact, please don’t.’
MORE : Which countries are on the green travel list?
MORE : Nearly 300,000 people plan to travel to amber list despite confusion over rules
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