Where can I take a hassle-free overseas holiday during Covid-19?
Please note that quarantine requirements (for both when you arrive in a country, and when you return to the UK) are changing frequently. There may also be additional entry requirements, such as a Covid-19 test or extra insurance. Make sure you check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for the most up-to-date information.
With summer in full swing, many Britons are planning an overseas holiday - if they haven't had one already. The FCO's still warns against non-essential travel to many countries, although restrictions have been lifted for a number of popular destinations.
As a holidaymaker, you need to know two things: will the country you're visiting require you to quarantine? And will the UK government require you to quarantine when you return? In a worst-case scenario, the wrong destination could mean you spend two weeks confined to a hotel at your destination, then another two weeks confined to your home when you return - obviously an undesirable situation.
Possible confusion with FCO's exemption list
The FCO says you can travel to some countries, but you will have to quarantine upon your return. But there are other nations the FCO advises against travel to, but for which it does not require you to quarantine when you come back.
Additionally, some countries that the UK allows travel to won't actually allow UK passport holders in anyway.
This confusion means you should do your research well.
So currently, on 3rd August 2020, where can you take a holiday without fear of quarantine?
Please ensure you always check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for the most recent information.
Country | FCO approved? | No quarantine when return to UK? | Arrivals from UK allowed? | No quarantine on arrival? | No Covid test needed before arrival? |
Spain | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
France | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
USA | No | No | No | No | TBC |
Greece | Yes | Yes | Yes | Maybe (random testing) | Maybe (random testing) |
Italy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Portugal (mainland) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Netherlands | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Turkey | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Croatia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
United Arab Emirates | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Canada | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Austria | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Either show proof of negative test, or have one done (book in advance of arrival) |
Switzerland | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Australia | Yes | Yes | No | No | May be health screening |
What about wearing masks?
Many countries require people to wear face coverings in public areas. These requirements vary from country to country, and may change at short notice. As a general rule, make sure you have a face covering with you at all times, for use in airports, public transport, restaurants and anywhere where social distancing is difficult or impossible.
Other EU countries you can visit without restrictions
Other countries the FCO does not advise against travel to in the EU include: Belgium (All UK permitted, but not if you're arriving from the Midlands, North East, Yorkshire, North West, Northern Ireland), Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Reunion (part of France).
Non-EU countries you can visit without restrictions
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Curação, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Iceland, Jamaica, Liechtenstein, New Caledonia, Norway, San Marino, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Other FCO-exempt countries, but not on UK travel corridor (heavy restrictions in some cases)
The FCO no longer advises against travel to the following countries, although they are not on the UK travel corridor lists. However, they may well have heavy restrictions in place.
EU: Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, St Barthélemy. (Note: Those returning to England, Scotland or Northern Ireland from Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia or Slovenia will not have to quarantine, but quarantine rules are still in place for travellers returning to Wales.)
Non-EU countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Martinique, Singapore, St Maarten, Thailand, Wallis and Futuna.
For example, Thailand is all but impossible to visit for most Britons, unless they meet one of a few limited requirements - such as travelling on a diplomatic or consular mission, or having a work permit. In Cambodia, visitors must deposit $2,000 to cover any medical or quarantine expenses resulting from Covid-19 (recently reduced from $3,000), as well as sufficient Covid-19 travel insurance. As regards Singapore, the gov.uk website states: “Short term visitors from anywhere in the world are not able to enter.”
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