Non-Essential travel to Spain/Greece???

Vld75

What are the chances for a family of 4 (2 adults, 1 teeneager and 1 child) to be allowed to fly to Spain/Greece or another seaside destination? Ryanair tickets are cheap but will we be able to go there? I do understand that beach holidays are not essential from the government's point of view but there are many flights to popular tourist destinations and I don't think many UK passengers are going there for essential travel and not to enjoy the sun and sea. So, I wonder how strict is the control at UK airports: do they ask for a proof of 'essentiality' or they just close their eyes?

onashoestring

It all depends on the rules at the time of travel.  At present you would not be prohibited from travelling by the UK Gov , However where the Foreign Office advises against "all but essential travel" or "all travel" you aren't supposed to go. Travelling in defiance of the advice may also invalidate your insurance. 

You would need to check and comply with the regulations at your destination and on your return you would need to comply with the UK rules .
Spain & Greece are currently Amber destinations which means that you must take pre-departure test before returning
• Must also take PCR test on day two AND day eight after arriving
• Must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival –
• You can end self-isolation early on day five by taking extra test (Eng only) - All of these tests are at your own expense and probably cost a lot more than the flights.

There's still a huge amount of uncertainty, as the rules could change unexpectedly. An Amber country could become Red while you are away meaning that you would have to stay in one of the Governments Managed Quarantine hotels for 1O days when you return at a cost of £1,750 for a single adult.

Before booking a holiday abroad this summer it's crucial to make sure you fully understand the financial risk, and book flexibly wherever possible.

soolin

It's also worth noting that airline schedules are still changing , we've just had notification about  changes to Easyjet flights in September (leaving from one airport , returning to another)  - so I think for anyone planning a holiday abroad this year you need to be aware that your dates might need to be flexible! 

jimi_man

Hi. Spain and Greece are Amber countries so there are currently no restrictions on you going there. As they are amber then you’ll have to isolate on your return (which can be shortened by an extra test) but other than that you are free to go there and won’t be stopped or questioned by border control. 

Obviously if they change to red while you are there then that may present an issue as you’ll have to quarantine. Also your insurance (if you have it) may not cover you. 

Go, and enjoy your holiday. 

macman

'Essentiality' doesn't come into it. You are allowed to travel to either destination for whatever purpose you wish, business or 100% frivolous, as long as you comply with the entry and exit regulations in place in both countries at the time of departure and return.
Government advice not to travel abroad is just that: advice, not mandatory.

Pollycat

Before anyone plans or books a trip to an amber country, they might like to read this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6276566/on-your-own-head-be-it-amber-list-country-trip#latest

JamoLew

jimi_man said:

Hi. Spain and Greece are Amber countries so there are currently no restrictions on you going there. As they are amber then you’ll have to isolate on your return (which can be shortened by an extra test) but other than that you are free to go there and won’t be stopped or questioned by border control. 

Obviously if they change to red while you are there then that may present an issue as you’ll have to quarantine. Also your insurance (if you have it) may not cover you. 

Go, and enjoy your holiday. 

Always wise to not only check exit requirements/restrictions but also entry requirements/restrictions

Just because the UK will let you out with no testing etc doesn't necessarily mean you will be allowed into the destination country

The traffic light system is only  useful to indicate action when coming INTO the UK

jimi_man

JamoLew said:

jimi_man said:

Hi. Spain and Greece are Amber countries so there are currently no restrictions on you going there. As they are amber then you’ll have to isolate on your return (which can be shortened by an extra test) but other than that you are free to go there and won’t be stopped or questioned by border control. 

Obviously if they change to red while you are there then that may present an issue as you’ll have to quarantine. Also your insurance (if you have it) may not cover you. 

Go, and enjoy your holiday. 

Always wise to not only check exit requirements/restrictions but also entry requirements/restrictions

Just because the UK will let you out with no testing etc doesn't necessarily mean you will be allowed into the destination country

The traffic light system is only  useful to indicate action when coming INTO the UK

No that’s a fair point. I can’t speak for Spain but Greece will welcome you if you’ve had both jabs at least 14 days before. Failing that you’ll need to do tests and stuff. 

Also if you go to some of the islands (Kos, Corfu, Zante etc) then there is no Foreign Office advice against travel, so your insurance should be ok. 

meishka

For Spain from Ryanairs website

From 24th May, travellers from UK can freely enter Spain for non-essential purposes and stay in Spain without a visa for a maximum period of 90 days within 6 months. Travelers Will NOT need to present negative COVID-19 test certificate, as long as they have remained in the UK in the last 14 days. It is mandatory for all residents in the UK travelling to Spain (including children of all ages) to fill in a Health Control Form (FCS)

sheramber

You need to read the rest of the information as some tourist accommodation require proof of negative test

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

meishka

Yes sorry, should have said that was from Ryanairs website. Although gov.uk mentions that about Tourist accommodation I don't think its actually happening, best to check with whoever you are staying with for that