The list of countries that Britons can travel to without having to quarantine for 14 days on return is sadly diminishing week by week.
The latest to go is the Portuguese mainland. As of 12 September, England and Northern Ireland followed Scotland and Wales in removing the country from the travel corridors list.
Other removals included Hungary, Réunion and French Polynesia.
France, Malta and the Netherlands were removed from the exemption list in the middle of August, alongside Monaco, Switzerland, Turks & Caicos and Aruba.
They joined Andorra, Belgium and the Bahamas, as well as Spain, Serbia and Luxembourg.
All of these destinations were previously given the green light for travel, but have been removed after reporting spikes in coronavirus cases.
To confuse things further, holidaymakers have to check two different government lists: the Department for Transport’s travel corridors list (so you don’t have to quarantine on return) and the FCO’s exemption list (it is currently advising against all travel to countries not on the list, which could affect your travel insurance).
While the lists are not the same, there is a significant overlap of countries and the lists are moving closer.
For those looking to travel to one of the places where both elements of the “double lock” have been scrapped, there is another hurdle to overcome before holidays are possible: the country in question has to have also lifted restrictions, allowing Brits to enter freely without quarantining on arrival.
For example, New Zealand was included on both lists – but is still all but closed to international arrivals.
And then there’s the hurdle of getting a Covid certificate before you travel.
With all that in mind, here’s where you can legitimately travel to at present. (As well as being on the government’s exempt lists, all the countries highlighted below currently have no automatic quarantine on arrival for British nationals and don’t require a health certificate proving travellers are Covid-free.)
This list will be updated weekly.
Denmark
Known for its cosiness that sparked a global movement (thanks hygge), superior Scandi design aesthetic and being one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark offers some top city break locations. Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg – take your pick.
What are the rules?
The Danish authorities have issued recommendations for travellers using public transport, including avoiding travelling during rush hour. You must wear a face mask on public transport, including taxis and ferries. Ferry companies have reduced capacity so passengers can maintain social distancing, and train travellers need to buy a seat ticket for travel on intercity trains for capacity reasons.
No more than 50 people are allowed to gather either outside or inside (apart from on public transport and in supermarkets, airports and work places).
Local restrictions are now in place for Greater Copenhagen and Odense. The number of people that can gather has reduced from 100 to 50, up until at least 22 September.
What’s open?
Restaurants, shops and cafes were able to reopen from early May.
Denmark’s museums, art galleries, tour providers and more have to comply with the government’s regulations on hygiene and safety to limit the spread of coronavirus and to make it possible to visit with confidence.
This means buying an entry ticket in advance online, and scanning it via your mobile phone on entry, reducing capacity so social distancing is possible, offering hand sanitiser to visitors and conducting extra cleaning.
Hotels are open and nightclubs remain closed.
How do I get there?
Norwegian, SAS, Ryanair and British Airways all offer direct flights to Copenhagen.
Germany
Held up as the golden child of western Europe, Germany managed to implement a comprehensive track and trace programme early on which saw its coronavirus death toll stay comparatively low.
Travellers from the UK can visit with no need to quarantine on arrival.
What are the rules?
Wearing a face masks is required in certain public areas in all of Germany’s 16 states. The rules vary from state to state – check here for further information.
Just one household can meet another household outside according to current rules.
What’s open?
Shops are open with social distancing measures in place. The re-opening of restaurants, hotels, theatres, cinemas, bars, trade fairs and other facilities will differ from region to region, reflecting local conditions.
How can I get there?
A number of airlines are flying between the UK and Germany. British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair fly to Berlin; Eurowings and Ryanair have services to Cologne; and Lufthansa and BA operate between London and Munich.
Gibraltar
This British Overseas Territory on Spain’s south coast boasts the Rock of Gibraltar (a 426m-high limestone ridge) and the remains of a 14th-century Moorish Castle. And, hopefully, better weather than the UK…
What are the rules?
On 28 August, the government of Gibraltar announced that it is a legal requirement to wear masks in all enclosed indoor spaces which are open to the public – this includes retail shops, takeaways and hair and beauty salons, as well as on public transport. Bars, cafes and restaurants are not included in the restrictions. Those failing to wear a mask are subject to a fixed penalty notice of £100.
The government of Gibraltar also recommends that people do not socialise outside of their family or established social bubbles.
What’s open?
Shops, beaches, museums, restaurants, cafes and bars are all allowed to open, albeit with reduced capacity and social distancing measures.
Since 21 August, bars and restaurants in Gibraltar have reduced their opening hours. Last orders are at 12:30am, and the premises must shut by 1am. Additionally, the drinking of alcohol in unlicensed public places after 11pm is now prohibited, and those who do so can be subject to a fixed penalty notice of £100.
How can I get there?
British Airways and easyJet are both offering direct flights from the UK to Gibraltar, with a flight time of around three hours.
Greece
The popular holiday spot was closed to the UK until 15 July. Since then, flights have been able to resume and Brits can enter without mandatory quarantine.
However, there are some hoops to jump through. Travellers must complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before their arrival in Greece. They will then be issued with a QR code that they must show upon arrival.
Some visitors may be directed to take a health screening, including a coronavirus test, after which they must self-isolate until they receive their results – usually within 24 hours. Those who test negative may continue their holiday as planned, while those who test positive must self-isolate for 14 days, either in their accommodation or, if instructed, in a government-mandated facility (paid for by the Greek authorities).
As of 9 September, those returning from the Greek islands of Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos (also known as Zante) will have to self-isolate for two weeks.
The FCDO (formerly FCO) is already advising against travel to these islands.
Travellers returning to England and Northern Ireland are required to self-isolate for 14 days when returning from the islands of Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos.
Scottish holidaymakers are also required to quarantine for 14 days upon returning from anywhere in Greece, including its islands. The new ruling was introduced on 3 September after ministers said there had been a “significant rise” in cases of Covid-19 being brought into Scotland from people who had been to Greece.
Deputy first minister said the move was “proportionate” and designed to “give us as much protection as possible here domestically to avoid a rise in cases and that’s what we’re trying to avoid at all possible costs”.
Travellers returning to Wales from the islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos (Zante), Lesvos, Paros and Antiparos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Crete are now also required to self-isolate for a fortnight upon their return.
At present, travellers returning to England from the Greek mainland are not subject to quarantine regulations, although if infection rates rise this may change.
What are the rules?
Face masks are obligatory in public indoor spaces, including medical facilities, lifts, staircases and any enclosed venue providing goods or services (including supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, cafes, banks, government and utility providers’ offices, retail shops, barber shops, hairdressers and beauty parlours and places of worship).
You must wear a face mask at all times when on an aeroplane or ferry travelling to or from Greece; and while at airports.
It’s mandatory to wear face masks on public transport (including ferries), in taxis, in all medical facilities and in lifts. The use of face masks is strongly recommended in other enclosed spaces too.
Travel in a private car or a taxi is limited to a maximum of two adult passengers per vehicle, in addition to the driver. Any children in the vehicle do not count towards this limit.
There is a nationwide limit of 50 people as the number that can gather for public and social events, except those to which special rules apply, such as restaurants, theatres, cinemas.
There are also a number of local restrictions and measures in place. Check the FCDO website here for more information.
What’s open?
Restaurants, fast-food joints, bars, internet cafes, shops and open-air nightclubs have been open since 6 June.
As of 15 June, museums, historic buildings and areas, theme parks, gyms, saunas, spas and thermal springs have also been able to open to visitors, albeit with new rules in place, such as limiting the number of customers per square metre.
Archaeological sites are now operating on extended summer hours (8am-8pm) and visitor numbers per hour are capped to avoid overcrowding.
Hotels and Airbnbs are also open.
Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues will remain closed from midnight to 7am in the following areas: Attica (which includes Athens, and the islands of Angistri, Aegina, Hydra, Kythira, Poros, Salamis, and Spetses), Crete; East Macedonia; Thrace; Thessaloniki; Halkidiki; Larissa; Corfu; Mykonos; Paros; Antiparos; Santorini; Zante/Zakynthos; Kos; Volos; Katerini. This list of areas may be expanded.
How can I get there?
EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, Aegean and British Airways are all offering flights to various Greek destinations.
Italy
While it may have started out as the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe, Italy then managed to admirably flatten the curve and open up to visitors again. However, cases started to rise again from mid-August, particularly on the island of Sardinia.
Brits have been allowed back in since 3 June, provided they haven’t travelled outside the Schengen area in the previous two weeks.
What are the rules?
Social distancing of one metre must be observed.
The use of face masks remains mandatory in enclosed public spaces. From 16 August, masks must also be worn in all outdoor spaces between the hours of 6pm and 6am. You should pay close attention to signage and carry a mask with you at all times.
It’s currently compulsory to wear a mask in enclosed spaces including public transport or anywhere where it may not be possible to exercise social distancing.
What’s open?
Concert halls, theatres, cinemas, cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants, ice-cream shops, patisseries and other eateries are now permitted to open with certain restrictions on the number of patrons and subject to social distancing.
Parks and beach resorts can also open, as can most shops and hotels – again, with social distancing measures in place.
Note that many restaurants, beach facilities and other venues are asking patrons to provide their name and contact details before using their services.
Museums and archeological sites have been given permission to open. Entry must be pre-booked online.
As of 16 August, dance activity has been suspended in enclosed nightclubs and open air venues.
Regional authorities in Italy are empowered to adjust these measures in keeping with local requirements; regional differences may therefore apply in addition to the restrictions listed above.
How can I get there?
Train companies have reduced domestic services and international travel is limited. Some cross-border bus companies are also cancelling their services.
British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Alitalia and Iberia are all flying direct to multiple destinations across the country.
Liechtenstein
This tiny principality (just 25km long) sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland may be small, but offers up pretty Alpine villages, mountains, idyllic hiking trails and medieval castles.
What are the rules?
Social distancing of at least 1.5 metres must be maintained with others at all times.
Wearing a face mask is compulsory when travelling on public transport and failure to do so is punishable by a fine (though children under the age of 12 are exempt).
What’s open?
Shops, markets, restaurants, cultural institutions, mountain railways, campsites and tourist facilities, all entertainment and leisure facilities (such as cinemas, concert venues, theatres, casinos and gambling halls) can reopen, as can indoor and outdoor swimming pools plus wellness facilities. Groups of more than four people can now sit at a table in restaurants and bars, and even events of up to 1,000 people are permitted.
How do I get there?
Liechtenstein’s nearest airport is Zurich. Swiss, easyJet and British Airways all currently fly there from the UK. But if you fly via Switzerland, you’ll be subject to quarantine on return.
Poland
This sprawling country in Central Europe has plenty to explore, from city breaks in capital Warsaw and charming Krakow to its 23 national parks.
Since 27 August, the city of Krakow has been placed under stricter sanitary rules due to an increase in Covid cases.
The situation in Krakow will be monitored by Polish authorities and could change at short notice.
What are the rules?
Masks are no longer compulsory in open public spaces if you are able to maintain 1.5 metre distance from others. Children under four are not required to wear masks. When outside, you should keep a 1.5 metre distance from others, unless you are a parent with a child under 13 or the carer of a disabled person.
You must wear a mask at all times in enclosed spaces, on public transport, in taxis or in an open space where you are unable to maintain a 1.5 metre distance. Police and sanitary inspectors are entitled to issue you with an on-the-spot fine (approximately PLN500/£100) if you are found to be not wearing a mask when you should. Further prosecution could result in a fine of up to PLN 30,000 (£6,000) for failing to follow sanitary rules.
What’s open?
National Forests, parks and beaches are open, as are shops, restaurants and pubs. Most museums, libraries and cultural venues are open, plus cinemas, theatres and concert halls (with capacity limited to 50 per cent).
There are no limits on customer numbers in shops but you must wear a mask and use the hand sanitiser provided for customers.
Swimming pools, gyms, indoor play centres and theme parks, saunas, and massage salons are all open.
Public transport is operating with reduced capacity seating to maintain appropriate distance between passengers. You can still use taxis.
How do I get there?
British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Lot are flying direct to multiple destinations across the country.
San Marino
In April, this mountainous microstate in Italy of just 34,000 people was the world’s worst-affected country in terms of Covid-19-related deaths per capita. An aggressive testing policy of the entire population was rolled out and the curve has since flattened, however.
What are the rules?
It is currently unclear whether masks are mandatory or not; wearing one in any enclosed spaces and on public transport is probably the safest bet. FCDO guidance states that “all visitors must comply with social distancing and sanitisation regulations”.
What’s open?
Restaurants, cafes and bars in San Marino are open, as are museums and other places of culture, social centres and leisure centres.
How do I get there?
San Marino is not the easiest place to reach, with no public airport or rail network. Visitors can fly direct with Ryanair to Rimini in Italy, which is situated 12km from the San Marino border, before catching a bus or hiring a car to reach their destination. Alternatively, Ryanair flies direct to Bologna, 128km from San Marino.
Slovakia
Slovakia joined the list of travel corridors in July, meaning travellers returning from there will no longer have to quarantine. It is also on the FCO’s list of countries exempt from its blanket warning against non-essential travel.
You may enter Slovakia without restrictions if you have spent all of the previous 14 days in a country listed on the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. As of 20 July, this includes the UK.
What are the rules?
Wearing face masks outside is no longer required but it remains compulsory in most indoor situations (such as on public transport, and in shops, cinemas and theatres).
According to the FCDO, large events may now take place “if they maintain social distancing and hygiene”.
What’s open?
Most shops, restaurants, services, nightclubs, schools and tourism and leisure facilities have reopened, but with social distancing and hygiene measures in place.
How do I get there?
Flights to and from the UK resumed on 20 July. While The Independent found direct flights from London to Bratislava, Poprad and Košice with Wizz Air and Ryanair, most return flights required a stopover in Dublin or Split, Croatia – the latter currently requires a quarantine.
Slovenia
Slovenia joined the list of travel corridors at the end of July, meaning travellers returning from there will no longer have to quarantine. It is also on the FCO’s list of countries exempt from its blanket warning against non-essential travel.
Despite the Slovenian government’s announcement that the coronavirus epidemic in Slovenia is “over”, cases have spiked in recent weeks.
There is no mandatory quarantine for Brits on arrival. However, health checks are conducted at all border entry points. If you display signs of coronavirus infections you will be refused entry, unless you hold a permanent residence permit for Slovenia.
What are the rules?
The government has largely eased measures that were put in place to restrict the spread of the virus. The requirement to follow social distancing measures remains in place.
What’s open?
Most services have been permitted to reopen where social distancing can be maintained, including shops, restaurants and bars. Nightclubs remain closed.
How do I get there?
There are a very limited number of direct flights to Slovenia with easyJet.
Lufthansa, Lot and Air France are all offering flights from London to Ljubljana with a stop in Frankfurt, Warsaw and Paris respectively.
Sweden
The UK government suspended quarantine measures for all British travellers returning from the country on 12 September and the country was reinstated to the UK’s “safe” list.
What are the rules?
There is no requirement to wear a face mask in public, although the Public Health Agency of Sweden asks people to maintain physical distance from others and asks those feeling unwell to stay at home.
Public gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, as well as visits to elderly care homes. People aged 70 and over are also advised to stay close to home to minimise contact with other people as much as possible.
What’s open?
Accommodation remains open throughout Sweden, with enhanced cleaning procedures in place. Stockholm’s Grand Hotel is opening for bookings, as is the country’s famous Ice Hotel.
Most shops, restaurants and stores are open, although some may operate with reduced hours and limitations on the number of customers allowed. Many museums are open, including Stockholm’s Fotografiska, ABBA The Museum and Gothenburg’s Museum of Art. Cinemas are open, with many remaining open at the height of the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
How do I get there?
There are a limited number of direct flights between the UK and Sweden – airlines have reduced the number of international flights to and from Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Carriers flying direct to the country include British Airways, Ryanair, Finnair and Scandinavian Airlines.
Turkey
Turkey has long been a favourite with British holidaymakers, thanks to its hot weather, sandy beaches bordering the Aegean sea, and fascinating history and architecture found in cities like former capital Istanbul.
What are the rules?
As of 8 September, the wearing of masks is mandatory at all times outside the home throughout Turkey. This includes, but is not limited to, all public places, including streets, side streets, parks, gardens, picnic areas, markets, sea side and public transportation including Metro, buses, taxis and ferries. Masks are also mandatory in all shops, restaurants, hairdressers and barber shops.
There will be strict inspections to ensure the measures are being carried out. Those who do not abide by this rule may be issued with a fine of 900 TL (approximately £106). Follow Turkish announcements and local media for up to date information.
There is currently a curfew in place for those with a chronic medical condition, plus adults over 65 years old must stay inside between 8pm and 10am.
What’s open?
Restaurants, bars, cafes and beaches all re-opened on 1 June, alongside museums and ancient sites.
How do I get there?
Direct, scheduled passenger flights between Turkey and the UK resumed on 11 June.
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Jet2, easyJet, Tui and Sun Express are all flying direct to a number of Turkish destinations.
You must wear a face mask at all times while in an airport, and for the duration of all flights, to and from Turkey.
Read more
Quarantine-free travel corridors: All the countries on the government’s list
Greece travel: Will country stay on England’s quarantine-free travel list and what rules are in place?
Sweden travel: Will country stay on UK’s quarantine-free travel list and what rules are in place?
