With Easter only a few weeks away, many people will be looking forward to making the most of the Bank Holiday weekend with a little getaway somewhere sunny. However, ahead of making any plans, it is always important to be up to date on the latest travel advice provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The government department offers necessary travel information for Brits including advice and warnings about entry requirements, safety and security, healthy risks, and legal differences. The website covers all countries and whilst the world is full of incredible destinations that UK travellers love, there are some close to home that will always be favourites. For anyone planning to head to Spain, France, Greece, Italy or Portugal any time soon, here are some key pieces of advice that has been provided by the Foreign Office.
Passport requirements:
The passport rules for all the countries are similar. Before heading to any of these destinations, your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country
- valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave
It is important that you check your passport meets the requirements ahead of travelling. If your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, then extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Visa requirements:
Brits can typically travel to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece without a visa, but need to be mindful of how long their stay is going to be. These countries are part of the Schengen area of the EU, which permits travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
The visa-free rule applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or short-term studies or training. All 29 European countries and four non-European countries in the area are listed on GOV.UK.
Vaccination requirements and medical care:
In the UK it is recommened that those travelling should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters.
They include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
When it comes to Spain, France, Greece, Italy or Portugal, there are no certificate requirements under the International Health Regulations.
UK holidaymakers should ensure they have appropriate travel health insurance. If visiting a European Union country, make sure to carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This will allow access to state-provided healthcare in some countries at a reduced cost.