ENTRY requirements for some European destinations, including Portugal and France, have been relaxed in a boost for Islanders who are seeking to travel over half-term.
Pre-travel testing is no longer required for mainland Portugal and Madeira, as long as arriving passengers can show a valid digital certificate demonstrating they have received two doses of a Covid vaccination.
Travellers to Madeira, with the exception of under-12s, are required to register via the ‘Madeira Safe’ website.
Pre-travel tests remain a requirement for entry to France, in addition to full vaccination. However, these tests can now be carried out within 48 hours of departure, twice as long as the previous limit.
The French definition of ‘fully-vaccinated’ has recently changed to require that those who are double-jabbed must have received their second dose within nine months. If the second dose was more than nine months ago, a booster is required.
For entry to France, children aged 12 to 17 are treated in the same way as adults, if they are accompanied by an adult, while there are no vaccination or testing requirements for under-12s.
After entry to France, there are requirements for admission to individual venues such as restaurants and cafés, with travellers recommended to utilise the ‘TousAntiCovid’ app.
Entry conditions to other European destinations are as follows:
- Spain – Full vaccination (booster required after 270 days) required for all travellers aged 12 and over.
- Italy – Full vaccination (first two doses) and negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival. Children aged 17 exempt from vaccination requirement if travelling with a fully-vaccinated parent. Children aged six and under exempt from testing and vaccination requirements.
- Ireland – Full vaccination (booster required after 270 days), proof of recovery or PCR taken 72 hours before arrival required for all those aged 12 and above.
One Jersey operator, CI Travel Group, will start seasonal direct flights to Majorca this weekend.
Managing director Robert Mackenzie said: ‘There are requirements which vary from country to country, and are also liable to change – it’s very important for people to check the rules before they travel.’
Jersey’s Safer Travel Policy was suspended this week, meaning there are no restrictions for those returning after trips away.
The Island’s half-term holiday starts on Friday 18 February.
Islanders who are not fully-vaccinated and are returning to Jersey from an international destination via England are required to take a supervised PCR or lateral-flow test during the two days prior to their day of departure, and to complete a UK passenger locator form.
A further test is not required on arrival in England.
