- the travel rules for Spain, Portugal, Malta, and other holiday hotspots
- here are some of the things you need to know about seven popular destinations – Malta, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, Italy, and Turkey
Holidaymakers still need to check the entry rules in the countries they wish to visit. Some of the things you need to know about seven popular destinations – Malta, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, Italy, and Turkey are published on BBC.
The Travel Rules and Holiday Hotspots
What are the rules in Portugal?
Face coverings must be worn in public, but aren’t required while sunbathing/swimming.
As of 14 July, Visit Portugal and the UK Foreign Office advise:
- Observe 2m (6ft) social distancing
- Shops, restaurants, and cafes are open – but some areas including Lisbon and Albufeira (Algarve) have reduced hours
- Cultural facilities are at 50% capacity
- Nightclubs remain closed
- Alcohol can only be sold after 21:00 with a meal
- Taxis can only carry up to two passengers, and the front seat should not be used
- Beaches have one-way systems; sunshades and towels should be 3m (9ft) apart
- Check beach-occupancy levels and avoid “red” or “amber” beaches
- Golf courses are open
- Public transport is at two-thirds capacity
- Fines up to €100 (£86) if you breach regulations
What are the rules in Malta?
Face coverings are still compulsory in public places for those aged three and over. Two people together, who have proof of vaccination, can remove masks in outside public spaces. On the beach, face coverings are recommended but not mandatory.
Two-metre (6ft) social distancing is encouraged.
- Restaurants and cafes are open (six per table)
- Gatherings in public spaces are limited to six people or one household
- Nightclubs are closed
What are the rules in Spain?
A nationwide state of emergency has ended, but local rules remain.
These include overnight curfews and limits on meeting inside homes or in public. Beach rules vary by region.
Across Spain:
- Face coverings (for those aged six and over) should be worn in enclosed public spaces or crowded outdoor spaces
- The social distancing of 1.5m (5ft)
- Most shops, bars, and restaurants are open
- Museums and galleries have reduced capacity
The Foreign Office has specific healthcare guidance for UK nationals visiting Spain.
What are the rules in Greece?
National and local restrictions include:
- Face coverings in indoor public places or congested open spaces
- No more than three people in a taxi/private vehicle (unless in the same family)
Travel across mainland Greece and the islands of Lefkada, Evia, and Salamina is allowed. Travel to other Greek islands requires a negative test, proof of vaccination/recovery, or a signed self-test declaration.
Discover Greece says:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars are open, but only 10 people can sit together
- Shops have limited capacity
- Beaches are open, umbrellas at least 4m (12ft) apart, and two sunbeds per umbrella
- Museums and archaeological sites have reduced capacity
- Theatres and live events can operate
Tourist accommodation must have Covid action plans.
What are the rules in France?
Face coverings are no longer required in outdoor public spaces, with some exceptions including public gatherings, queues, markets, and stadiums.
But masks are still compulsory (for those aged 11 and over) in enclosed public spaces.
- There is no longer an overnight curfew
- Indoor hospitality has reopened (six per table)
- Retail, cultural, and sports venues are open with capacity restrictions and safety measures
- Tourist accommodation, including camping and caravan sites, can open
What are the rules in Italy?
Covid restrictions are determined by a color-coded regional system. All areas are currently classed as white (the lowest level).
As of 14 July, the UK Foreign Office and Italy’s official tourism website advise:
- Face coverings are no longer mandatory in outdoor public spaces, but everyone aged 6 and over should wear one if social distancing is not possible
- Face coverings remain mandatory in indoor public spaces
- The social distancing of 1m (3ft) in public places
- Shops, ice cream parlors, and pastry shops are open with capacity limits
- Bars/restaurants can open indoors and outdoors with table service
- No limit per table outside (limit of six people/two households inside)
- Public transport at 50% capacity
- Beaches/open-air swimming pools can open
- Beach umbrellas must have 10 sq m of free space
- Cinemas, theatres, and museums limited capacity
- Tourist accommodation is open, subject to safety guidelines
What are the rules in Turkey?
Nationwide curfews have now been removed.
Provinces are split into four tiers by Covid-19 risk from low to very high.
As of 14 July, the UK Foreign Office advises:
- Face coverings must be worn outside of private homes
- Smoking in public is banned
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Source: BBC