These are the COVID testing rules families need to know for Easter sunshine getaways

Families planning an Easter getaway abroad are being urged to check COVID testing rules as some of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations are still demanding pre-departure tests from 12 to 17 year olds who are not yet fully vaccinated. 

And with up to two-thirds of 12 to 17 year olds in England (around 2.4 million children) [1], still to have a second COVID jab, Cignpost ExpressTest is urging families to check their destination entry requirements as the rules for children vary wildly between popular holiday locations.

Greece has some of the most restrictive rules, with children aged 5 and over who are not fully vaccinated required to take a negative PCR test within 72 hours before their arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours before arriving. 

For ever-popular Spain and the Canary Islands, the only option for unvaccinated children aged 12 to 17 is a PCR test, which must be taken within 72 hours before their holiday starts. France also gives this age group the option of a lateral flow test, taken within 48 hours.

And for the US, all children over 2 must take a COVID test no more that one day before their arrival, with unvaccinated kids required to take a second test 3 to 5 days after arriving in the States.

Nick Markham, co-founder at COVID-testing specialist Cignpost ExpressTest says the rules could trip up families heading abroad: “As international travel reopens and lockdown restrictions are being lifted, countries are implementing their own entry requirements for arrivals.

“We’re particularly concerned about the rules around children, which can vary by age, vaccination status, tests required, and whether they’ve had COVID before. Our best advice is to check the rules for your destination carefully.”

Here’s a snapshot of the rules applying to children in popular Easter destinations:

Cape Verde

Over 11s who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before. Under 12s do not need to take a test. A Covid recovery certificate from the past 90 days can also be used.

Croatia

Over 11s who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours before. Proof of Covid recovery in the past 180 days is also accepted. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

Cyprus

All travellers aged 12 and over not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours before, followed by a PCR test at the arrival airport (€15-€19), with results expected within 3 hours. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

Egypt

Over 11s who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR or lateral flow test no more than 72 hours before arrival. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

France

Children aged 12 to 18 who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

Greece

Over 4s who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours before. Proof of Covid recovery in the past 6 months is also accepted. Under 5s do not need to take a test.

Italy

Children aged 6 and over who are not fully vaccinated must take a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 48 hours. Proof of recovery in the past 6 months is also allowed.

Portugal

Over 11s who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 24 hours before. Proof of recovery in the past 180 days is also allowed. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

Spain & The Canary Islands

Unvaccinated children aged 12 to 17 must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

Turkey

Over 11s who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before. Proof of recovery in the past 6 months is also valid. Under 12s do not need to take a test.

US

Children aged 17 and under do not need to be vaccinated, but those aged 2 to 17 must take a negative test no more than 1 day before travel. Unvaccinated children must take a second test 3 to 5 days after their arrival.