Covid travel rules for families remain complex, with different requirements depending on a child’s age and vaccination status. In addition to the UK’s own rules on returning citizens, your desired holiday destination may require tests, vaccination, or, in some cases, quarantine for children.

However, two major changes are coming into force in time for the half-term break. Fully vaccinated holidaymakers and under-18s will no longer be required to take a Day 2 test on return to the UK. This rule change comes into effect at 4am on February 11 and will save around £120 for a family of four.

Children aged 12- to 15-years-old are also set to be given access to digital Covid passes in time for half term. At present they are excluded from using the pass system, curbing their ability to easily prove their vaccination status. Families can request a NHS Covid Pass letter, but this can take up to seven working days to arrive.

Here’s what you need to know if travelling with children following the latest rule changes. Follow the links below to see more detailed advice on ski holidays and key individual countries.

What are the rules for under-18s returning to England?

The rules are expected to change at 4am on February 11 after fully vaccinated travellers and under-18s will not require any tests for travel to the UK.

Before February 11, the rules are as follows:

Children aged 4 and under do not need to take any Covid tests for travel to England.

Those aged 5 to 17 must take a test on or before Day 2 after arriving in England (with their arrival day being Day 0). This can be a lateral flow or PCR test. 

Every adult returning to the UK must complete a passenger locator form (PLF) in the 48 hours before arrival. They can include under-18s who are travelling with them on the same form, if they are staying at the same address. They must be under 16 if to be included on an adult’s PLF, if travelling into Scotland.

Other travel rules can occasionally differ for return to the devolved nations. Scotland, for example, only requires children to take a Day 2 test if they are aged 11 or over. 

It is advisable to check their government websites and the UK’s government advice.

Here we break down the specific rules for England depending on a child’s age:

Aged 0–4

• Do not have to take any Covid-19 tests for travel to the UK.
• Can be included on the passenger locator form of an adult they are travelling with, if they are staying at the same address.

Aged 5-17

• Must take a Day 2 lateral flow or PCR test after their arrival in England. The test must be taken on or before day two – arrival day is day 0.
• Can be included on the passenger locator form of an adult they are travelling with, if they are staying at the same UK address (permitted for under-18s travelling to England, under-16s travelling to Scotland).

Travel rules can occasionally differ for return to the devolved nations. It is advisable to check their government websites and the UK’s government advice.

Do any countries not permit entry to unvaccinated under-18s, or require them to quarantine?

A handful of countries have strict entry rules for children who aren’t fully vaccinated. Among these are:

Malta

Children aged 12-18 need proof of full vaccination to avoid quarantine on arrival in Malta; they can enter with a negative PCR test but will be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Children aged five to 11 can enter Malta if accompanied by vaccinated parents or legal guardians, provided they show a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of travel. 

Canada

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children under 12 must travel with a vaccinated adult and complete pre-entry, arrival and Day 8 tests, unless they can provide proof of a recovery from Covid. They must also limit social contacts for 14 days on arrival. Children under 5 years of age are exempt from the above requirements. Children aged 12 to 17 who are not fully vaccinated are subject to 14 days of quarantine on arrival, as well as the pre-entry, arrival and Day 8 tests.

Other nations have similar rules in place: check the FCDO page of the country to which you plan to travel for the latest guidance.

What about rules on the ground when you’re on holiday?

Health passes or vaccine passes are in use in many countries across Europe. France, for example, currently requires people over the age of 12 to have proof of full vaccination, a negative test taken within the previous 24 hours or proof of recent recovery from Covid for entry to most venues, such as restaurants and tourist attractions. The French Government is set to confirm that children over 16 will need to be fully vaccinated to qualify for a pass.

Other countries where such passes are a factor include: Switzerland, Greece, Germany, Austria, Italy, Cyprus, among others. Always check the entry rules of the country you are travelling to before committing to booking.