This week, holidaymakers received a piece of news that has been 252 days in the making. For the first time since May 17 2021, you can travel into the United Kingdom without taking a single swab.
There are caveats, of course. Full vaccination or youth is a prerequisite to dodge these tests, although things have also just become easier for unvaccinated travellers, who will only need to complete a day two lateral flow test on arrival back into the UK.
This means that, as of February 11, the notion of an entirely test-free holiday becomes a possibility for those under 18 or fully vaccinated adults. There are 38 countries allowing people from the UK to enter without a test, with holiday favourites of Spain, Turkey and Egypt among them, plus farther flung destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic. From a ski point of view, Switzerland is the only test-free option, and it is not too late to book.
As always, the fine print is everything. In many destinations, particularly across Europe, a Covid pass (activated either with full vaccination or a negative test) is required to enter indoor venues like pubs and restaurants. And rules farther afield can be slightly excessive, such as the requirement to wear two face masks on flights to Peru, or the rule to wear a mask plus a ‘face guard’ on public transport in Panama.
It’s worth remembering that rules can change at a moment’s notice, so be sure to keep up to speed with gov.uk advice while booking your holiday, and just before you travel.
Below we round up 17 wonderful destinations that are welcoming fully vaccinated Britons without a single test, and indeed a couple of destinations (such as Mexico and Costa Rica) where you can enter without proof of vaccination, either. From cruising the Nile to slaloming the slopes of Switzerland; from a visit to Machu Picchu to a beach break on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, here is your ultimate guide to booking a stress-free, test-free holiday in 2022.
Last-minute half term
Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted the UK’s eased travel restrictions will come into effect from Friday, February 11, just in time for the half-term break. While some of our favourite holiday destinations such as Spain, Turkey and Croatia feature among the 38 test-free destinations, to find sun in mid-February you will have to look further afield.
Egypt
You’ll need:
- Proof of full vaccination (aged six and over)
- If not fully vaccinated, a negative PCR test is accepted
- A paper health declaration (issued by airline or on arrival)
- For full information see gov.uk
With reliable sun (even, whisper it, in February) and no testing requirements for the fully vaccinated, Egypt is a fine option for a quick sun fix for the family, with direct flights to Hurghada taking 5 hrs 30 minutes. This year marks 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, so you can expect much fanfare around the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo later this year. The cinema release of Death on the Nile (February 11) will also likely prompt a spike of interest in river cruises, so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Book it:
- Exodus has a 13-day trip ‘Alexandria to Aswan’, taking in the bazaars of Cairo to the fascinating port city of Alexandria, plus a sleeper train to the Nubian city of Aswan. Departures in March, April, October and November. Prices from £2,349pp, including flights (020 313 12785; exodus.co.uk).
- Viking offers a 12-day Nile cruise taking in the Pyramids, led by Egyptologists, including flights and meals. Prices from £6,525 based on March 2022 departure (0800 319 66 60; viking.com).
- Jules Verne has availability on its February 26 departure of Pyramids & the Nile (eight nights from £2,345pp) and on their February 11 departure of ‘The 600-Mile Nile’ tour from £3,795pp (020 3553 3722; vjv.com).
