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What are European Holiday Destinations Like After Lockdown?

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Are you thinking of planning a trip to somewhere on the Green list in Europe, but not sure what to expect?

Get the low down of what to expect upon arrival and once there plus useful information before you go to:

  • Greece
  • Lanzarote
  • Mallorca
  • Menorca
  • Spain
  • Tenerife

General Airport Information for the UK

  • The children’s play areas are closed.
  • Many airlines no longer allow you to carry hand luggage in the cabin, except for a personal bag that fits under your seat.
  • If you are arriving into the UK you must complete a Government form up to 48 hours before arrival. Please download the completed form to your phone or print it, as you may be required to show it at Border Control. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also has the latest guidance for people travelling overseas. 

Individual UK airports Information:

Southend:

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • All food and beverage temporarily closed.

Luton

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • Luton Airport is conducting some limited passenger temperature screening trials. The trials are designed to test equipment and potential procedures. Participation is voluntary and no personal data is recorded or stored.
  • Face masks are available to purchase from WHSmith and Boots and from vending machines throughout the terminal.

Before security
WHSmith
Pret

After security
WHSmith
Boots
Pret
Starbucks
Fattorie Girofalo
Krispy Kreme
JD Sports
Chanel
Next
Aelia Duty Free
Aelia Click and Collect
Kurt Geiger
The Book Shop by WHSmith

Stansted:

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • They are trialling the use of temperature screening technology which you will see on the entry to security.
  • Quite a few shops open: Boots, WHSmith, Cabin, Leon and also World Duty Free.

Heathrow

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • Expect a temperature screening trial as part of their push for a common international standard at airports.
  • Heathrow is now trialling temperature checks in Terminal 2 and Terminal 5’s immigration halls, the main entrance to departures within Terminal 2 as well as Zone H in Terminal 5’s departures area. 
  • Shops and restaurants are opening. Check the airport site for latest details.

Gatwick

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • Currently, Boots (pharmacy) is open in South and North Terminal. World Duty Free, WHSmith, Dixons, Mulberrry and Starbucks are now open in the North Terminal departure lounge. 
  • The sensory room is also closed.

Manchester:

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • Manchester Airport is trialling the use of temperature screening technology which you will see on the entry to security.
  • Most things open

Birmingham:

  • It is not compulsory for children under 11 to wear a face covering. They should not be worn by  children under the age of three or by those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. 
  • Thermal imaging is currently being trialled with cameras carrying out temperature checks at our terminal entrance.
  • The self-service check in desks are in operation and are part of our enhanced cleaning regime. However, as with all surfaces we strongly advise you to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before and after using them.
  • Water fountains are working
  • The following places are open:
  • Boots
  • Next from 0600-1900 everyday
  • WHSmith Departure Lounge North from 0600-1800 hours everyday
  • World Duty Free from 0500-1900 everyday
  • Burger King from 1200 – 2000 everyday
  • M&S Food to Go from 0500 – 1300 everyday
  • Factory Bar & Kitchen from 0600 – 1400 everyday 
  • Accessorize
  • Wetherspoons from 0400 everyday
  • JD Sports will open on the 17th July
  • Costa Airside will open on the 23rd July

Glasgow

  • Opening times vary. World Duty Free – main store after security
  • Contactless payment only
  • Boots – after security
  • Krispy Kreme – after security –
  • WH Smiths main store after security –
  • Starbucks – after security –

Cardiff

All shops at the Airport are currently closed until further notice. Vending machines are available throughout the terminal to purchase drinks, snacks and items of PPE such as sanitizer and face masks.

On the flight:

Don’t expect hot drinks on the flight and expect to pay by card only.

face mask rules on holiday at the beach

Find out what the current rules are for mask wearing and arrival procedures.

Greece

Mask wearing: It is mandatory to wear facemasks on public transport (including flights and ferries), at airports, in taxis, in all medical facilities and in lifts. The use of facemasks is strongly recommended in other closed spaces. Travel in a private car or a taxi is limited to a maximum of 2 adult passengers per vehicle, in addition to the driver. Any children in the vehicle do not count towards this limit. When travelling in a taxi, all passengers must wear facemasks.

Before you travel: If you travel to Greece, you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before travel. Failure to do so in advance may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel, a 500 Euro fine on arrival or the Greek authorities not allowing you to enter the country

All travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form (PLF) until the day before entering the country, providing detailed information on their point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries, and the address of their stay while in Greece. In case of multiple stays, they are required to provide the address for the first 24 hours at least.

  • Travelers will receive a confirmation email upon submission of the PLF.
  • Travelers will receive the PLF with their unique Quick Response (QR) code on the day of their scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight) and will be notified via email (the QR code will be provided in a link in the confirmation email).
  • Travelers boarding or embarking on the previous day of the arrival will be allowed to do so upon showing the confirmation email, since they will receive their QR code during their flight or voyage.
  • The PLF can also be found on the Visit Greece app and at travel.gov.gr.
  • It is strongly recommended that all visitors download the Visit Greece app (GDPR compliant) for free, prior their arrival in Greece.

Arrival:

You may be required to take a test for coronavirus (COVID-19) and undergo a period of self-isolation. the Greek authorities will contact you to provide your test results and give further instructions (e.g. whether you are free to leave your accommodation, or must self-isolate for a longer period)

If your test result is negative, you will no longer need to self-isolate

Expect your temperature to be taken on arrival. The random Covid-19 sampling tests are via a throat swab. If you are selected you must social distance for 24 hours until your results are through. Approximately 20 people from two flights are selected)

Your QR code gets looked at passport control

Face masks to be worn in public and maintain social distancing at all times. Tourists and locals are currently being very diligent with this.

No self serve at restaurants, food served for you.

Beaches sun-loungers are spaced for distance and they have sanitizer patrols on the beach cleaning them as soon as someone leaves the area ready for the next people.

Expect limited numbers allowed in shops at one time. No queues reported yet.

Spain

Mask wearing: In general, the use of face masks is obligatory to anyone over the age of 6 years old in all public spaces in Spain, where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres. While not mandatory, the use of face masks on children between 3 and 5 years of age is recommended.

Before you travel:

Spain Health Form Information.

This Passenger Locator Form is for all of Spain. Then you also need to fill another form on return back to the UK. If you prefer the app – Spanish Travel Health Card, search SPTH on play store and it will bring it up. You can’t complete the full form until 48hrs before you leave so best to do in the last 2 days.

You fill both forms online, 48 hours before travel and you will sent a QR code the day before your flight. Some have received these quite late (22:00) before their flight the next day. The app is very quick to use which saves the QR code on the app. Your airline will also send you this information.

Arrival:

Travellers will have to pass a triple health check when they arrive in Spain, which include filling out a health document, a temperature control test and a visual inspection. The temperature check has been reported as being very quick.

All passengers must complete a questionnaire which is collected by the Health Technicians who also take the temperature of all tourists. If the result is less than 37.5 degrees, they can continue on their way, but if they have a fever they will be checked by a nurse at the arrival point.

Mallorca

Mask wearing: In general, the use of face masks is obligatory to anyone over the age of 6 years old in all public spaces in Spain, where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres. While not mandatory, the use of face masks on children between 3 and 5 years of age is recommended.

Before you travel:

Spain Health Form Information.

This Passenger Locator Form is for all of Spain. Then you also need to fill another form on return back to the UK. If you prefer the app – Spanish Travel Health Card, search SPTH on play store and it will bring it up. You can’t complete the full form until 48hrs before you leave so best to do in the last 2 days.

You fill both forms online, 48 hours before travel and you will sent a QR code the day before your flight. Some have received these quite late (22:00) before their flight the next day. The app is very quick to use which saves the QR code on the app. Your airline will also send you this information.

Arrival:

Travellers will have to pass a triple health check when they arrive in Spain, which include filling out a health document, a temperature control test and a visual inspection. The temperature check has been reported as being very quick.

All passengers must complete a questionnaire which is collected by the Health Technicians who also take the temperature of all tourists. If the result is less than 37.5 degrees, they can continue on their way, but if they have a fever they will be checked by a nurse at the arrival point.

Out in Majorca

People all wearing masks including at the supermarkets. Lidl has been busier than Eroski. There is no need to wear a mask walking towards the town IF you can socially distance (1.5m) but people did once in the smaller streets. You may remove masks once you are at your restaurant or bar table.

The majority of shops and restaurants are open around Pollensa Old Town

Out for a wander last night around Pollensa old town and maybe 85% of shops and restaurants are open, a nice surprise. No need to wear a mask walking towards the town if you can socially distance but people did once in the smaller streets. Again taken off once you are at your restaurant or bar table.

Menorca

Mask wearing: In general, the use of face masks is obligatory to anyone over the age of 6 years old in all public spaces in Spain, where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres. While not mandatory, the use of face masks on children between 3 and 5 years of age is recommended.

Before you travel:

Spain Health Form Information.

This Passenger Locator Form is for all of Spain. Then you also need to fill another form on return back to the UK. If you prefer the app – Spanish Travel Health Card, search SPTH on play store and it will bring it up. You can’t complete the full form until 48hrs before you leave so best to do in the last 2 days.

You fill both forms online, 48 hours before travel and you will sent a QR code the day before your flight. Some have received these quite late (22:00) before their flight the next day. The app is very quick to use which saves the QR code on the app. Your airline will also send you this information.

Arrival:

Travellers will have to pass a triple health check when they arrive in Spain, which include filling out a health document, a temperature control test and a visual inspection. The temperature check has been reported as being very quick.

All passengers must complete a questionnaire which is collected by the Health Technicians who also take the temperature of all tourists. If the result is less than 37.5 degrees, they can continue on their way, but if they have a fever they will be checked by a nurse at the arrival point.

  • Social distancing of 1.5-metres.
  • There is an obligatory use of face masks in public spaces.
  • track and trace – all shops, businesses and transport companies are obliged to keep passengers’ contact information (where provided) for up to 4 weeks for tracking and tracing purposes.
  • abiding by any safety measures put in place by establishments such as hotels, bars, shops and restaurants to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
  • capacity restrictions in place at beaches such as the delineation of plots and the use of booking systems. You should refer to local authorities for information on the measures in place.
  • if visitors test positive or develop symptoms during their stay in Spain, they may be moved to specific designated accommodation to prevent further spread.
  • wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and use hand sanitizer gel where soap and water is not available.

No need to wear a mask when by the pool or sitting at your table.

Lanzarote:

Mask wearing: In general, the use of face masks is obligatory to anyone over the age of 6 years old in all public spaces in Spain, where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres. While not mandatory, the use of face masks on children between 3 and 5 years of age is recommended.

Before you travel:

Spain Health Form Information.

This Passenger Locator Form is for all of Spain. Then you also need to fill another form on return back to the UK. If you prefer the app – Spanish Travel Health Card, search SPTH on play store and it will bring it up. You can’t complete the full form until 48hrs before you leave so best to do in the last 2 days.

You fill both forms online, 48 hours before travel and you will sent a QR code the day before your flight. Some have received these quite late (22:00) before their flight the next day. The app is very quick to use which saves the QR code on the app. Your airline will also send you this information.

Arrival:

Travellers will have to pass a triple health check when they arrive in Spain, which include filling out a health document, a temperature control test and a visual inspection. The temperature check has been reported as being very quick.

All passengers must complete a questionnaire which is collected by the Health Technicians who also take the temperature of all tourists. If the result is less than 37.5 degrees, they can continue on their way, but if they have a fever they will be checked by a nurse at the arrival point.

  • Social distancing is set at 1.5 metres.
  • The use of a mask is obligatory for adults and children over 6 years old, whenever it is not possible to maintain social distancing, except when doing sports, eating and/or in case of disability or respiratory illness.

At hotels:

  • In the dining areas, hydroalcoholic hand sanitising gels are installed at the entrance, tables are separated by 1.5 metres and are cleaned and disinfected between clients, and the elements of shared use, such as napkin or toothpick dispensers, have been eliminated.
  • The buffet bars must be separated from the clients by a protective screen, and must offer previously prepared or fresh products in individual and single-serving dishes protected from the environment.
  • Swimming pools may have limited capacity, depending on the sunbeds available, respecting the social distancing measures for the family unit.
  • They must be disinfected daily.

Playa Blanca is quite busy and everyone is adhering to the rules with masks. You currently only need to wear masks if you cannot socially distance from other people, and when entering shops & restaurants but you can take them off once sitting down to order your food.

Expect to sanitise hands with antibac gel upon entering restaurants.

Playa Blanca itself is fairly busy, with people obeying the rules.

Tenerife 

Mask wearing: In general, the use of face masks is obligatory to anyone over the age of 6 years old in all public spaces in Spain, where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres. While not mandatory, the use of face masks on children between 3 and 5 years of age is recommended.

Before you travel:

Spain Health Form Information.

This Passenger Locator Form is for all of Spain. Then you also need to fill another form on return back to the UK.

You fill both forms online, up to 48 hours before travel ad you will sent a QR code the day before your flight. Some have received these quite late (22:00) before their flight the next day. The app is very quick to use which saves the QR code on the app. Your airline will also send you this information.

Arrival:

Travellers will have to pass a triple health check when they arrive in Spain, which include filling out a health document, a temperature control test and a visual inspection. The temperature check has been reported as being very quick. Also the temp check is thermal and not physical so if you are stopped it is genuinely random,

All passengers must complete a questionnaire which is collected by the Health Technicians who also take the temperature of all tourists. If the result is less than 37.5 degrees, they can continue on their way, but if they have a fever they will be checked by a nurse at the arrival point.

  • Face masks to be worn everywhere apart from when sat down in a restaurant and by the pool on your lounger. You must wear them when walking to the toilet.

Los Cristianos is the busiest part of the island with more shops and restaurants opening daily.

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