It’s been a good few weeks for travel! Just in case you missed anything, we’ve summarised the best bits of travel news below.
Travel restrictions removed for UK arrivals
From 18 March, UK holidaymakers can finally wave adios to travel restrictions – fully jabbed or not.
For the first time since the pandemic started, all travellers will be able to arrive in the UK free of Covid testing. There’s also no need to complete that lengthy passenger locator form!
While restrictions have eased at home, rules are still in place for many other countries. Before travelling, take the time to familiarise yourself with the rules for entering and leaving your destination by visiting the FCDO travel advice website.
Spain introduces recovery certificate
Spain is now open to unvaccinated British adults who have tested positive for Covid in the past 6 months. Previously, the country only welcomed tourists who were fully vaccinated.
To visit Spain unvaccinated, you’ll need a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your Covid status. If you have received a positive NHS PCR test in the past 180 days, you’ll be able to use your digital NHS COVID Pass to gain entry to the country.
For other ways to get a recovery certificate for Spain, visit the FCDO website.
Mask-wearing dropped on some UK airlines
Following the easing of Covid rules in the UK, some airlines have removed the need to wear a face mask during their flights.
Jet2 airlines were the first to drop the face mask requirement for flights taking off from England and Northern Ireland, the two nations where there’s no legal requirement to wear face masks. TUI changed their rules for passengers a week later, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also following suit.
If you’re aged 12 or over, and flying from Scotland or Wales, you’ll still need to wear a face mask during your flight unless you’re exempt for medical reasons.
Finland named World’s happiest country
For the fifth year in a row, Finland has won the accolade of the happiest country in the world!
The world happiness report ranks countries based upon people’s own assessment of their happiness, alongside economic and social data.
Northern Europe fared well, with Denmark taking second, closely followed by Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The UK came in at number 17, just behind Canada and the US.
Finland is magical in winter, here’s 10 things to do in Finland in the winter.
