Wishing you were there? Here’ s latest travel rules

After more than a year cooped up at home, many of us are dreaming of sunny beaches, mountain ranges and city breaks.

With the situation constantly changing, we’re updating you on travel advice for Scotland’s most popular holiday spots.

Most of these popular holiday destinations – unless otherwise advised – are on Scotland’s amber list, meaning travel there is not advised and you will have to self-isolate when returning to Scotland.

Spain

Spain tops the list and is the most popular holiday destination for Scots.

Mainland Spain is an amber country and those travelling there must be able to prove they are fully vaccinated or provide a negative PCR test upon arrival.

This also goes for those travelling to the Balearic Islands (including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera).

However, the Balearic Islands are on our green list, for now, meaning Scots in need of some sun can head there without having to self-isolate at home when they return.

Ireland

As a member of the common travel area, Ireland has a special status, meaning no travel restrictions are imposed on anyone returning to the UK. However, if you are travelling into Ireland, you will need to provide a negative Covid test and all arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days.

There are no mandatory quarantines or selfisolation periods for travel to Northern Ireland, as it is part of the UK.

France

France has a similar colour coded system to the UK, and we are currently on France’s amber list.

Those who are not fully vaccinated may only travel for “essential reasons”. They must also self-isolate in France for seven days upon arrival. The fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and won’t need to self-isolate on arrival. However, you will need to present proof of vaccination.

Italy

Until July 30, travellers to Italy who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days must present a negative test taken in the 48 hours before arrival.

You must self-isolate for five days and take a rapid antigenic or molecular swab test at the end of the five days. Everyone arriving in Italy must also call the local Covid-19 helpline within 48 hours of arrival, to inform them of your visit.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is usually an extremely popular destination for Scots looking to travel a little further afield than Europe.

However, the UAE is on our red list, meaning no one should travel there for leisure purposes.

Poland

If you are fully vaccinated, you will not have to quarantine on arrival in Poland, as long as you can prove it.

For Scots, Polish authorities will accept your NHS letter as proof of Covid-19 vaccination status.

If not fully vaccinated, you must undergo mandatory quarantine. You can leave quarantine after seven days if you receive a negative antigen or PCR test result, or after 10 days without taking a test.

USA

Since January 2021, all passengers arriving by air into the USA from any foreign country are prevented from entering unless they have either a negative pre-departure test result or documentation of recovery from Covid-19 provided by a licensed healthcare provider or public health official.

Portugal

Once on our green list, Portugal is now on the amber list. Adults and children older that 12 must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test to travel to or through mainland Portugal.

You must show your test certificate before boarding your flight. You’ll also have to undergo health screening on arrival.