16 test-free travel destinations for a no-hassle holiday

All arrivals travel restrictions in the UK have now been lifted, meaning if you pick a destination which doesn't require a test to get there, you'll be able to enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Whether you're a solo traveller seeking a far-flung adventure in Costa Rica, or a family looking for an admin-free spring getaway in Europe, these 16 destinations can be visited without the need for testing or quarantine if you meet their vaccination requirements.

Note that while we keep our travel advice pages updated regularly, you should always check the latest advice from the FCDO, as travelling against their advice will invalidate your travel insurance.

You should also keep an eye on your country's entry requirements via the government's foreign travel advice pages and be prepared for plans to change last-minute. For additional peace of mind it may also be worth factoring in the cost of tests just in case the destination brings in new rules ahead of your travel plans.

We always recommend booking a package holiday through a provider with good flexible booking policies in these uncertain times, so if plans do change, you're not left out of pocket. It's also more important than ever to have decent travel insurance. Some countries even specify what your policy must cover in order to be permitted entry.

Book your package holiday wisely. Which? Recommended Providers Jet2, Kuoni, Hays Travel, Trailfinders and Saga were all rated at least 80% by Which? readers in our latest survey.

Colombia

Colombia travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine if arriving by air
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required if at least one dose of vaccine received. Completely unvaccinated travellers unable to go to Colombia.

If you're fully vaccinated, you can enter Colombia with no need to test or quarantine (unless you're arriving by cruise ship, in which case, you will need to take a PCR test).

Children under 17 arriving by air are also exempt from testing and quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

If you have had at least one dose of the vaccine, but haven't completed your full course at least 14 days before travel, you can still enter Colombia with a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before flying. However, if you haven't had any vaccinations, you will not be allowed to enter Colombia.

Before planning your trip to Colombia, check your destination against the latest advice from the FCDO, which warns against travel to several areas.

Check the latest travel advice for Colombia on gov.uk.

Where should I go in Colombia?

Visitors to Colombia will find exuberant national parks, ancient ruins and sandy beaches.

The city of Cartagena offers a mixture of beachscapes, ruins, and colourful streets. Just 100m off the coast are the breathtaking Rosario Islands, a national park where curious tourists can snorkel among the coral reefs.

Bogota, Colombia's capital, and Medellin, the second city, are also worthy of a visit if you like sightseeing. But if it's a more relaxed atmosphere you're hoping for, you'll find a number of beach resort towns, such as Santa Marta, along the north coast.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine

Costa Rica is welcoming British travellers with no requirements to test or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

If you're fully vaccinated, all you will need to do is complete an advance epidemiological information form (also known as the Health Pass) before you go.

If you're not fully vaccinated and over 18, you won't need to test or quarantine, but you'll need to take out travel insurance with a policy that matches the country's requirements. That's in addition to completing the advance epidemiological information form. Check the Costa Rica Tourism Board website for more information.

While in Costa Rica, you will need to follow sanitary measures in place and may even be asked to show your vaccine pass to enter certain places.

Where should I go in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, volcanic landscape and dreamy beaches - plus eco-tourism credentials. All of this combined with a culturally rich capital city means plenty to see and do.

Choose from one of Costa Rica's many protected national parks, such as the Unesco World Heritage Cocos Island National Park. Opt to scuba dive among the marine life or hike along one of the scenic walking trails to get a bird's eye view of the island. Or, head to its colourful capital, San Jose.

Or, those looking for sunbathing opportunities can do so on one of Costa Rica's many tropical beaches along the Pacific or Caribbean coast.

Temperatures dance around 30 degrees celsius in popular coastal destinations such as Jaco, Dominical and Tortuguero in February. In the capital, the mercury sits around 24 degrees celsius. Expect seven days of sunshine and just 7mm of rainfall on average at this time of year.

Comparing short haul airlines? Pick an airline rated highest in our latest airlines survey: Jet2, KLM, easyJet

Croatia

Croatia travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required

For the fully vaccinated, Croatia is an easier destination to visit, with no testing or quarantine required. Just check your vaccination status is valid - you're only considered fully vaccinated if your second dose was under 270 days before visiting, or if you've had your booster.

Those eligible to travel, plus any under 12's accompanying them from the UK, simply need to complete an online entry form.

If you aren't fully vaccinated, you can still travel to Croatia, but you'll be subject to additional entry requirements. Check gov.uk for more information.

Where should I go in Croatia?

Croatia isn't short of natural beauty, from its rugged mountains and national parks, to its sandy beaches and archipelagos.

While it's not quite hot enough for sunbathing at this time of year (with average highs of ten degrees celsius in February), there's still plenty to enjoy in Croatia - and without the crowds of high season.

Explore the Roman palace ruins of Split, walk to the terraced lakes and waterfalls in Piltvice National Park, take a city break in the lively Zagreb, Croatia's capital, or island hop off the Dalmatian coast.

Egypt

Egypt travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required

Fully vaccinated Brits can enter Egypt without needing to test or quarantine. Just fill out a health declaration form before departure.

If you're not fully vaccinated, you'll need either a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result before departure. Get the latest travel requirements for Egypt on gov.uk.

Where should I go in Egypt?

From ancient pyramids to sandy beaches, where you go in Egypt depends on the type of holiday you're after.

Cairo is home to the great Pyramids of Giza, as well as museums, ancient fortresses, and the huge Khan-el-Khalili souk.

For more of a beachy holiday, head to the resort town of Hurghada, which is also known for scuba diving. The Sekalla district is where you'll find most of the diving schools. And in the old town, you can visit traditional Egyptian coffee shops and find souvenirs in the souks.

Greece

Greece travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required

Fully vaccinated travellers can visit sunny Greece with no need to test, quarantine or fill out a passenger locator form - though some arrivals spot check tests are in place. The vaccination requirements apply to all travellers over the age of five.

If you're not fully vaccinated, you will need a pre-departure test or valid proof of recent recovery, but no need to complete a passenger locator form as Greece has now scrapped them. Children aged five and over must follow the same rules. Unvaccinated people over the age of 18 must show a negative PCR test result no more than 72 hours old to be allowed to visit public venues outdoors in Greece.

Children between the ages of four and 17 can enter public venues if they complete a form showing a negative self-test result.

See our full guide to Greece's travel restrictions for more information.

Where should I go in Greece?

Greece isn't short of beachscapes with more than 200 inhabited islands to fly and flop on. Lefkada, Kefalonia and Skiathos were the top three in our recent best Greek islands survey, all scoring the full five stars for scenery and four stars for beaches and value for money.

Iceland

• Vaccinated travellers: No testing or quarantine required
• Unvaccinated travellers: No testing or quarantine required

Iceland travel restrictions from the UK

Iceland has lifted all Covid-19 related travel restrictions for UK arrivals. Regardless of vaccination status, UK travellers will no longer need to test, quarantine, fill out a passenger locator form or show their NHS Covid-19 pass.

You can read the latest on Iceland's entry requirements on gov.uk.

Where should I go in Iceland?

Few places fit so many natural wonders into such a small space. First timers will want to tick off the Golden Circle, northern lights and a soak in the Blue Lagoon. For the best chance of an aurora sighting, visit between October and April.

The capital of Reykjavik is where most tours run from and is also home to some splendid architecture, such as the futuristic looking Hallgru00edmskirkja church, the Harpan convention centre and the Sun Voyager sculpture on the seafront.

If time and budget allows, venture down to the south coast for a chance to see the iconic black sand beaches, explore ice caves or go whale watching.

Maldives

Maldives travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine

All UK travellers can now enter the Maldives without needing to test. You'll need to complete a traveller health declaration form upto 48 hours before departure and again 48 hours before returning home.

Read more about the Maldives entry requirements on gov.uk.

Where should I go in the Maldives?

There are more than 200 islands for tourists to pick from in the Maldives. So whether your preferred itinerary revolves around snoozing on warm white sands or diving into days of watersports and underwater safaris, you're likely to find a spot to suit your plans. Kandolhu is notorious for hosting sleepy honeymoons, whereas Kuramathi, Meeru and Reethi Faru are perhaps better suited to family trips and those looking for activities.

Malta

Malta travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Testing and quarantine required

If you're fully vaccinated, you can enter Malta without the need to test or quarantine. Just show your NHS Covid pass and complete an EU passenger locator form before you go. Check the dates of your vaccines carefully before booking a trip. Your second dose must have been within three months of travel to Malta or alternatively, your booster jab must have been administered within nine months of travel. You can read more about what Malta considers to be fully vaccinated via the the Government of Malta website.

If you're not fully vaccinated, you can now travel to Malta, but you'll be asked to take a pre-departure test and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. See the latest requirements on gov.uk.

Things also get a little complicated when it comes to children. Those aged five to 11 can travel to Malta quarantine-free if able to present a negative PCR test. Children aged 12 to 18 children must be double vaccinated to avoid quarantine.

While in Malta, you'll need to follow local Covid-19 rules such as mask wearing and showing your Covid pass to enter public places. See the latest on Visit Malta's website.

Where should I go in Malta?

While it's a bit chilly to be sunbathing in the spring months (with highs of between 16 and 17 degrees celsius), Malta's beaches are still good for a scenic stroll, some much-needed sunshine and perhaps even a paddle, if you're feeling brave.

St Julian's Bay along the northeast coast is the most popular base for tourists. And, just 20 minutes away, is Valletta, Malta's Unesco World Heritage capital city - home to ornate churches, such as St John's Co-Cathedral, and the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola palace.

Mexico

Mexico travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine

Mexico is currently allowing British travellers in without any restrictions, regardless of vaccination status.

People are being advised to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Mexico. You can check Mexico's tourism board website for Covid guidance while you're there.

If you are planning a sunny escape to Mexico, make sure you keep an eye on the latest travel restrictions on gov.uk. Travel rules could change very quickly and without much warning, so be prepared.

Where should I go in Mexico?

Where you go depends on what you're looking for. Home to ancient Mayan ruins, white beaches and one of Latin America's best-known railway routes, Mexico offers lots of choice.

The Copper Canyon Railway provides the chance to see Mexico's back garden as it sets off from Los Mochis on the west coast and heads inland all the way to Chihuahua.

Foodies can look forward to national dishes like Birria (a spicy meat dish served with tortillas, onion and lemon) in Guadalajara, Mexico's second city. Meanwhile, beach bums may want to head to the Bohemian town of Tulum or the Pacific coastline to surf, snorkel or simply snooze on the warm sand.

History buffs wanting to see Mexico's Mayan ruins up-close can head to either Chichen Itzu00e1 El Castillo or Tulum, while San Miguel de Allend is known for its stunning architecture and local crafts.

Between February and April is a great time to visit because you'll experience balmy climes between 24-31 degrees celsius, depending on where you go, seven hours of bright sunshine and very little to no rain. All of this can be enjoyed without the crowds of high season.

Montenegro

Montenegro travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, can now head to Montenegro without needing to test, quarantine or complete a passenger locator form.

Be aware that Covid restrictions can change at short notice and with little warning, so always keep an eye on the latest guidance from the FCDO and gov.uk in the lead up to your holiday.

Where should I go in Montenegro?

This Balkan state consists of mountainous landscape, medieval villages and sweeping viewsalong the Adriatic coast.

Kotor, Budva and Podgorica are all worthy of a visit. These sleepy lakeside towns look as though they belong in a fairytale.

Sveti Stefan is also a popular coastal destination, complete with a beach casino and monastery you can visit. Meanwhile, the more adventurous types might enjoy the mountainous region of Durmitor, where there's a range of outdoor adventure activities on offer.

Norway

Norway travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine (unless travelling to Svalbard)

The Norwegian government has now lifted all Covid-19 entry restrictions for British travellers, regardless of vaccination status. If you're travelling to mainland Norway, you will no longer need to test, quarantine or complete a pre-departure form to go.

The one exception is the archipelago of Svalbard. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to present a negative rapid antigen test taken 24 hours before departure to Svalbard and take another test 24 hours after arrival.

For more information, check Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and gov.uk.

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Where should I go in Norway?

With mountains, glaciers and fjords, Norway's landscapes have a truly cinematic quality. But none are more awe-inspiring than the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), which can be seen from Tromso, Kirkenes or Svalbard.

March is the final month of the peak season for Northern Lights hunting, so there's no better excuse to take advantage of test-free travel.

The capital Oslo is idealt for a city break. It has the best of both worlds with stunning green spaces and forests to escape to. In the city itself there's Viking museums, vibrant eighbourhoods to wander around, and, of course, lots of options for shopping, eating and sleeping.

Peru

Peru travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required

Fully vaccinated British travellers can enjoy a test-free trip to Peru providing they meet the vaccination requirements. Children under 12 can enter Peru with no testing or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. If you're not fully vaccinated, you will need to take a PCR test no more than 48 hours before entry.

All travellers must complete an affidavit, and it's also worth noting that you are required to wear two face masks, or a KN95 mask, during your flight to Peru.

Where should I go in Peru?

The old Incan capital of Cusco is a great base for exploring he country's best-known landmarks, such as Machu Picchu and Vinicunca (also known as 'rainbow mountain). And the city itself is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, museums, and the San Pedro market, where you will find everything from street food to souvenirs.

Other highlights in Peru include the Nazca Lines, a set of mysterious ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert. Bordering with Bolivia in the north is the magnificent Lake Titicaca, home to yet more Incan ruins and a nature reserve.

Portugal

Portugal travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No tests or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required for mainland Portugal and the Azores

Fully vaccinated UK travellers can holiday in Portugal without the need to test or quarantine. For travellers who aren't fully vaccinated, there are a few steps to take first.

To gain entry to mainland Portugal if you're not fully vaccinated you will need to provide a negative result from either a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry into Portugal or a rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before entry. You can't use the free NHS tests, and your private test must be medically supervised. Travellers who aren't fully vaccinated will also need to take a medically supervised Covid-19 test before or upon arrival in the Azores - we'd recommend taking your test before travelling, making sure that the private test you pick is valid for travel (i.e. medically supervised).

Travel to Madeira, Porto Santo and Azores is slightly different, so be sure to check the latest advice on gov.uk.

For entry to Madeira and Porto Santo, you will not need to test or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. All passengers will simply need to complete a passenger locator form before departure. Travellers under 11 can be included on your form.

Read our full guide to Portugal's travel restrictions.

Where should I go in Portugal?

Portugal's colourful capital Lisbon is ideal for a city break, with its historic architecture and famed yellow trams.

For some rest and relaxation on a sandy beach or a few rounds of golf with sea views, the Algarve, Porto, and the Faro district are all decent options.

For those who like to get out and explore, the volcanic island of Madeira has many hiking trails and national parks. If sandy beaches are what you're after, head to Madeira's smaller neighbour Porto Santo. Alternatively, you'll find volcanic landscapes and quaint fishing villages in the Azores. The largest island, Sao Miguel, is also known as u201cthe green islandu201d for its scenery and rich marine life.

Spain

Spain travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Essential travel only - relaxed rules apply for children aged 12-17 from 13 February

For vaccinated, adult travellers, taking a holiday in Spain is relatively simple at the moment.
Just make sure you can prove your final dose was within 270 days before setting off for your trip, and you won't need any sort of test. All you'll need to do is complete a Spanish health control form before travel.

Spain has relaxed its entry requirements for teenagers, which makes travel to the country easier for families. Unvaccinated children and teens aged 12-17 can provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival into Spain.

If you're not fully vaccinated and over the age of 17, you can't currently travel to Spain unless for an essential reason. Check the latest advice on gov.uk.

Travelling to the Canary Islands? Read our guide to Canaries' travel restrictions.

Where should I go in Spain?

From Barcelona's iconic Gaudian architecture to the vast choice of sandy beaches to flop on, Spain has long been a favourite for British holidaymakers.

Now is the time to find a cheaper, crowd-free sunshine break in Spain. The weather is pleasantly warm during the spring months, yet it's out of high season. Temperatures in March hover around 19 degrees celsius in Valencia, Alicante and Costa de la Luz, while the historic Andalusian capital of Seville can reach 20 degrees celsius.

If you visit Spain around Easter, you're likely to see one of the colourful parades and festivals happening across the country. Each year in Seville, for instance, the cofrades (religious brotherhoods) muster up the strength to carry statues of the Virgin Mary in a procession through the city and up to Catedral de Sevilla. It makes for quite the spectacular sight.

Switzerland

Switzerland travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Unable to travel

Fully vaccinated Brits and children under 18 accompanying them can enter Switzerland without any need to test, quarantine or complete an entry form.

If you're over 18 and not fully vaccinated, you can't visit Switzerland at this time.

Check the latest guidance on gov.uk to see what counts as fully vaccinated to enter Switzerland.

Where should I go in Switzerland?

From the fluffy white caps of the Swiss Alps to the cosmopolitan capital of Zurich, there's lots to discover in Switzerland.

In the capital, head to Lake Zurich for scenery. For retail therapy, try Bahnhofstrasse. There's also Zurich's old town, plus several museums and galleries to occupy your afternoons. If panoramic views of the city from 2,850m above sea level sounds like something you'd like to experience, take a trip up to Uetliberg mountain.

The Swiss Alps also offer the chance for last-minute ski holidays without testing or quarantine, from Matterhorn's show-stopping peaks to Verbier's four valleys and Mont Fort glacier.

Turkey

Turkey travel restrictions from the UK

• Vaccinated tourists: No testing or quarantine
• Unvaccinated tourists: Pre-departure test required

For British travellers who are fully vaccinated, a holiday in Turkey is relatively straightforward as there's no need to test or quarantine. Children under 11 can also enjoy test-free travel, regardless of vaccination status. Just complete an online entrance form before departure.

If you're not fully vaccinated, there are some extra steps you need to take to visit Turkey, including taking a PCR or antigen test before your entering the country. See gov.uk and the Turkish Embassy in London's website for details.Masks are mandatory on flights and Turkish Airlines is specific about the type of mask you wear on board. There's more information on their website.

While you're in Turkey, you'll need to wear a mask inside public places and on public transport. You might also have your temperature checked in some places. Be aware that random Covid tests are carried out in airports in Turkey and you could be asked to take a test.

Lastly, while Turkey has some fabulous holiday destinations, there are some areas that the FCDO advises you to avoid for safety and security reasons, mainly along the Syrian border. Check the FCDO guidance carefully before planning your holiday to Turkey.

Where should I go in Turkey?

Now is the time to enjoy everything Turkey has to offer without all of the crowds. There are lots of fascinating ancient ruins and natural rock formations to explore, as well as having two lively citiesand plenty of coastal walks.

Take a boat tour along the Bosphorus or visit the great Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques in Istanbul. Alternatively, you could visit Turkey's capital, Ankara, where modern high rises have grown up around ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins.From Ankara, you could book a day trip to Cappadocia, that region you usually see plastered across travel magazines and tourism campaigns for Turkey. Visitors come here to take hot air balloon rides, explore ancient ruins, and marvel at the unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys.

The coastal towns of Antalya and Alanya are pleasant and crowd-free during the spring months.

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