Travel testing for children this summer

Are you and the family getting away this summer holiday? With the big break just around the corner, there is no better time to catch up on all of the travel testing and vaccine requirements, not just for yourself but your children too.

Whilst travel testing is becoming simpler, the testing requirements continue to evolve, therefore you must always check and double-check before booking and flying to make sure you know what you need to do.

With Covid vaccines now being approved for use on those aged 12 and upwards, it is becoming more popular for countries to make any children who fall into this category to take the same tests as adults. In the EU, for example, vaccines are being used for the same age group – and some countries have even begun vaccinating children aged 5 and over.

Whilst under 12s may often be exempt from the testing and vaccine rules for adults, this will only be the case if the adult they are travelling with meets the specific requirements.

Here are some of the current rules in place for children:

Portugal

Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test or show proof of vaccination or recovery to enter mainland the Azores.

Those aged 12 and older, who are not fully vaccinated, will need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before boarding), a rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before boarding) or valid evidence of recent recovery from COVID-19 (see below) on departure to the Azores.

Spain

Children under the age of 12 years old are exempt from testing, any vaccine rules, and do not need to complete an online Health Control Form before travel. Anyone over the age of 12 must follow the same rules as adults, which is that vaccinated travellers do not need to test, but unvaccinated travellers must provide evidence of a negative antigen test 24 hours before departure. 

France

Again, children 11 years old and under are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. Those unvaccinated between 12 and 17 must show evidence of a recent negative test.

Ultimately, you should always check the FCDO travel advice for the country you are travelling to. On the GOV.UK foreign travel advice page you can find an A-Z list of destinations and their entry requirements.

Will you be needing a test this summer? Book with Qured. Our antigen tests for travel are accepted worldwide, just £9.95, free shipping and results in 2 hours with a GP-signed Fit to Fly certificate included.