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The new rules you will have to follow on holiday – latest country-by-country guide including Spain, Portugal and Greece

Kara Godfrey

Published: 17:00, 20 May 2020
Updated: 13:59, 22 May 2020

GOING on holiday will be a very different experience, even after lockdown.

Many countries are enforcing new rules and measures to keep people safe, which are likely to stay in place for months at least.

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A holiday abroad will see changes including mandatory masks and social distancing restrictionsCredit: Reuters

While tourist destinations are hoping to welcome back Brits for the summer, travel bans and border closures are still in place.

The UK still advises against all but essential travel, with a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals from next month.

Countries across Europe have implemented similar measures as well.

Destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece also have their own set of rules for both tourists and locals in the country.

We've broken down everything you will have to do when you, eventually, travel abroad.

The latest rules you'll have to follow when you next go on holidayCredit: Alamy Live News

Spain

Face masks are now mandatory in Spain, for all outings in open spaces and any closed place of public use when it isn't possible to social distance.

Only people with health conditions which means they can't wear them or children under the age of six are exempt.

Some beaches are only allowing people to stay for a maximum of four hours, while others are considering roped-off areas and sunbathing squares to help social distance.

Bars and restaurants can have up to 50 per cent capacity on outdoor terraces, with swimming pools just 30 per cent.

Hotels in Spain may also face strict new measures - no valets, PPE-wearing staff, mini-bars and condiments taken away and the removal of pens, rugs, pictures and pool towels are just some of the expected changes.

Tourists still need to quarantine for 14-days when entering the country.

Beaches will be forced to create social distancing measuresCredit: Getty Images - Getty

France

Despite initial reports that Brits would be exempt from the 14-day quarantine period in France, this was later refuted.

France is still restricting travel, with no-one allowed to go further than 100km from their home.

Mask-wearing is mandatory on public transport, and bars and restaurants remain closed while no more than 10 people are allowed to group at more than one time.

Portugal

Anyone travelling on public transport must wear masks and in commercial spaces, with buses and trains only allowed to be two-thirds full maximum.

No more than five people per 100m2 are allowed in closed spaces.

Cafes and restaurants are open to visitors, but also working on restricted capacity, with beaches and hotels opening next month.

Hotels will be awarded a "Clean&Safe" seal which proves they follow health guidelines, while a 24-hour period will be required between each guest so rooms can be cleaned.

Extra cleaning and disinfectant facilities are to be expectedCredit: Reuters

Greece

Greece tourism minister Harry Theoharis said: "We have to have new rules for hotels, new rules for beaches, new rules for pools, new rules for breakfast buffets, new rules for tour buses."

Masks have to be worn in shops and on public transport, with taxis only allowing two passengers at a time.

While travelling between the islands is allowed, ferries can only work on 50 per cent capacity.

More than 500 beaches have reopened, but new rules dictate no more than 40 people per 1,000sqm, with umbrellas must be 4m apart - and people are monitored by drones and cleaning staff.

Hotels will not have buffets - and offer staggered dining times at breakfast, lunch, and dinner - sun loungers will have separate covers per guests and all resorts must have a doctor on contact, with guests being sent to quarantine hotels if testing positive for the virus.

Beaches will have restricted access pictured here in GreeceCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

Italy

Face masks are compulsory in indoor spaces, with some regions such as Lombardy enforcing them outdoors as well.

Beaches in Italy are reopening but with strict distancing between sun loungers and umbrellas of 1.5m.

Queues may soon be banned, with restricted zones per family for playing and relaxing.

Italy is not, however, enforcing a 14-day quarantine for anyone from the EU from June 3.

Bars and cafes will only open at reduced capacityCredit: AP:Associated Press

Cyprus

Tourists may have to take a coronavirus test before being allowed into the country.

Hotels may also require guests to disinfect their own luggage, with hotel staff at the check in desk being behind screens.

However they won't open until next month, along with beaches.

Bulgaria

Hotels will have to ensure all tables, seating and lobbies allow people to social distance for 1.5m.

Buffets may be allowed but with strict social distancing and reduced contact.