Where can we go abroad with teenagers aged 12-17 (ie not possible to be double vaccinated)

[MsFogi]

If I understand it correctly anyone with a child between 12-17 is pretty limited for destinations that don't require tests to enter the country and/or tests every few day whilst there in order to use restaurants etc.
(eg to go to France we'd need a test less than 24 hours before travel and then tests every three days in order to be able to go to museums/restaurants etc).
Is there anywhere in Europe that is accepting children over 12 without quarantine/tests?
I'm trying to be positive and work out where we can go rather than get really cross about the limits on a group that has already missed out on so much (and at an age that I was really looking forward to travelling with them to various cities in Europe).

We are going to majorca at half term. We booked with on the beach because they are offering a free PCR test per person. As far as I know that is all is needed to get into Spain. I went to Croatia in September. Again a test was needed to get in but it was so easy to do over the Internet and reassuring really that everyone on that plane had a negative test.

Greece/Turkey? They need a test before they go but no quarantine/test there.

We are planning on our 14yo going to France in the new year (she has had Covid so one jab should be enough)

We’re going to Athens. I think for Greece you need tests for restaurants and museums but it’s a rapid test and chemists do them without booking. Then it lasts 48hrs.
We’re going at Easter and I’m hoping by then my older teen might have been allowed a second dose. The younger one will be double-dosed (medical condition) but we can’t prove it cos under-16s can’t get the uk covid pass - so I’m hoping they fix that soon, too!

Spain, Hungary?

Portugal, Spain

I don't think many places are going to allow entry without testing.
I'll add Italy to the list above who will accept negative test results.

@Hoppinggreen

Portugal, Spain

Both require tests if not vaccinated I think?

Oh sorry yes they do require a test for entry but once you are there none are needed for restaurants etc.

We're going to Tenerife, but same for all of Spain they need a PCR before they go, then no additional tests when there.

We'd booked and then ruled out Greece when we saw our teens would have to be testing every other day to do anything. Too disruptive, and too anxiety-inducing. We then looked at Italy - the same. We're now going to Spain, will do their PCRs up to 72hrs before landing (plus Spanish passenger locator forms), and we will all have booked Day 2 tests on return to UK (need to book them before coming home to complete UK passenger locator form). Hoping the govt's promise that these will be downgraded to a LFT comes soonish - we're due to leave in 10 days...

I've found it quite hard to find the right information regarding teens, and it's really very frustrating. Then booking tests is also harder than it should be without paying absolutely astronomical amounts.

@EmmaStone where did you purchase your PCRs from in the end?
The choice is bewildering, and it is hard to know how reliable each provider is going to be.

We used docHQ and they were really good. 30% off with this code: Discount Code: SMTRAV30

We had to do a lateral flow before we left which we booked and did online, then we took lateral flows in our suitcase and did it online the day before we went home. And a PCR when we were home on day 2.

dochq.co.uk/shop/?customer_discount=SMTRAV30&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8uOKj5nC8wIVhADmCh3CzQIjEAAYASAAEgJVSfD_BwE

I think almost everywhere wants tests to enter the country if not double-vaxxed. But if you're happy to do that, then Spain and Croatia are both possible without further testing I think.

france is ok I think www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
Children aged 12 years old or over who are not fully vaccinated and travelling with a fully vaccinated adult are required to present a negative test result (PCR or antigen). However, they do not need to provide an essential reason for travel, nor do they need to self-isolate on arrival.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and do not need to self-isolate on arrival. From 18 July, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to present evidence of a negative test result before travel.

For France they do need to top up their Covid pass by taking a test every 48 hrs though @bestbefore

@Bramshott

For France they do need to top up their Covid pass by taking a test every 48 hrs though *@bestbefore*

where does it say this please?

It's on ambafrance I think - sorry, I don't have time to look for the link right now, but also reported in the Guardian here.
www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/sep/23/tell-us-how-will-you-be-affected-by-frances-new-vaccine-passport-rules

Also here www.thelocal.fr/20210907/travel-warning-over-october-family-holidays-in-france/

oh lord it's very very complicated!

[quote trumpisagit]@EmmaStone where did you purchase your PCRs from in the end?
The choice is bewildering, and it is hard to know how reliable each provider is going to be.[/quote]
Hi @trumpisagit. We've bought from Randox for going out to Spain, and will probably use them for Day 2 tests as well. There weren't loads of options for our location (flying out of Bristol).

In Spain just now, negative pcr test before flying and that's it. Things really seem back to normal, was over last Summer and things more relaxed and busy now, no need to show anything prior to restaurants etc.

Following with interest.

If 12-16 age group are immunised with one jab (Pfizer as have been told by DS consultant,and local immunisation team) when they travel won’t EU countries accept this as being immunised and ok to travel? Appreciate they will probably need to do a PCR test as well.

Suspect it will depend on which country you want to travel to but it’s all so confusing and frustrating.

You need 2 doses (or proof of recovery + 1 dose) to be considered fully vaccinated in the EU. I believe US as well - but I may be wrong here.

Anyone over 12 who doesn’t have 2 doses, isn’t considered vaccinated for the purpose of travel, or access to restaurants, museums and events in some EU countries.

Thanks EileenGC.

Def a lot more complicated hadn’t thought of visiting places and needing to show certificates etc.

DH booked Malta for Xmas and the hotel said at the moment govt say no entry to over 12’s if haven’t had 2 doses but govt website said if had one dose and listed acceptable vaccinations from red countries. I think I need to do more investigating….

DH hoping it might change by Xmas. Think I need a backup just in case.

Travelling anywhere is not simple😂