Day: July 21, 2021

In the current climate there are many hurdles to overcome when planning a trip, not least of them are confusing PCR testing requirements – especially when it comes to travelling with children.

If the process is uncomfortable for an adult, let’s not imagine how it is for a child. So, we’ve compiled a list of countries that only require PCR tests from children of specific ages. This list does contain countries with quarantine rules, and those without – giving you the freedom to pick the spot that ticks all the right boxes.

Please note, this list is not exhaustive – these are our picks of countries that are open for visitors, or have more relaxed travel rules.

For children under the age of 10, check out our list here.

PCR Testing Exemptions for the 15-18 Age Bracket

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• Sweden: Travellers under the age of 18 do not have to be tested to enter Sweden. The country is closed for leisure travel for those outside of the EU/EEA zones. Visitors over the age of 18 and from the EU must provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. Find out more information on visiting Sweden here.

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• Iceland: Children born in, or later than 2005 are exempt from testing requirements. Currently there are no travel restrictions for citizens and residents from EU/EEA/EFTA countries. Some Third Party countries are also exempt from an entry ban. For specific regulations, please check Iceland’s official Covid-19 page.
• Lithuania: Children under the age of 16 who arrive from a country on Lithuania’s Green list don’t need a PCR test. If the child is arriving from a country in another colour category then this only applies to children under the age of 12. Lithuania is currently open for tourism, and regulations are specific to the traveller’s port of origin. Find out more about Lithuania’s traffic light system here and here.
• Denmark: Children under the age of 16 are exempt from testing and isolation requirements on arrival in Denmark. Travellers over this age must provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours when arriving from specific countries. Denmark is operating on a traffic light system – arrivals from Green and Yellow countries face more relaxed rules. Foreigners from higher risk countries can only travel with a ‘worthy purpose’.
• Switzerland: Children under the age of 16 don’t need to provide a test result when entering Switzerland. Travellers who are older than this can either provide a negative PCR test (less than 72 hours) or Rapid Antigen test (less than 48 hours). Switzerland is open for tourism, but rules can vary according to the situation in your port of origin. For more information, please check the official Swiss website.

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• Slovenia: Slovenia is open for tourism and ready for visitors. Children under the age of 15 are exempt from testing when accompanied by an adult. For more information about planning your trip to Slovenia, consult the local website.
• Finland: Children born in, or after 2006 are exempt from testing requirements. Finland is open to tourism, and has recently further relaxed restrictions for vaccinated EU/EEA travellers, and some Third Party countries.

Exemptions for the 11-12 Age Bracket

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• Antigua and Barbuda: Children under the age of 12 are exempt from PCR testing – those over 12 must be tested no more than 7 days before flying. Antigua and Barbuda is open for tourists, and provides a list of certified accommodation here. Restaurants, bars, and excursions are all operational.
• Cyprus: Cyprus is operating on a traffic light system, but, in every category, children under 12 are exempt from testing. The country is open for tourists, with varied rules depending on the traveller’s origin.
• Jamaica: Children under 12 don’t need to be tested before travelling to Jamaica. Those over 12 must submit a negative test result no older than 3 days. Jamaica is open for visitors, and has a wide range of hotels and guest accommodation which have been Covid-19 safety assured. Travel authorization is needed, more information can be found here.
• Latvia: Latvia is open for leisure travel for arrivals from the EU/EEA/Schengen Zone/UK and specific Third countries. Not all arrivals need to provide test results, but where they do, children under 12 are exempt. Specific rules and accepted countries are found here.
• UAE (Dubai): Children under 12 who travel to Dubai don’t need PCR testing. Travellers who are older than this must submit a negative test result no older than 72 hours. Dubai is open for tourism, however different rules apply for other areas of the UAE. Specific entry requirements can be checked here.

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• The Bahamas: Non-vaccinated travellers over the age of 11 will need to supply a PCR test result no older than 5 days prior to arrival. The Bahamas are open for tourism, travellers can check on specific regulations, and see what to expect on their holiday, via The Bahamas official tourism website.
• France: Children under 11 don’t need PCR testing to enter France, but, other regulations may vary depending on their origin. France is operating on a traffic light system, and also has different regulations for vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers. All travellers over 11 and from orange and red countries need to provide a PCR test no older than 72 hours before their flight. Alternatively, a negative antigen test result no older than 48 hours is also accepted.
• Morocco: Morocco has re-opened for tourists from specific countries. Arrivals must provide a PCR test no older than 72 hours if they are over the age of 11 and not vaccinated.