EU Travel Restriction Changes

EU travel restrictions change rapidly, we take a look at the latest updates.

Austria

Austria has removed the following countries from its ‘safe’ list:

  • Albania
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Brunei
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Kosovo
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Serbia
  • Thailand
  • United States

Arrivals from these countries must now present either, a negative PCR test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery. Travellers who can show proof of vaccination or recovery do not need to registered for pre-travel clearance. Unvaccinated arrivals are required to self-isolate for 10 days.

As from the 15th of September 2021, the following are considered areas of variants of concern:

  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Suriname
  • Zimbabwe

Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Uruguay have been removed from this list. Travellers who have been in one of these countries in the 10 days prior to travel will not be allowed to enter Austria. Exemptions such as for Austrian residents and citizens, are in place.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from all testing and vaccination requirements.

>> US Travellers Face Restrictions from these EU Countries

Belgium

From the 11th of September, Belgium has placed the following EU/Schengen regions on its red list, indicating a higher epidemiological risk:

  • Croatia: Adriatic Croatia, City of Zagreb, North Croatia
  • Norway: Trøndelag
  • Caribbean Netherlands: Bonaire

Germany

Germany has removed the following regions and countries from it’s high-risk list:

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Ecuador
  • France – the regions Corsica, Occitanie and the overseas department Réunion
  • Greece – the regions Crete and South Aegean
  • Namibia
  • Oman
  • Paraguay
  • Peru

New high-risk areas that have been added to the high-risk list this week are:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Grenada
  • Nicaragua
  • Norway – the counties Oslo and Viken

Travellers who have been in a high-risk area within 10 days before entering Germany are required to quarantine for 10 days on arrival (at home). Travellers with proof of either vaccination or recovery do not need to quarantine.

All arrivals over the age of 12 must carry with them either: a negative PCR test result; a vaccine certificate; a recovery certificate.

Greece

In Greece, domestic travel on planes, trains, busses now requires all passengers over the age of 12 to provide one of the following:

  • Proof of full vaccination certificate which was issued no sooner than 14 days prior to travel
  • Proof of recovery certificate valid within the last 6 months
  • Negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before the scheduled time of arrival in their destination
  • A rapid antigen detection test taken within 48 hours before the scheduled time of arrival in their destination

Minors between the ages of 4 and 11 can have a self-test which is free-of-charge and provided by the state.

Spain

Spain has placed the whole of France on its high risk list. This list is valid until the 19th of September. Arrivals from France are required to present either a negative PCR test, or certificates of either vaccination or recovery.

EU travel restrictions are constantly changing, so we advise travellers to double check the requirements before their trip.

Tagged : / / /

Travel to Europe: Where can UK travellers go?

Travel to Europe became trickier as the UK left the EU, and currently, Covid-19 restrictions are making it a bit harder still. Where can UK travellers visit without quarantine? Where can non-vaccinated travellers travel to? We take a look.

Which countries require quarantine for non-vaccinated UK travellers?

UK travellers are allowed to visit Austria. All travellers must complete the online pre-travel registration form – this must be done no earlier than 72 hours before travel. Additionally, passengers are required to present on arrival, either: proof of full vaccination certificate; a recovery certificate no older than 180 days; or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours; or a rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours

Non-vaccinated travellers are required to quarantine for 10 days in their residence or location of their choice. They can leave quarantine if they test negative from day 5 of their trip.

Vaccinated and recovered UK travellers can also visit the Czech Republic and do not face any quarantine, or testing requirements. Vaccinated arrivals must present proof of a full dose of an approved vaccine administered no earlier than 14 days before arrival. Recovered arrivals are required to present a recovery certificate that is no older than 180 days.

Non-vaccinated travellers are required to take a PCR test no sooner than 5 days and no later than 14 days after arrival. Self-isolation is required until a negative test result is received

Cyprus is open to vaccinated and recovered travellers from the UK. Vaccinated travellers are exempt from restrictions provided they have received a double dose (or single, in the case of J&J) of an approved vaccine which was administered in an approved country. All passengers must complete the registration form, and receive the CyprusFlyPass within 48 hours of their departure to the country.

Non-vaccinated travellers are required to present a test, and be tested again on arrival. Self-isolation is needed until a negative test result is obtained.

Only essential travel to France is allowed for non-vaccinated travellers from the UK. These arrivals are required to have a negative PCR test, and pledge to self-isolate for 7 days. If you are vaccinated, then you are allowed to travel to France without any restrictions, provided you present proof of full vaccination.

Countries with no quarantine requirements

UK travellers don't face quarantine restrictions when visiting Portugal
UK travellers don’t face quarantine requirements when travelling to Portugal

Greece does not require any UK travellers to self-isolate on arrival, regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. If you haven’t been vaccinated, or don’t have a recovery certificate then you are required to present either a PCR, or an antigen test on arrival.

If you present either, vaccination or recovery certificates, or a negative test result taken in the last 48 hours, then self-isolation isn’t needed when entering Italy from the UK. A Passenger Locator Form must be completed prior to arrival.

The same rules apply to UK travellers wanting to visit Ireland. If a negative test result is used for entry, then it must be a PCR test no older than 72 hours. If you are travelling with a recovery certificate, then it cannot be less than 11 and more than 180 days old.

Portugal and Spain are open to travellers from the UK. Those not travelling with a vaccine certificate are required to provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. The Portuguese authorities require all arrivals to complete the Passenger Locator Card. Prior to travelling to Spain, all passengers need to complete the Health Control Form and receive the QR code.

>>Travel to Spain: Everything you need to know

Tagged : / / /