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As Omicron cases rise across Europe, more countries are adding travel restrictions and reimplementing testing requirements.
This article will look at the latest travel restrictions across Europe impacting travellers.
France bans British travelers
Today France announced it would ban non-essential travel to and from the UK from the weekend to slow the spread of the Omicron variant Covid-19, causing a record number of cases in the UK.
From Saturday midnight (Friday 23:00 GMT), there will be:
“a requirement to have an essential reason for traveling to or from the UK, both for the unvaccinated and the vaccinated… People cannot travel for tourism or business reasons,” said the government.
Greece shortens entry deadline with recovery and adds testing requirements
Until now, travelers who entered Greece on the basis of a certificate of reinstatement could do so if they had proof that they had contracted Covid-19 within the past 180 days, but not within the last 180 days. previous 30 days.
On December 9, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority announced that recovery certificates will now be valid for entry into Greece for a shorter period of 90 days instead of 180.
“Travelers to Greece must bring a sickness certificate issued thirty (30) days after the first positive test, and its validity lasts up to ninety (90) days after that.“, notes the CAA in a press release.
Greece also said on Wednesday it would require all visitors, including those from other EU countries, to present a Covid test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
Malta makes masks compulsory outdoors
Since December 11, Malta has returned to compulsory wearing of masks in outdoor and indoor spaces.
The measure is taken as a precautionary measure to avoid any significant increase in Covid-19 cases. The island has yet to detect a case of the Omicron variant.
“Masks, as well as booster doses, have been shown to be effective in warding off the virus, including the new Omicron variant,” the minister told media.
He added that people will be eligible for the vaccine four months after receiving their second shot instead of six months.
Italy imposes pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for all EU travelers
European Union nationals traveling to Italy will now be required to test for Covid-19 prior to travel and present negative test results upon arrival in Italy, regardless of their vaccination and recovery status.
In addition, unvaccinated travelers from EU countries will be subject to quarantine.
“For those who also come from EU countries but are not vaccinated, it will not be enough to show the negative swab to circulate in Italy, but they will incur the quarantine obligation. Not only. Vaccinated will also be asked to show a negative swab result“, agreed the ministers.
The requirement to wear a super green pass has also been extended until March 31. This prevents unvaccinated people in Italy from frequenting areas such as indoor restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs and stadiums, for more than three months.
Finland imposes mandatory pre-entry tests for non-EU nationals
Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases and the detection of the new Omicron variant, Finnish authorities have announced that travelers from third countries will soon have to undergo mandatory tests before entry. Until now, travelers could enter with a vaccination certificate.
“Under the new ruling, passengers arriving from outside the EU and Schengen area who have received a full set of vaccinations would continue to be required to have a negative covid-19 test result no older than 48 hours in addition to the vaccination certificate, ” says the statement from the Finnish Ministry of the Interior.
The new rules come into effect on December 21.
The European Travel Pass is in danger of breaking down
The European digital passport for vaccines, which allows hassle-free travel for people vaccinated against Covid-19, is at risk of breaking down following these new restrictions.
The leaders plan to call on European nations to coordinate their travel movements and avoid steps that would “disproportionately impede free movement” within or within the EU.
Read more:
UK removes all countries from red list, eliminating hotel quarantine
Travel insurance that covers Covid-19 for 2021
Several airlines announce new routes between the United States and Europe for 2022
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Disclaimer: Current Travel Rules and Restrictions may change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm entry of your nationality and/or any changes to travel conditions before travelling. Travel Off Path does not approve travel against government advice
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