Don’t let images of mass protests over new Covid restrictions this week in some European countries put you off.
Travel is most definitely ‘on’ to all countries — except Austria, where a lockdown is in place for the coming fortnight.
Yes, Covid cases may be on the increase, with talk of a ‘fourth wave’ — and there is widespread concern about the potential impact of the new Covid variant discovered in South Africa this week — but fully vaccinated Britons are welcome across the Continent. Here’s our update…
Britons can travel to all countries in Europe, except Austria, where a lockdown is in place for the coming fortnight
AUSTRIAN WOBBLE
WHAT’S THE LATEST? Lockdown until December 13, with a tourism shutdown before then too. Bars, restaurants, cafes and non-essential shops are closed.
GETTING IN: Proof of full vaccination, having recovered from Covid, or a negative PCR test will be required after the lockdown.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: To visit indoor venues or ride ski lifts, full vaccination/proof of recovery is necessary (under-12s exempt). Masks needed in enclosed public places.
WHAT THEY SAY: Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein says the ‘sledgehammer’ of a lockdown was desperately needed.
MORE INFORMATION: Austria.info.
DUTCH COURAGE?
WHAT’S THE LATEST? A ‘semi-lockdown’ with an 8pm curfew on bars and restaurants. Restrictions in place until at least December 4. Further ‘strong measures’ are expected soon, with the Outbreak Management Team suggesting that curfews could even begin at 5pm.
GETTING IN: You must be fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of going. Rules for children depend on age (see gov.uk).
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: A Dutch Covid Pass is required for bars, restaurants and museums (download via Dutch CoronaCheck app). Handshaking is banned. Room service food and takeaway food possible after 8pm.
WHAT THEY SAY: Prime Minister Mark Rutte has called for calm after clashes between anti-vaxers and police.
MORE INFORMATION: Holland.com.
GERMAN JITTERS
The Christmas market in Munich, pictured, has been axed this year to prevent the spread of Covid
WHAT’S THE LATEST? Munich’s Christmas market has been cancelled as part of tougher Covid measures nationwide.
GETTING IN: You can enter without a test if fully vaccinated. Accompanied unvaccinated children under 12 may go without a test. Complete a pre-departure form (einreiseanmeldung.de).
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: To enter restaurants and bars you must be vaccinated, have proof of recovery or have a recent negative test certificate.
WHAT THEY SAY: The government says a full lockdown cannot be ruled out.
MORE INFORMATION: Germany.travel.
FRENCH RESISTANCE
Skiers will have to be fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative Covid test to access the lifts in the likes of the French resort of Courchevel, pictured
WHAT’S THE LATEST? From December 15, over-65s must have had a booster jab for indoor venues. Skiers will have to be fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours to access lifts.
GETTING IN: Fully vaccinated tourists may go after completing a ‘sworn statement’ that they do not have Covid symptoms (interieur.gouv.fr). Under-12s travelling with adults are accepted. Unvaccinated children over 12 need a negative test.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: For indoor venues such as restaurants and bars, a ‘Pass Sanitaire’ is required proving full vaccination or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours for children. Download the ‘TousAntiCovid’ app to register. Face masks mandatory on ski lifts.
WHAT THEY SAY: Lockdowns are currently ‘not necessary’, says President Macron.
MORE INFORMATION: Gouvernement.fr.
OK IN CROATIA
‘Tourists can freely enter Croatia,’ says the country’s tourist board. Pictured is Split, a popular Croatian tourist haven
WHAT’S THE LATEST? Demos over Covid passes. Cases have fallen slightly recently.
GETTING IN: Fine if you’re fully jabbed, recovered or can prove a recent negative test.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: Masks required on public transport. Covid passes not needed for bars and restaurants.
WHAT THEY SAY: ‘Tourists can freely enter Croatia,’ says the tourist board.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit-croatia.co.uk.
BELGIAN CONCERNS
WHAT’S THE LATEST? Violent protests in Brussels over a work-from-home decree but for tourists, perversely, entry rules are being eased.
GETTING IN: Entry rules for fully vaccinated arrivals were relaxed yesterday so you merely need a negative PCR Covid test less than 72 hours old to get in.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: Covid Safe Ticket vaccine passport needed for bars, restaurants and clubs (covidsafe.be/en). Nightclubs will be closed and restaurants and bars will close at 11pm for the next three weeks.
WHAT THEY SAY: Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo says violent street protests are ‘absolutely unacceptable’.
MORE INFORMATION: Visitbelgium.com.
SWISS CAUTION
Travellers hoping to visit Switzerland’s Lake Geneva (pictured) are in luck – borders are open to double-jabbed Britons with passenger locator forms
WHAT’S THE LATEST? A referendum is being held tomorrow on whether to extend the requirement for a Swiss Covid Certificate to allow access to restaurants and bars. Polls suggest a ‘yes’ vote.
GETTING IN: Borders open to double-jabbed Britons with passenger locator forms (swissplf.admin.ch).
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: NHS Covid passes are accepted in place of Swiss Covid Certificates. Masks mandatory in indoor public places and on ski lifts.
WHAT THEY SAY: The tourist board is upbeat: ‘It’s not too late to book your winter trip!’
MORE INFORMATION: Myswitzerland.com.
WELCOME IN ITALY
Free to Rome: Fully vaccinated Britons can currently visit Rome and its many tourist attractions – such as the Trevi Fountain, pictured
WHAT’S THE LATEST? Anti-vax protests are ongoing over a Covid Green Pass to enter restaurants/bars/cafes, which was recently extended to workplaces.
GETTING IN: Fully vaccinated tourists can enter with a passenger locator form (app.euplf.eu). A negative Covid test within 48 hours of departure is also required.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: You need a Covid Green Pass for indoor dining and drinking, and ski lifts (dgc.gov.it). Masks required on public transport.
WHAT THEY SAY: Visitors are very welcome, says Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
MORE INFORMATION: Italia.it.
SAFE IN SPAIN
Costa banker: Spain is still open, though there is talk of an 11pm curfew for bars and 1am for clubs if Covid rates continue to rise
WHAT ABOUT GETTING HOME?
You must complete a passenger locator form (gov.uk) within 48 hours of returning to the UK — and buy/book a Day 2 antigen test. These are about £20. If a lockdown is announced when you’re abroad, you should have enough notice to fly back early either at your own expense (claiming via insurance) or your tour operator will arrange this.
Before travelling anywhere, check with your insurer that travel disruption caused by Covid is covered.
WHAT’S THE LATEST? Covid numbers are up. Talk of an 11pm curfew for bars and 1am for clubs if rates keep rising.
GETTING IN: Must be fully jabbed or have proof of recent negative Covid test, plus a Health Control Form (spth.gob.es).
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: Face masks mandatory on public transport. No ‘Covid pass’ required for indoor public places.
WHAT THEY SAY: The more tourists, the merrier, says tourism minister Reyes Maroto.
MORE INFORMATION: Spain.info.
PORTUGAL POTENTIAL
WHAT’S THE LATEST? This week Portugal announced that up-to-date negative Covid tests will be required to enter bars, restaurants, hotels and other indoor venues.
GETTING IN: From Wednesday, all visitors from abroad must also show a negative Covid test result (PCR or antigen) before departing for the country.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE: A recent negative Covid test result is needed for public indoor places. NHS Covid passes should be shown on entry to bars and restaurants.
WHAT THEY SAY: Prime Minister Antonio Costa says that a lockdown is unlikely.
MORE INFORMATION: Visitportugal.com.
All entry requirements and national rules subject to last-minute changes. See gov.uk.
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