Countries’ latest travel rules including Spain, France, Turkey, Greece, and more

Latest travel rules during the Omicron variant outbreak for countries including Spain, France, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Cyprus and more including face masks and entry requirements

The Omicron variant has seen a number of countries tightening up entry rules for holidaymakers in a bid to spread the curb of the new Covid variant.

That includes some popular holiday destinations such as Spain and France which have introduced new entry requirements, while holiday spots including Switzerland and Austria also have rules in place ahead of ski season.

The UK itself has new travel rules in place which include pre-departure tests for all arrivals, and new PCR test rules for vaccinated travellers.

We take a look at the latest travel rules for popular holiday spots such as Spain (including the Canaries and Balearics), France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and more.

Check out the list below.

Spain

Spain changed its rules on December 1 for Brits. Now, anyone arriving into Spain, the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands from the UK will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid.

This means having received both doses of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before travel – and you’ll need a vaccine certificate to show as proof. (Children under 12 years old are exempt when travelling with an adult).

Passengers will also need to fill out a pre-travel form and obtain a QR code to show at border control.

Face masks are mandatory for anyone over 6 years old in enclosed public spaces, indoor spaces where multiple households are mixing, and outdoor spaces where social distancing of 1.5m is not possible. Face masks are also mandatory on public transport, as well as stations and platforms.

France

Brits heading on France holidays will be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before travel, no matter what their vaccination status.

The UK is currently on France’s amber list meaning only fully vaccinated travellers can visit without needing an essential reason, and without needing to self-isolate. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated won’t be able to visit for non-essential reasons.

Face masks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces. As for outdoors, it’s mandatory in certain regions of France – check the rules for the specific department you’re visiting.

Greece

Greece requires all arrivals from the UK to have filled out a passenger locator form before arrival.

You’ll also need either; a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival, a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival, proof of being fully vaccinated, or having recovered from Covid in the last 30-180 days.

These rules apply to anyone over the age of 12.

As for face masks, these are mandatory in all indoor public places, and crowded outdoor spaces. This applies to all areas of Greece.

Turkey

Anyone aged 6 or over will need to complete an online form at least 72 hours before travel.

All arrivals aged 12 or over will need either; proof of full Covid vaccination at least 14 days before arrival, recent recovery from Covid, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival.

Children aged 11 and under are exempt from the testing and vaccination requirements.

Face masks are mandatory at all times outside of the home including public places, parks, the seaside, public transport and markets.

Portugal

All arrivals aged 12 or over must have completed an online passenger locator form. You’ll need proof of a negative Covid test result – either an antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure, or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Social distancing of 1.5m is in place in Portugal, and face masks should be used in enclosed public spaces and outdoors where the social distancing can not be maintained.

Italy

Fully vaccinated Brits can visit without needing to self-isolate, but they will still need a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before entering Italy.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Brits will need a negative PCR or antigen test and will need to self-isolate for five days with another PCR or antigen test at the end.

All arrivals need to also fill out a pre-departure passenger locator form.

Children under 18 do not need to quarantine if they are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent and have a negative PCR or antigen test. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from testing.

Face masks are mandatory indoors, and outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. (Children under the age of 6 are exempt). It’s worth noting that you’ll also need a Green Pass to access hospitality and leisure venues.

Switzerland

You can visit for non-essential reasons if you are fully vaccinated against Covid and have a negative PCR test when boarding your flight.

All arrivals from the UK must report their arrival to the relevant cantonal office within two days and must complete a further test (antigen or PCR) after 4 to 7 days in Switzerland.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 18 are allowed to enter Switzerland if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.

Face masks are required in areas where social distancing isn’t possible, although children under the age of 12 are exempt.

You’ll need proof of vaccination or a negative test result to gain access to a number of venues including large-scale outdoor events, leisure/cultural/sporting activities indoors, museums, theatres, cinemas, restaurants, bars and more.

Cyprus

The UK is currently on Cyprus’ ‘Red’ category.

Vaccinated travellers aged 12 or over must take a PCR test on arrival at the airport which costs €15, and self-isolate while waiting for the result (this can take around three hours). You’ll also need to get a Cyprus flight pass.

Unvaccinated arrivals need to have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, and will also need to take a second PCR test at the airport in Cyprus.

Face masks are compulsory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces for everyone aged 6 and above.

Austria

Austria is in a national lockdown, with hotels closed to tourists.

According to Austria.info travel “for touristic purposes” will be possible again from December 13, for those who are either fully vaccinated, can show proof of recovery of Covid-19, or proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.

You’ll need to be able to show proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid to gain access to hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, leisure centres, gyms, cultural institutions.

• Travel rules are correct at the time of writing but can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the latest Foreign Office advice for your destination before booking a trip or going abroad.

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