Latest travel rules for Spain, France, Greece, Turkey and more during Omicron

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

The Omicron variant has seen a number of countries toughen entry rules for holidaymakers in a bid to extend the drag on the new Covid variant.

This includes some popular holiday destinations such as Spain and France which have introduced new entry requirements, while holiday destinations like Switzerland and Austria also have rules in place before the ski season.

The UK itself has new travel rules in place that include pre-departure testing for all arrivals and new PCR testing rules for vaccinated travelers.

We take a look at the latest travel rules for popular vacation spots like Spain (including the Canaries and Balearic Islands), France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and more.

Check out the list below.

Spain

Spain changed its rules on December 1 for the British. Now anyone arriving in 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 will need a vaccination certificate as proof. (Children under 12 are exempt when traveling with an adult).

Passengers will also need to complete a pre-travel form and obtain a QR code to present to border control.

Face masks are mandatory for anyone over 6 years old in enclosed public spaces, interior spaces where several households mix and exterior spaces where a social distance of 1.5m is not possible. Face masks are also mandatory on public transport, as well as at stations and platforms.

France

Britons going on holiday to France will have to show proof of a negative PCR or Covid-19 antigen test carried out within 48 hours before travel, regardless of their vaccination status.

The UK is currently on France’s Orange List, which means only fully vaccinated travelers can visit without needing a critical reason and without needing to self-isolate. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people will not be able to attend for non-essential reasons.

Face masks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces. As for the exterior, it is mandatory in some areas of France – check the rules for the specific department you are visiting.

Greece

Greece requires all arrivals from the UK to have completed a passenger locator form prior to arrival.

You will also need one or the other; a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours before arrival, a negative antigen test carried out within 48 hours before arrival, proof of being fully vaccinated or of having recovered from Covid within 30 to 180 last days.

These rules apply to anyone over 12 years old.

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

Turkey

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

All arrivals 12 years of age or older will require one or the other; proof of complete vaccination against Covid at least 14 days before arrival, recent recovery from Covid, negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours before arrival or negative antigen test carried out within 48 hours before arrival ‘arrival.

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

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

Portugal

All arrivals aged 12 or older must have completed an online passenger locator form. You will need proof of a negative Covid test result – either an antigen test done within 48 hours of departure or a PCR test done within 72 hours of departure.

Social distancing of 1.5m is in place in Portugal, and face masks must be used in enclosed public spaces and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Italy

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

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Britons 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 must also complete a passenger locator form prior to departure.

Children under 18 do not need to be quarantined if they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent and have a negative PCR or antigen test. Children under 6 are exempt from the test.

Face masks are mandatory indoors and in outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. (Children under 6 are exempt). It should be noted that you will also need a Green Pass to access the reception and leisure venues.

Switzerland

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

All arriving from the UK must report their arrival to the relevant cantonal office within two days and must undergo another test (antigen or PCR) after 4-7 days in Switzerland.

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

Face masks are mandatory in areas where social distancing is not possible, although children under 12 are exempt.

You will need proof of vaccination or a negative test result to access a number of venues including large scale outdoor events, indoor leisure / cultural / sporting activities, museums, theaters, cinemas, restaurants, bars and more.

Cyprus

The UK is currently in the “Red” category of Cyprus.

Vaccinated travelers aged 12 or over must undergo a PCR test upon arrival at the airport which costs € 15, and self-isolate while awaiting the result (this may take around three hours). You will also need a Cyprus flight pass.

Unvaccinated arrivals must undergo a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, and will also need to undergo a second PCR test at the Cyprus airport.

Face masks are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces for anyone aged 6 and over.

Austria

Austria is in national containment, with hotels closed to tourists.

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

You will need to be able to show proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid to access hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, recreation centers, gymnasiums, cultural institutions.

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

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