Gatwick and Heathrow: Entry Requirements for Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland as Omicron Cases Increase
Many families were unable to spend this Christmas together due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Families with members in a number of locations abroad could not travel to relatives due to new rules due to fear of the Omicron variant.
This includes increased measures against British people arriving in both France and Germany.
CONTINUE READING:Entry requirements for Portugal and Greece as some countries prohibit the British
The measures are a tough blow to the travel industry and will result in airports like Gatwick and Heathrow being quieter than usual during this busy festive time of year.
Not all countries currently prohibit the British from entering the country – however, some restrictions mean that only certain travelers can travel.
To support your travel plans, SurreyLive has looked at the current entry requirements for popular travel destinations Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Spain
If you are fully vaccinated and you are entering from the UK, you can enter Spain without testing or quarantine.
14 days must have passed since your second vaccination – this does not apply to children under the age of 12 who do not need to show a vaccination card.
If you are not double vaccinated you will not be able to enter the country.
Italy
Like Spain, you can enter Italy after being fully vaccinated, but you still need to take additional measures.
A passenger locator form must be completed prior to entering Italy and a negative PCR test must be performed 48 hours prior to entry. Instead, a negative antigen test can be used 24 hours prior to admission.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to undergo a five-day self-isolation period in Italy. You must also meet the negative test and locator form requirements above.
Regional restrictions also differ in the individual countries, so that in some cases you have to register your arrival with a health department.
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Austria
In Austria the situation is different than in Spain and Italy. You are not allowed to enter Austria without a booster vaccination.
In the case of double vaccinations (AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer), you must prove that you have received the second injection no later than 270 days before arrival.
If you received a booster vaccination more than 120 days after the full vaccination, this must not have been more than 270 days before entry.
Arrivals must also have a negative PCR test no older than 48 hours.
Switzerland
You can travel to Switzerland from the UK if you are fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test for the past 72 hours.
A lateral flow test can also be used if it was performed within the last 24 hours. You also don’t have to take a test in the country.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you cannot enter Switzerland unless you are under 18 years of age and dare to be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.
A passenger locator form must also be completed.
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