COVID-19 European travel updates

COVID-19 European travel updates

Latest news to help you stay informed about your holidays abroad

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Last updated 1 September 2021

We are pleased to provide an update on European travel in line with guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK Government and European Governments. 

Travel restrictions are starting to ease with the FCDO no longer advising against travel to most of our European destinations, although some countries only allow entry for tourists if they are fully vaccinated.       

All countries, including the UK, require some form of Covid-19 travel documentation such as proof of vaccination status, health forms or negative test results before entry is allowed.  

The NHS testing service should not be used for travel abroad and there are many private companies that can provide Covid-19 tests for both entry to your destination and return to the UK. A list of providers that have been approved by the government can be found at https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider.  In addition Eurotunnel and some ferry operators have arrangements with providers which may be convenient. 

As rules and regulations can change quickly it is really important to check the official guidance before and during your holidays.  

You should be prepared for possible queues at Eurotunnel and ferry ports due to increased documentation checks.  Plus facemasks may still be mandatory on ferry crossings and within Europe. 

The current situation means that we are taking campsite bookings for countries where the FCDO advice allows travel and UK tourists are permitted to enter without quarantine.

We are continually monitoring the situation and will keep this page updated with the latest information. Eurotunnel and the ferry companies continue to operate reduced schedules and can be booked for all travel dates.

See the latest information for each European country

For the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

For the latest advice on the situation in each European country please visit: https://reopen.europa.eu/en

Rest assured that as a Club, we're keeping a very close eye on developments and reviewing the situation regularly to ensure we can fully reopen up European travel to you all as soon as we're able to. 

We'll keep this page updated as and when things change so please check back regularly for important updates.

Existing bookings

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We appreciate that at this time some members may not feel comfortable travelling overseas so we are being as flexible as we can be.  

As part of our Book with Confidence commitments, if you wish to change your travel plans, we are pleased to advise that we are currently waiving our Club amendment and Club cancellation fees for all bookings regardless of European travel destination or travel date.

Please note that while the Club is waiving our own amendment and cancellation fees, there may still be charges applicable from ferry companies, Eurotunnel or campsites, but we will do our best to work with suppliers to keep these to a minimum. For amendments, any difference in the crossing fare or campsite fees will still apply. 

Eurotunnel and most ferry companies have not cancelled their services and are encouraging amendments to travel later this year or issuing vouchers which can be used against future travel.

Please call us on 01342 316 101, our team will be happy to help.  

Important information to check before travelling

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, rules and regulations around international travel have changed regularly, so we’ve put together a handy step-by-step checklist to ensure you have the most up to date information.

Check UK Government advice*

Check the international travel advice issued by your own government to determine the applicable restrictions applying to where and when you intend to travel.

Check FCDO travel advice

Check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development advice for destination(s) you will travel to or through. Insurance policies may be invalidated if you travel against this advice.

Check destination entry requirements

Check entry requirements for your destination(s). Is non-essential travel allowed? Are health check forms, or proof of negative tests, Covid-19 vaccinations or quarantine required?

Check destination Covid-19 restrictions

Check the Covid-19 restrictions in your destination(s). Is there a curfew in place, are cafes and restaurants open, are tourist attractions open?

Check rules for your return to the UK

Check the 'Traffic Light' status of ALL the countries you will travel to or through as this will determine any applicable covid testing and quarantine requirements.

Check your travel insurance policy

Check you have an appropriate and valid travel insurance policy in place for the duration of your intended trip.

*Please note: the UK government and devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may have different rules or guidelines about travelling abroad.

Latest information by destination

Austria

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Entry is allowed from the UK but restrictions depend on vaccination status.  All travellers should complete a pre-travel clearance form - details here: https://entry.ptc.gv.at/en.html
    Fully vaccinated arrivals need to provide proof of vaccination status.
    Those not fully vaccinated need to:
    • Provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test, PCR within 72 hours or antigen within 48 hours of entry
    • Quarantine for 10 days on arrival but can be reduced to 5 days with another negative test.
  • Restrictions in country: 
    • Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open but with restrictions.  
    • To gain entry to restaurants, tourist accommodation and indoor attractions guests need to provide a negative Covid-19 test result or proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from Covid-19. 
    • Face masks are compulsory on public transport and in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.sozialministerium.at/
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. The rules of the highest risk country must be followed when entering the UK.

Austria is a GREEN country. 

    • All arrivals must:
      • Present proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 3 days of departure from the overseas destination, applicable to anyone aged 11 years and above. For full details of test requirements, see Covid-19 testing guidance on gov.uk.
      • Complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival into the UK. Details here: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.

Belgium

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel  
  • Entry requirements: Entry allowed from the UK but restrictions depend on vaccination status.  Those not fully vaccinated can only enter for essential reasons.
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals need to provide proof of vaccination status and must quarantine on arrival until a test is taken on day 1 and a negative result is received.  A further test is required on day 7. 
    • Fully vaccinated travellers should complete a passenger locator form, more details here: https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/faq/ 
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality, cultural attractions open with restrictions. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible 
  • Further information: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/travel_to_belgium
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK.

Belgium is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Croatia

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Croatia allows entry for UK tourists and they must:
    • Complete an online entry form prior to arrival at the border with health and contact details and proof of accommodation booking. Form available here: https://entercroatia.mup.hr/
    • Provide proof of full vaccination status AND 
    • Provide proof of a negative Covid-19 antigen test not older than 48 hours OR 
    • Provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test not older than 72 hours 
    Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality, cultural attractions open with restrictions. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 1.5m distance is not possible
  • Further information: https://mup.gov.hr/uzg-covid/english/286212 or https://www.koronavirus.hr/travelling-find-all-important-information-in-one-place/210
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. The rules of the highest risk country must be followed when entering the UK.

    Croatia is on the GREEN Watchlist which means it is at risk of moving to an Amber country.

    All arrivals must: 

Czech Republic

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Entry allowed from the UK but restrictions depend on vaccination status.  Those not fully vaccinated can only enter for essential reasons.
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals need to provide proof of vaccination status 
    • Fully vaccinated travellers should complete a passenger locator form, more details here: https://plf.uzis.cz/
  • Restrictions in country: Non-essential shops and hospitality closed
    • FFP2 standard face masks are compulsory for anyone over 15 years old in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.mvcr.cz/ and https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/coronavirus-information-of-moi.aspx.
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. 

Czech Republic is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

France

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: France has introduced a 'traffic light' system for international arrivals. The UK is currently on the 'amber' list and entry rules are determined by vaccination status.  
    Non-vaccinated people can only enter France for essential reasons.
    Fully vaccinated people can enter France for tourist reasons but must provide:
    • Proof of fully vaccinated status   
    • Sworn statement to be completed before entry (French embassy website) 
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions are open but with restrictions. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces. Entry to bars, restaurants, shopping centres, leisure and cultural attractions is only permitted upon proof of fully vaccinated status or a negative Covid test result from the previous 48 hours (excluding children 17 years and under until 30 September). Campsites may ask for this proof at check-in.  
    How to demonstrate vaccination status?
    UK residents can show they are fully vaccinated by showing the NHS Covid app or by downloading the French government “TousAntiCovid” app and clicking on the option “Scan a QR code” to scan the QR code from their digital NHS England vaccination certification. This will save the vaccination data in the “wallets” section of the TousAntiCovid app
  • Further information: https://uk.ambafrance.org/
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK.

France is an AMBER country.

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Germany

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: UK residents who are not fully vaccinated are restricted to essential travel only. Fully vaccinated UK residents can enter Germany as tourists with proof of vaccination status and must complete a digital registration form before entry - more details here: https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions are open with restrictions.  FFP2 face masks must be worn on public transport and in shops. Non-medical grade masks can be worn in other enclosed public spaces and where 1.5m distance is not possible  From 23 Aug 21 proof of vaccination or negative test (24hrs old antigen or 48hrs old PCR) required for entry to indoor bars, restaurants & indoor pools & sports halls
  • Further information: https://www.bmi.bund.de/
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. The rules of the highest risk country must be followed when entering the UK.

Germany is a GREEN country. 

    • All arrivals must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.

Ireland

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Entry rules are determined by vaccination status.
    ALL arrivals must complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form prior to arrival in Ireland https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ab900-covid-19-passenger-locator-form/
    Fully vaccinated people who can provide proof of vaccination status can enter without testing or self-isolation. 
    Non-vaccinated people can enter but must:  
    • Present proof of a negative PCR Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival
    • Self-isolate for 14 days after arrival. This can be reduced to 5 days if a negative PCR test result is given from day 5  
  • Restrictions in country: Shops and hospitality are open with restrictions. To enter indoor hospitality venues proof of vaccination status is required. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/
  • Return to UK: No specific Covid requirements (Covid tests, Passenger Locator Forms or self-isolation are not required). Visit gov.uk for details.

Italy

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel 
  • Entry requirements: Italy permits entry from the UK and rules are determined by vaccination status.  All travellers must complete a self-declaration form to be completed before entry.. Download the form here.
    • Fully vaccinated travellers must provide proof of vaccination status and proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of entry 
    • Unvaccinated travellers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test within 48 hours of entry, quarantine for 5 days on arrival before taking another test and register with the regional authorities   
      
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open with restrictions.  To enter indoor hospitality proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 tests must be shown. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible 
  • Further information: http://www.italia.it/en/useful-info/tourism-restarts-in-italy.html
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. 

Italy is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Luxembourg

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Luxembourg has restricted non-essential travel from the UK
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open with restrictions.  Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible
  • Further information: https://covid19.public.lu/en/travellers/visiting-luxembourg.html
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. 

Luxembourg is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Netherlands

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel.

Entry requirements: Travel from the UK for unvaccinated arrivals is restricted to essential travel only and they must quarantine for 10 days on arrival. 

  •  Fully vaccinated arrivals can enter for tourism reasons but must provide proof of fully vaccinated status and provide proof of negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure or negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. 
  • All arrivals from high risk countries must complete a quarantine declaration form before entry (even if transiting through for less than 12 hours or are exempt from quarantine as fully vaccinated)

 

  • Restrictions in country: Open with restrictions. To enter hospitality venues, cultural, amusement or recreational centres a proof of vaccination status or a negative Covid-19 test is required. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces.
  • Further information: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. 

Netherlands is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Portugal (mainland)

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Portugal allows travel from the UK but entry rules are determined by vaccination status. 
    • Fully vaccinated travellers must provide proof of vaccination status
    • Unvaccinated travellers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry or antigen test within 48 hours of entry
    • ALL arrivals must complete a Passenger Locator Card 
    • Overland entry to Portugal from Spain is possible but you should check the requirements for entering and transiting Spain before travel.
      
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open with some local restrictions in place. Proof of vaccination status or negative test is required for campsites and entry to some restaurants. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 2m distance is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/421175
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. 

Portugal is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Slovenia

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel.
  • Entry requirements: Slovenia allows travel from the UK and arrivals must show 
    • Proof of full vaccination status OR  
    • Proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result not older than 72 hours OR
    • Proof of a negative Covid-19 Antigen test result not older than 48 hours 
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open with restrictions. Proof of vaccination status or negative test required for all aged 18+ for entry inside bars, restaurants, campsites. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 1.5m distance is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.policija.si/ and https://www.gov.si/en/topics/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/border-crossing/
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. The rules of the highest risk country must be followed when entering the UK.

Slovenia is a GREEN country. 

    • All arrivals must:
      • Present proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 3 days of departure from the overseas destination, applicable to anyone aged 11 years and above. For full details of test requirements, see Covid-19 testing guidance on gov.uk.
      • Complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival into the UK. Details here: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above

Spain (mainland)

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: Entry to Spain from the UK requires either:
    • Proof of full vaccination status or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 72 hours prior to travel     
    • For all arrivals an online health form to be completed within 48 hours of arrival. Form available here: www.spth.gob.es
  • Restrictions in destination: Curfews are possible in some regions from 23:00-06:00. Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open with restrictions that vary by region. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where social distancing of 1.5m is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.spain.info/en_GB/reportajes/informacion-practica-turistas-covid-19-viajar-espana.html and https://www.spth.gob.es/
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK. 

Spain is an AMBER country. 

    • All arrivals must:
    • Fully vaccinated arrivals from Amber countries must:
      • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • Present proof of fully vaccinated status.
    • Arrivals from Amber countries who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days after arrival and must:
      • Book and pay for two Covid-19 PCR tests to be taken on Day 2 and Day 8 of self-isolation, applicable to anyone aged 5 years and above.
      • On arrival they must travel directly to their place of self-isolation and stay there for 10 days.

Switzerland

  • FCDO advice: No advice against travel
  • Entry requirements: UK residents who are not fully vaccinated are restricted to essential travel only. Fully vaccinated UK residents can enter Switzerland as tourists with proof of vaccination status and must complete an entry form before arrival. More details here: https://swissplf.admin.ch/home
  • Restrictions in country: Shops, hospitality and cultural attractions open with restrictions. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces and where 1.5m distance is not possible.
  • Further information: https://www.bag.admin.ch/
  • Return to UK: Entry requirements are determined by the vaccination status of travellers and the Traffic Light System colour categorisation of all countries visited in the 10 days prior to arrival into the UK.  The rules of the highest risk country must be followed when entering the UK.       

    Switzerland is a GREEN country. 

    All arrivals must: 

    • Present proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 3 days of departure from the overseas destination, applicable to anyone aged 11 years and above. For full details of test requirements, see Covid-19 testing guidance on gov.uk    
    • Complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival into the UK.  More details: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
    • Book and pay for a Covid-19 PCR test to be taken on Day 2 after arrival, applicable for anyone aged 5 years and above
  •  

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