Latest COVID-19 Restrictions in Europe: What Travelers Need to Know
Europe remains the epicenter of the pandemic as it grapples with a surge in Delta-driven infections. The emergence of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant in countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, and Germany is anticipated to intensify the pressure, resulting in further border and domestic restrictions as governments rush to curb infection rates.
Belgium has enacted a curfew on specific hospitality venues in response to rising cases and the detection of the new Omicron variant. Additionally, the Netherlands has implemented a partial lockdown, compelling bars and restaurants to cease operations from 5 PM to 5 AM.
In various parts of Germany, entry to restaurants, bars, cinemas, and hairdressers is limited to vaccinated individuals or those who can demonstrate recent recovery from COVID-19. Authorities have not ruled out further extensions of these regulations.
Current Response Across Europe
Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, stated that the situation is now at an “extent that it has never been at any point in this pandemic.” Moreover, the Guardian reports that Prof Lothar Wieler, head of the Robert Koch Institute, has called for “a massive contact reduction immediately” in Germany as cases continue to climb. Other nations, including Slovakia and Austria, have escalated their COVID-19 measures with full nationwide lockdowns, following tightened health pass rules in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy.
The UK has reintroduced mandatory face coverings on public transport and in shops. Starting Tuesday, PCR tests will be mandatory for anyone entering the UK in response to the spread of the new Omicron variant. Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that these measures are “temporary and precautionary.”
Travel Considerations for Winter in Europe
If you intend to travel to Europe this winter, it is crucial to remain informed about current COVID-19 restrictions, as these regulations may impact your plans.
Which Countries are Reimposing Restrictions?
The answer is: many. Travelers visiting Europe during the holiday season should prepare for a vastly different situation compared to summer. From Austria to Belgium, and Croatia to Denmark, restrictions are reappearing rapidly. Most measures target unvaccinated individuals, yet some impact everyone. For instance, the Netherlands has enacted a partial lockdown leading to early closures of hospitality venues.
The current crisis in Europe can be attributed to factors such as waning immunity, eased or incomplete restrictions, and colder weather driving people indoors. Moreover, a significant rise in cases is linked to lower vaccination rates in countries facing surges.
Austria has adopted a stringent approach by imposing a nationwide lockdown from November 22 through December 13, coupled with vaccine mandates for its entire population starting in February. Austria has been reported to have the lowest vaccination rate in Europe, with only 65% of its population fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Germany follows closely with a 67% vaccination rate, prompting public health officials to demand stricter measures.
Can I Still Travel to Europe?
Travelers who are fully vaccinated—having received their second dose or booster shot—should generally be able to travel, provided they are not headed to a country under complete lockdown. However, unvaccinated individuals may face additional restrictions, which vary by location. Within the EU, unvaccinated travelers moving between countries will have to navigate specific testing requirements, as the EU and Schengen Zone increase their list of high-risk countries.
Unvaccinated travelers from outside the EU encounter even stricter regulations, such as quarantine mandates or travel bans based on their origins. For example, unvaccinated Americans must self-isolate upon arrival in Italy, while travel to the Netherlands is prohibited for them.
As of Tuesday, all individuals entering the UK (excluding from Ireland) must take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival, which must be pre-arranged with a government-approved provider. Travelers are also required to self-isolate while they wait for their test results.
Will I Need to Show My Vaccination Certificate in Europe?
In most cases, yes. Numerous countries will require proof of vaccination at the border to avoid quarantine and testing obligations. As new COVID-19 waves arise, it is increasingly common for nations to mandate vaccination proof for access to services.
Countries such as Greece, Italy, Denmark, France, Croatia, Austria, Germany, Norway, and Belgium have tightened or expanded health pass regulations in response to rising cases. Proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or a negative COVID-19 test may be required to access hospitality, leisure, and entertainment venues, in addition to some public services.
Do the New Restrictions Affect Ski Resorts?
While restrictions differ, expect mask mandates, capacity limitations on ski lifts, and social distancing in most ski resorts. Travelers may need to provide evidence of vaccination, recent recovery, or a negative test. Countries like France and Italy require visitors to present COVID passes to utilize ski lifts. Austria’s ski season is anticipated to begin once the nationwide lockdown concludes on December 13, although strict measures are likely considering past COVID-19 outbreaks at resorts like Ischgl, which previously became the center of Austria’s largest COVID-19 cluster.
Are Large Events Still Happening?
As travelers anticipate seasonal activities like Christmas markets, concerts, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, they should prepare for potential cancellations. Although Germany has already canceled some Christmas markets, large cancellations are not yet widespread. Nevertheless, enhanced health and safety measures, including earlier closing times and capacity restrictions, are likely to be implemented for large events. As governments strive to mitigate surging case numbers amid concerns about the new variant, additional disruptions may arise.
In conclusion: If you have planned trips, consult your local embassy’s website for the latest COVID-19 entry and domestic updates. The Re-open EU website is also a reliable source for current information. Restrictions may be reinstated or extended without notice based on the pandemic’s status.
For further insights on COVID-19 related travel issues, consider visiting iBestTravel’s Health Hub.
This article was first published on November 12, 2021, and updated on November 29, 2021.
