With the Omicron covid variant spreading rapidly through the UK, a number of different countries have been taking action to reduce the risk posed by Brits travelling to their nations.
The UK has seen its daily coronavirus case record soar numerous times in the last week and yesterday Scotland recorded 2,434 new cases of COVID-19.
As a result a number of countries in Europe and further afield have been amending their travel rules regarding UK travellers, with the latest being Austria and Sweden in the past day.
Many UK travellers have had their hopes of a winter ski season in Austria scrapped after the country listed the UK as a 'virus variant area'.
Here's the latest restrictions for both Austria and Sweden:
Austria
Austria announced on December 22 that the UK would be added to the list of virus variant areas.
Travellers who have been in such areas in the previous 10 days are therefore required to quarantine for 10 days on arrival unless they are fully vaccinated, including a booster dose, and present a negative PCR test.
There are reports that this will take effect from December 25, with any exemptions still to be confirmed.
The negative PCR test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival.
Travellers should check whether they also need to complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before entry to Austria.
If you are not fully vaccinated then you are generally not permitted to enter Austria.
There are some exceptions to this, including residence or habitual abode in Austria or another EU member state, pregnancy, health issues that mean a vaccination is not possible or for some work reasons.
The Foreign Office adds: "Children up to the age of 12 do not have to provide a test result if travelling under supervision of an adult. If the accompanying adult has to self-isolate, the child must self-isolate too. The child can then leave self-isolation at the same time as the adult. If travelling unattended, the same requirements apply as for adults.
"Children aged 12-18 who are not yet fully-vaccinated can take advantage of a “Holiday Ninja Pass” to access venues."
Sweden
Sweden has also acted to restrict entry from the UK.
The Swedish Government has announced that travellers who can present a UK vaccine certificate are exempt from the ban on entry to Sweden and the Covid-19 test requirement.
If you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Sweden for all purposes, without the need to test or self-isolate if:
- you received your second vaccine dose more than two weeks before you arrive
- the vaccine is approved by the European Medicines Agency
You must provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated.
Children (under 18 years) accompanying fully vaccinated adults are exempted from all travel restrictions, including testing.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need the following:
- proof you are exempt from the current travel ban under another exemption. See the Swedish Police website for further details
- a valid test taken in the last 48 hours or proof you are exempt from the testing requirements. See the Swedish Police website for further details
Everyone entering Sweden from the UK is recommended to get a PCR test for COVID-19 upon arrival. Those who have been vaccinated at least three weeks before arrival in Sweden are exempt from this recommendation.
