Covid vaccine: Travel advice and rules for European hotspots including Austria

The government have issued travel advice for tourists looking to get away on a winter break to the likes of France, Austria and Germany. Here’s everything you need to know…

Tourists looking for a European winter getaway have been left disappointed today following the news that Austria is due to enter into a full national lockdown on Monday.

The news comes as an ominous sign for the 57{32bc5e747b31d501df756e0d52c4fc33c2ecc33869222042bcd2be76582ed298} of Brits that are said to be planning a trip abroad over the next 12 months.

The data, collected by AllClear, has found that half of British adults are planning to go away over the next year – a 46{32bc5e747b31d501df756e0d52c4fc33c2ecc33869222042bcd2be76582ed298} rise on this time 12 months ago.

News surrounding Austria’s impending lockdown will be disappointing to many and comes amidst news that Munich has cancelled its world-famous Christmas market over fear about rising numbers of coronavirus cases, as Germany reportedly considers following its neighbour.

Cases in Austria are thought to have reached 990 per 100,000 people.

AllClear chief Chris Rolland said: “Our latest findings underline how desperate many people are to get away for a decent holiday.

We are all conscious of the Covid risks this winter, with parts of Europe currently experiencing a rise in case numbers. That said, this survey shows that UK holiday makers are taking a long-term view and the position for 2022 is one of confidence

Can I still travel to Austria, Germany and France?

Whether or not you’re double jabbed it’s always worth checking the government website of the country you’re wanting to travel to.

However if you are planning on travelling to Austria, Germany or France you will need to either have evidence you are double jabbed or meet each country’s travel criteria.

All three countries have varying requirements for unvaccinated arrivals so be sure to read the government guidelines before you go.

What proof of vaccination do I need to bring to these European countries?

Travellers can still head to Austria as long as they are double-jabbed and can show proof despite the lockdown, although they will be subject to the lockdown once there. Double-jabbed arrivals will not need to fill in any forms, isolate or take a Covid test upon entry. Your second jab must not have been longer than 270 days ago.

Similarly in France arrivals with two jabs won’t need an essential reason, need to isolate or present a negative test result. They will need to show they were jabbed using the pass sanitaire system.

Meanwhile in Germany all fully vaccinated UK arrivals may enter the country for any travel purpose. You must present proof you have received a vaccine approved in Germany – this can be done using NHS proof.

Can you travel without a vaccine to Austria, Germany and France?

Non-jabbed travellers to Austria must return a negative test, fill out a clearance form and isolate for ten days. From November 22 only PCR tests will be accepted for this.

In France you must have an essential reason to travel if you are unvaccinated.

Regarding Germany, the UK government said: “Those individuals who are not fully vaccinated may only enter Germany from the UK if they are a German citizen; the spouse/partner/child under 18 of a German citizen; a resident of Germany; the spouse/partner/child under 18 of a resident of Germany; serve in an important role; or have an urgent need to travel.”

For full up to date information about your destination be sure to visit the government website and be sure to make sure of all entry requirements before you travel.