Heathrow and Gatwick: Latest travel advice for France, Spain, Italy, Portugal

Christmas holiday plans have once again been disrupted with new travel restrictions due to the spread of Omicron.

The new variant has spread rapidly across Europe with 3,137 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the UK.

Europe has brought in tighter restrictions for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers meaning many holidays have been disrupted.

READ MORE: Heathrow & Gatwick: Latest UK Foreign Office travel advice for Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary

Here’s what you need to know about entry to France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

France

Holiday hotspot France has tightened restrictions for unvaccinated travellers.

Those who are unvaccinated are unable to enter the country unless for an essential reason.

You’ll also need to present an International Travel Certificate which identifies your reason for travelling as well as a sworn statement which states you are not suffering from any of the symptoms of Covid 19.

Self isolation is also required for 7 days.

Vaccinated passengers will need to show proof of vaccination and also complete a sworn statement which can be done online.

Spain

All passengers, regardless of vaccination status will need to complete a Health Control Form which can be done online.

Vaccinated travellers can enter the country and will just need to show proof of vaccination.

If you’re unvaccinated then you will not be permitted entry into Spain.

Italy

Every passenger will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form before entering the country.

A negative PCR test will need to be shown when you arrive, taken no earlier than 48 hours before arrival.

Vaccinated passengers can show the NHS Covid Pass and there is no need to isolate.

If you’re unvaccinated then you’ll need to notify the Prevention Department of the local health authority of your entry into Italy and travel to your destination by private transport only.

Once there you’ll need to isolate for five days and take a PCR test at the end of your five day isolation.

Portugal

Before arrival you’ll need to complete an online passenger locator card and show a negative covid test, which can be an antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure, or a RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

At the airport you’ll be subject to a health screening.

If your temperature is 38ºC or over or you show signs of being unwell, you may be required to take a COVID-19 test and remain at the airport until you receive your test result.

Whilst the rules don’t differ for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, be prepared to show your COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative COVID-19 test at border control, if requested.

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