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Heathrow and Gatwick: Latest travel advice for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy

Heathrow and Gatwick: Latest travel advice for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy

The relaxation of covid measures has meant travelling abroad is a lot easier. Since February 11 people arriving into the UK will no longer need to take a day two test, providing you are fully vaccinated. Passenger locator forms are still in place but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that there are plans for it to be removed by Easter.

However, many countries still have restrictions in place with varying rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. It’s important to make sure you’re away of the rules before embarking on a journey. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy

READ MORE: Heathrow and Gatwick: Latest travel rules for Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt

Germany

As of last week, pre-departure digital registration is not required for travellers from the UK. All travellers aged 6 or over entering Germany from anywhere abroad must carry with them a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery. Proof of recovery requires at least 28 days and no more than 90 days to have elapsed since the date of the positive COVID-19 test.

Travellers from the UK to Germany who are not fully vaccinated may not currently enter Germany unless 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.

Austria

All travellers must show either proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days or a negative test to enter Austria. PCR test results are valid for 72 hours from the time of sampling; Antigen test results are valid for 24 hours. Lateral flow self-tests are not accepted.

If you are not fully vaccinated and don’t qualify for exemptions, then you will need to prove recovery or have a negative test.

Switzerland

It is no longer necessary to provide proof of a negative test or complete an entry form to enter Switzerland. If you’re fully vaccinated you can enter Switzerland without needing to test or quarantine and at least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of the vaccine.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated are only eligible to enter Switzerland from the UK if they are:

  • Swiss or Liechtenstein nationals
  • EU or EFTA nationals

Or hold one of the following documents:

  • a residence permit, i.e. a Swiss residence permit (L / B / C / Ci permits);
  • a cross-border permit (G permit);
  • an FDFA legitimation card;
  • a D visa issued by Switzerland;
  • confirmation of notification for the cross-border provision of services up to 90 days;
  • a ‘laissez passer’ issued by the Swiss Embassy in situations of special necessity
Italy

Adult travellers will need to complete a passenger locator form (EU PLF) to enter or travel through Italy as a visitor. All visitors must also show evidence of a negative PCR taken within 48 hours before entering Italy or a negative rapid lateral flow test taken within the 24 hours before entering Italy.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, exempt from vaccination, or you cannot demonstrate that you’re fully vaccinated, to enter Italy from the UK you must isolate for 5 days and ensure that you take a private transfer to your accommodation.

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