With Europe’s borders now open to the influx of refugees and migrants, many in need of food, shelter, jobs and other necessities have been flocking to these countries. How are they impacting travel? What is being done to help with this issue?
The “travel restrictions by country” is a new law that has been making headlines in Europe. The law was passed to prevent travel between countries due to the increased risk of terrorism and other security threats.
Since its discovery at the end of November, the uber-contagious Omicron variety has spread to 89 nations, making it the world’s most contagious virus.
Due to Omicron’s rapid growth, many European countries have been forced to enact lockdown measures in recent days. New limitations have unfortunately come just in time to possibly spoil people’s end-of-year vacation plans, making travel to and throughout Europe more difficult.
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That will be particularly true for Britons, given that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the United Kingdom (UK), and the British government is forecasting an Omicron “tidal wave.” According to CNN, the United Kingdom recorded over 90,000 cases on Saturday for the second day in a row, with over 10,000 of them being Omicron instances.
Only yesterday, the Netherlands announced harsh new lockdown measures, including the closure of all non-essential stores, hospitality companies, and cultural facilities, as well as a restriction of two visitors for interior gatherings throughout the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
According to CNN, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated in a televised speech on Sunday that the decision was “unavoidable because of the fifth wave that is coming for us with the Omicron variant,” and that prolonging the lockdown would likely result in “an unsustainable situation in hospitals.”
The Omicron countermeasures from the Netherlands came only days after Germany announced a 14-day quarantine rule on all tourists arriving from the United Kingdom, which goes into force today.
Meanwhile, France has prohibited all non-essential passengers from the United Kingdom, allowing only those Britons with a “compelling cause” to enter. Many British visitors planning to fly across the Channel for the forthcoming Alpine ski season will be disappointed.
In the Mediterranean, both Greece and Italy have implemented new regulations requiring all international visitors, including those from European Union nations beyond their national boundaries, to provide documentation of a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter. Italy accepts quick antigen testing conducted within 24 hours of departure, whereas Greece requires more precise PCR tests taken within 48 hours of departure. Travelers from Schengen-area nations who were completely vaccinated were previously able to enter without being tested.
Europe’s map. (Photo courtesy of iStock/Getty Images) E+/wsfurlan)
Even for fully vaccinated or proven-recovered international tourists, Portugal has reinstated required pre-travel testing. Arrivals must present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of boarding their Portugal-bound aircraft or an antigen test taken within 48 hours, regardless of their country of origin or nationality.
In the last several days, rising infection rates in the Scandinavian destinations of Denmark and Norway have necessitated the implementation of additional COVID-19 procedures. Denmark has ordered the closing of public facilities such as theaters, music halls, and amusement parks, while Norway has ordered the closure of fitness centers and public swimming pools, as well as the prohibition of alcohol sale in bars and restaurants.
Sweden is also removing its vaccine passport exemption for visitors from Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Norway as of December 21. Visitors from those countries will now be required to provide evidence of complete immunization in order to enter Swedish borders.
COVID-19 instances involving the Omicron strain are doubling every one and a half to three days, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Check out our interactive guide for the most up-to-date information about travel throughout the world:
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The “germany travel restrictions” is a problem that has been present for some time. Omicron, an airline company, is impacting travel to and within Europe. The European Union has also released guidelines about what travelers can expect when traveling to Germany.
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- travel restrictions ireland
