Heathrow and Gatwick: Latest travel rules for France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece as Omicron sweeps Europe

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A number of European countries are preparing for stricter travel restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the new Omicron variant spreads across Europe.

Health officials are preparing for a new wave of infections as Omicron is set to become the dominant strain of the virus.

So far, the UK has been hardest hit so far with nearly 15,000 confirmed cases of Omicron on Friday. Many countries across Europe have now taken measures to limit travel in an effort to lower infection rates.

Read more: London Covid: 26,000 new cases recorded in the capital within 24 hours as Omicron surge breaks records

The new restrictions are set to disrupt those planning the Christmas holidays.

France France has now closed its borders to the British (Image: Getty Images)

France closed its borders to travelers from the UK for business or tourism at 11pm on Friday (17 December). French Prime Minister Jean Castix warned that the alternative was “spreading at lightning speed”.

Entry will be granted only to Britons who have an essential reason to visit France. Huge queues formed at Dover and Eurostar stations as people tried to get in before the ban went into effect.

The French prime minister said the travel restrictions were part of a series of measures being taken to stem the flow of new infections. Others included requiring a full vaccination to enter restaurants and long-distance public transportation.

New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks displays have also been cancelled, and it is not yet known when France can lift the travel ban.

France is not the only country tightening its control.

Spanish Brits bound for Spain need to be fully vaccinated (Image: GETTY)

Brits heading for some winter sun to Spain, the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands will need to be fully vaccinated to let them in.

This means that you have received a full course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you travel.

The rules apply to anyone age 12 or older, which means that unvaccinated children between the ages of 12 and 17 won’t be able to visit under the new rules.

All UK travelers will also need to fill out a pre-travel form and obtain a QR code to show at border controls.

Italy and Italy require Britons traveling to test negative within 48 hours (Photo: ELIO CASTORIA/AFP via Getty Images)

Italy also changed its travel rules this week. The popular tourist destination now requires all arrivals to the UK to have a negative Covid PCR test within 48 hours prior to arrival.

Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid can choose an antigen test within 24 hours as an alternative.

Those who have not been vaccinated or have been partially vaccinated will need to isolate themselves for five days, and have a second test – this could be a PCR or antigen test.

All arrivals also need to fill out a passenger locator form before traveling, as you will need to get a QR code to show at border control.

Children under the age of 18 are exempt from quarantine if they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent and (for those over 6 years old) they have a negative PCR or antigen test. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from the test.

Travelers in Portugal over the age of 12 need to prove they are negative (Image: PA)

Travelers 12 years of age or older will need proof of a negative Covid test result, regardless of their vaccination status. This can be either a PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure, or an antigen test performed within 48 hours of departure.

Travelers will also need to complete an online passenger locator form prior to travel.

Greece’s rules for Greece apply to anyone over the age of 12 (Image: Getty Images)

Greece requires all visitors from the UK to fill out a passenger locator form prior to arrival.

Visitors to the UK also need to provide either a negative PCR test done within 72 hours prior to arrival, or a negative antigen test done within 48 hours prior to arrival, and proof that they have had a full vaccination, or have recovered from Covid in the last 30-180 days.

These rules apply to anyone over 12 years old.

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