Stay Up-to-Date; The Latest Covid Travel News

January 17, 2022 pierce

Please note; we are frequently reviewing and updating the travel information on this blog, and the information below was correct at the time of publication.

Due to the constantly evolving nature of COVID-19, and the ever-changing travel rules and restrictions, you should visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the most up-to-date information; rules can change at any given moment. The travel restrictions apply to travel from the UK.

Each destination country has unique entry requirements, including testing and vaccine status.

This travel news was last updated on 17 January 2022.

Although it’s currently peak ski season, COVID-19 cases are also at their peak in many countries across Europe, meaning booking a ski holiday – or any holiday – has been far from a clear run.

Travel restrictions are constantly changing in many Alps ski destinations, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest travel news and keep up-to-date with any changing rules if you want to book a successful ski holiday!

We’ve gathered all of the latest travel news, restrictions and alerts for some of Europe’s skiing hotspots to help you stay informed about your holidays.

Don’t forget to check back for regular updates!

We will be covering the following ski destinations;

France travel news and restrictions

Austria travel news and restrictions

Switzerland travel news and restrictions

Germany travel news and restrictions

France Travel News and Restrictions

Regulations for Vaccinated Travellers

We’re excited to say that France has now lifted its ban on vaccinated travellers from the UK! We’re so pleased that we can now share the slopes with our UK friends in the many incredible French ski resorts.

You do not need an essential reason for travel
Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to self-isolate on arrival in France
Travellers still need to prove a negative antigen or PCR test taken no longer than 24 hours before travelling

The above rules are for vaccinated travellers only.

Regulations for Unvaccinated Travellers

If you are an unvaccinated adult, you must;

Provide an essential reason for travelling
Complete a passenger EOS for before travelling
Self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival in France

Updated: Monday 17th Jan 2022

Austria Travel News and Restrictions

Austria’s tourism minister described its travel restrictions as, “strict rules, safe winter”. Mostly, travellers must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus.They must also show proof of a booster jab or negative PCR test.

Different rules apply for travellers from countries on Austria’s virus variant list, including the UK, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway.

Regulations for travellers from virus variant areas; the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway

If you are travelling to Austria from a specified virus variant region, currently the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway, the rules and restrictions are as follows:

People who are fully vaccinated AND have received their third booster jab can enter Austria with a negative PCR test (valid 48 hours)
Children under the age of 12 are exempt when travelling with adults
For teenagers aged 12 or older, the same rules apply to those arriving from non-variant countries apply
If you have received two vaccinations and recovered from COVID-19, this also counts as a booster
Proof of recovery is only valid for 180 days. You must still provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before travelling
UK travellers can find more information here.

Restrictions for teenagers and those from non-variant areas

If you are a traveller from a non-virus variant area or a teenager aged 12 or over travelling from a virus variant region, the regulations are as follows;

Proof that you are fully vaccinated, or you must show proof of past infection
You must be able to show the date of recovery, therefore for UK travellers, an NHS email or text of a positive test is not valid
Travellers must also show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel OR proof of a booster jab

Updated: Monday 17th Jan 2022

Switzerland Travel News and Restrictions

The rules for ski resorts in Switzerland were eased back in October 2021 under a government agreement that no certification from travellers is required to access the slopes.

General entry regulations for travellers to Switzerland are;

Travellers must show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival
A second test must be taken between days four and seven after entering Switzerland
Vaccinated or fully recovered travellers can enter for any reason if they have a negative result. Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to take additional tests
A COVID certificate (proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test) is required to enter any indoor bars, restaurants or other facilities
A COVID certificate is not required if you only plan to eat in outdoor seating areas