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Covid restrictions in France are being lifted with caution

France has had some of the most stringent Covid-19 restrictions in the world.

President Macron had been cautiously easing restrictions in the country after going into lockdown for a third time, and many measures have been lifted. While the discovery of the new variant led to some being brought back in, restrictions are now being eased once again.

As of February 12, fully vaccinated travelers aged 12 and over can visit France provided they provide proof of vaccination and complete a sworn statement declaring that they are not suffering from any Covid-19 symptoms and haven't been in contact with any confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.

However, the rules have since changed on who qualifies as fully vaccinated.

Visitors from the UK aged 18 or over who had their second Covid-19 vaccination administered over nine months ago and have not had a booster jab will no longer be considered as fully vaccinated, and must follow the same rules as unvaccinated travelers, according to an update on the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

However, the requirements for the pass have since changed, with negative PCR tests or proof of recent recovery from the virus no longer valid. Now, only proof of vaccination will be accepted for those aged 16 and over.

Masks or face coverings will no longer be required indoors from March 14. However, they will still be mandatory on public transport.

As of March 14, a vaccine pass will not be required to enter indoor venues, aside from hospitals and care homes.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/france-travel-covid-19/index.html

Italy has simplified its travel rules

Italy has simplified its travel rules for anyone arriving in the country from within the EU and Schengen zone.

Since 1 February, arrivals just need to show either proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test. The test can either be a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours before arrival or a PCR test taken within 48 hours. Tests must be from a certified provider and home test kits are not allowed.

This is a simplification of the previous rules, which required travellers from the EU and Schengen zone to show proof of vaccination or recovery and a negative test result. There was a five-day quarantine period for anyone who was unable to provide both, but this has also been scrapped.

Passengers flying to or from Italy must also wear an FFP2 mask at all times while on board.

The government will review all rules again on 15 March 2022.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/02/22/italy-travel-restrictions-what-are-the-new-testing-rules-for-eu-and-uk-passengers

Switzerland lifts most Covid-19 restrictions

The Swiss government has decided to drop most coronavirus restrictions from 17.02.2022. as the record levels of infections triggered by the Omicron variant have not translated into a peak of hospitalisations.

The government also announced at the highly anticipated press conference in Bern that there would be no further restrictions on the size of private gatherings in Switzerland, while large events would no longer have to apply for authorisations. 

Masks will no longer be mandatory in schools, shops, concert halls or at work. But they will remain compulsory until the end of March on public transport and in healthcare facilities. The government has also kept in place a requirement for people who test positive for Covid-19 to go into isolation for five days.

However, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) confirms that the Federal Council's decision to lift the health-related measures at the border on entry as of February 17, "does not change the continuing pandemic-related entry requirements for third-country nationals."

Source: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-lifts-most-covid-19-restrictions/47352480

Austria's Covid measures are about to be slightly eased

• Since 5 February, the restaurant curfew will be moved from 10 PM to Midnight.

• From 12 February, "2-G" proof is no longer needed to enter shops, museums and body-related services (such as hairdressers). Additionally, there will no longer be an upper limit of people attending events.

• From 19 February, "2-G" will be replaced by "3-G" (vaccinated, recovered or PCR test) at restaurants/hotels in all Austrian provinces except for Vienna where "2-G" remains.

Source: https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information

Italy eases travel from the EU as of February

MILAN, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Italy will ease COVID-19 restrictions for all visitors from European Union countries starting from Feb.1 , the health ministry said on Wednesday.

Minister of Health Roberto Speranza has signed an order stating that travellers from EU countries will only need a “green pass,” it said in statement.

The so-called Green Pass, is a document showing proof of COVID-19 immunity through vaccination, previous infection or a negative test.

On Dec. 14, Italy had ruled that all EU visitors had to take a test before departure, amid concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

According to the ministry, Speranza’s order also renews the go-ahead for travel to a number of non-European tourist spots, widening it to six other destinations: Cuba, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand (limited to the island of Phuket), Oman and French Polynesia.

In September 2021, Italy had set up these so-called COVID-free tourist corridors: Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt (but only Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam), Dominican Republic and Aruba.

Italy reported 167,206 COVID-19 related cases on Wednesday, against 186,740 the day before, the health ministry said, while the number of deaths fell to 426 from 468.

Source - https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-italy-travel-idAFL1N2U62F0