European Countries Introduce New PCR Requirements

The emergence of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 forced many European countries to tighten arrival requirements. Starting from December 7th, travelers arriving in the UK will need to take a pre-departure test (LFD or PCR). The test must be taken “as close to the departure as possible” but no more than 48 hours before it. The rule applies to everyone aged 12 or older.

Last week, 21 Omicron cases were reported in the UK, increasing the total number of cases to 134. The majority of the infected people returned from South Africa and Nigeria. Moreover, the UK introduced a new temporary travel ban for all international travelers who were in Nigeria at least 10 days prior to their arrival in the UK. This rule doesn’t apply to citizens and residents of the UK and Ireland, as well as travelers who only transited through Nigeria.

Moreover, the UK added 10 countries to its red list. Vaccinated passengers from these countries, who are coming to the UK, need to take two PCR tests on the same day and then self-isolate waiting for a negative result. As Omicron has a shorter period between infection and infectiousness, pre-departure tests are more efficient as passengers are likely to get a positive result before the flight. Travelers coming from countries that are not on the red list are also required to have a negative PCR or LFD test taken no longer than 48 hours before departure. This rule applies to children aged 12 or above and vaccinated travelers. In the wake of new requirements, hotels in London, Edinburgh, and other UK cities expect a new wave of booking cancelations that are going to destroy the already weak Christmas season.

France introduced a similar rule. Starting from December 4th, all travelers arriving from non-EU countries are obliged to have a negative PCR test on hand. Without it, passengers will not be allowed to enter France. The rule applies to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated tourists, as well as children aged 12 and above. Neither home tests nor antigen tests are accepted.

Travelers coming from the Schengen zone only need a PCR test if they are not vaccinated. This test must be taken no longer than 24 hours before the arrival. Before the new rule, passengers coming from the UK and non-EU countries could freely enter France with proof of vaccination and a declaration form.