European Countries Increase Pre-Entry Requirements

As Europe continues to experience COVID-19 surges and countries attempt to avoid the Omicron variant, governments are increasing their entry requirements:

Finland | From December 21, all non-EU or Schengen Area travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of arrival. This applies to travelers regardless of their vaccination status. The current border restrictions will continue until January 12, 2022, with possible additional restrictions forthcoming.

 

France | From December 18, UK travelers may enter France only if traveling for essential purposes. This new policy applies to all travelers, regardless of vaccination or recovery status.

Permitted travelers from the UK must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result taken within 24 hours before arrival. Upon arrival, travelers will have to quarantine until they get a negative test result. Travelers must also register their travel plans. French citizens and legal French residents may return at any time but must follow the testing and quarantine requirements.

 

Greece | All travelers must present a PCR test taken 48 hours before entry. This applies to all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, and will go into effect on December 19.

 

Italy | All EU nationals must test for COVID-19 before their trip to Italy. This applies to travelers regardless of their vaccination status. Travelers from EU and Schengen Area countries who are not fully vaccinated or recovered will have to quarantine.  The Government of Italy also extended the State of Emergency until March 31, 2022.

 

Erickson Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and guidance from government agencies and health advisories change often.

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.