As the temperature drops across the Continent, the desire to reintroduce Covid-19 measures is hotting up amid a surge in omicron cases.

While the UK has ruled out introducing new restrictions before Christmas, this is not the case across Europe. In Spain, masks have today become mandatory outdoors. The Netherlands has introduced a national lockdown. Outdoor drinking is outlawed in Portugal on New Year’s Eve. Belgium has padlocked its cinemas. Catalonia has introduced a curfew and banned nightclubs. 

And, of course, France and Germany have battened down the hatches entirely. If you don’t have an essential reason for entry, and are not a citizen, you will be delivered a stern “non” or a “nein” before you even step foot in the country. 

Here we look at the Covid-19 entry restrictions and domestic rules in our favourite winter destinations across the Continent.

France

Can I visit?

No. Since midnight on Saturday December 18, arrivals from the UK cannot travel into France for non-essential leisure or business reasons. The only people who can travel from the UK to France are French nationals or French residents returning home, people attending a funeral of a close relative, travel for medical reasons, travel for essential work, and a few other exceptional cases. 

What restrictions are in place?

Nothing has tightened, thus far. Although masks are already mandatory in all indoor public spaces, and you must show a valid pass sanitaire (NHS QR code is compatible with the TousAntiCovid app) to enter restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and some hotels. Over 65s need a third shot to activate their pass, and from January 15 this will apply to all age groups.

Spain

Can I visit?

Yes. But travellers from the UK (excluding children under the age of 12 years old) must be fully vaccinated to enter Spain – entry with just a negative PCR test is no longer possible.

What restrictions are in place?

Spain has on December 23 reintroduced mandatory face masks outdoors. In Catalonia, one of Spain’s most populous regions, local authorities are pushing to reintroduce a 1am curfew, the closure of nightlife, and capacity limits in indoor venues. Some Spanish regions have introduced mandatory vaccination certificates to enter hospitality venues. Social distancing measures apply in indoor spaces.

Portugal

Can I visit?

Yes. You will need to show evidence of a negative PCR or an antigen test, taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure, and could be subject to health screening on arrival (and quarantine, if you test positive).

What restrictions are in place?

Portugal has tightened its Covid-19 restrictions since the emergence of omicron. Bars and nightclubs will close from Christmas Day, and you will need to test negative to enter a cinema, theatre or sports event from January 9. On New Year’s Eve, no more than 10 people can gather on the street and outdoor drinking is banned. Vaccine certificates or proof of recovery are required to enter restaurants, cinemas and hotels. Face masks are mandatory in enclosed spaces.

Italy

Can I visit?

Yes. You must provide evidence of double vaccination and a negative PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours before travel. Unvaccinated arrivals face self isolation on arrival.

What restrictions are in place?

Only people with proof of vaccination (a ‘green pass’), or who have recovered from Covid-19, can eat at indoor restaurants, go to the cinema or attend a sporting event. Masks are mandatory indoors and where social distancing is not possible outdoors, including in ‘yellow zones’ in city centres (such as in Rome).

Germany

Can I visit?

No. Germany has banned all non-essential travel from Britain, as the UK sees an ongoing surge of the omicron variant. Under the ban, which came into effect at midnight on Sunday December 19 (German time), only German citizens and residents are allowed to return to the country from the UK.

What restrictions are in place?

Germany has limited private gatherings to 10 people and has closed nightclubs ahead of the new year. Football matches are taking place without crowds from December 28. Proof of vaccination or recovery is required to enter non-essential stores along with other hospitality venues. Masks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces.