Covid-19 Update
February 2022
As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we are moving into a period of greater freedom for travellers. Despite this, we know the requirements can be confusing. That’s why we’re here to help you understand and comply with any rules applicable to your trip, so you can travel with confidence.
Read on for an update on the current situation in the UK and Europe and use this to help decide how, where and when you’d like to travel. Any questions? You can always email us for more information on [email protected].
Current travel requirements:
Due to the current Omicron wave, The Netherlands and Belgium are currently implementing additional restrictions. Details of restrictions in each country can be found below.
Announcements are due to be made in the coming weeks which may change things, and we will do our best to keep you updated when we can.
General guidance for entering the EU:
All EU countries require proof of vaccination (at least 2 doses) to enter without quarantine.
Fully vaccinated British travellers can prove their vaccination status using the QR code on their NHS app (or with printed proof from the NHS service). More details below.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated UK travellers may need to quarantine on entry and/or provide extra evidence of negative Covid status (e.g. evidence of recent previous infection or negative tests). We have not listed the requirements for non-vaccinated travellers here – it is your responsibility to check this.
General guidance for returning to the UK:
Vaccinated (2+ doses) UK travellers returning home from the EU need to:
- Complete a passenger locator form. You will need to show this before boarding your train back into the UK.
- From 11th February you do not need to book any pre-departure or arrival tests.
Country Specific Requirements:
Beyond vaccination status, your destination may have additional requirements for entry or transit, so it’s important to check what you’ll need for your trip.
Country requirements for key rail destinations (vaccinated travellers):
France
- Provide proof of vaccination (2+ doses, at least 7 days since 2nd dose)
- Present a declaration of honour to declare that you have no Covid symptoms
- Complete and present a personal details form.
- NOTE: France lifted its ban on tourism-related visits on 14/01/2022 but the above requirements still apply.
- NOTE: An announcement was made on 12th February that pre-entry tests are NO LONGER required for vaccinated visitors.
Belgium:
Regardless of whether you’re transiting/in Belgium for LESS than 48 hours OR staying for more than 48 hours, vaccinated British travellers must all:
- Provide proof of vaccination (2+ doses, at least 2 weeks since 2nd dose)
- Present either a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure or a negative Rapid Antigen Test taken no more than 36 hours before departure. NHS tests are not accepted.
- Complete and present a passenger locator form BEFORE going through border control
- Quarantine:
- Self-isolation on arrival. Take a PCR test on Day 1 or 2 (arrival is day 0).
- If your test on day 1 is negative, you can end your isolation.
- If you receive a positive result, you’ll have to continue isolating for at least 7 days – until you get a negative PCR test on day 7 or later.
Netherlands
- Mandatory proof of a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result:
- A negative antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before departure OR
- A negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure.
- ** NHS tests are not accepted **
- Proof of full vaccination (2+ doses at least 2 weeks before travel)
- Quarantine Declaration Form (even if you are exempt – see below): you must present a completed Quarantine Declaration form. Fill out the form online and save it to your smartphone or print a copy to carry with you.
- Quarantine Exemptions from 2nd Feb:
- If you have had your vaccine booster at least 7 days before entry, you are exempt from quarantine.
- If you have had fewer than 3 doses of vaccine: you must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival unless exempt. You may end quarantine early if you receive a negative test result from the Dutch authorities on day 5. You can arrange a day 5 test in the Netherlands by phoning 0800 1202, or +31 850 659 063 if calling from the UK.
Differences when travelling overland
If you fly out to a destination and back, you usually only encounter one border in each direction, but when travelling overland it’s possible that you may cross multiple country borders on the way to your destination. While this is normally seamless due to the Schengen zone (Europe’s open border area) during Covid-19 additional testing or vaccine requirements have sometimes been put in place, with checks at the border.
If you book a trip which crosses multiple borders, we will be here to support you, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and compliant journey.
Stress-free booking:
With restrictions still changing quickly, we know it can be a difficult time to commit to travel. With No Fly Travel Club you can book your trip with just a 20% deposit – and change the dates free of charge up to 2 weeks before should the requirements change. Take a look at our inspiring trips here.