There is more holiday joy ahead for winter sports enthusiasts with Austria and Switzerland easing travel restrictions for UK visitors ahead of the February half-term break.
The UK will no longer be classified as a ‘virus variant’ country by Austria from January 24, while the Swiss government announced pre-arrival testing will not be required for fully-vaccinated travellers from Saturday.
There is a sting in the tail for visitors planning trips to the Austrian slopes - traditional Apres Ski fun will remain outlawed with restrictions on bars and nightclubs.
Double-jabbed UK arrivals in Austria can enter the country with a PCR test – valid 72 hours – or proof of a booster jab received at least 120 days after the second shot without the need to quarantine.
Children under the age of 12 do not need proof of vaccination but teenagers who are not jabbed must take regular PCR tests during their stay. These are available free of charge in Austria.
Face masks are required in all public areas in enclosed spaces, including restaurants when not seated, hotels and cable cars. Masks are also compulsory outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
A 10pm curfew remains in place for restaurants and cafes, but bars and clubs remain closed, so Apres Ski activities are "not possible," according to the Austrian tourist office.
Meanwhile, in Switzerland, testing rules have been eased for UK visitors.
Latest rules stated: "From January 22, persons who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from Covid-19 will no longer be required to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test before entering Switzerland.
“Persons who are not vaccinated or who have not recovered from Covid-19 will still have to take the tests to enter the country."
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