UK & Europe

From 1 February, for entry to the Republic of Ireland, vaccine certificates from the primary vaccination series will not be accepted for travel if more than 270 days have passed since the final dose. Vaccine certificates based on the booster or additional doses are not time limited. Passengers with an accepted proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior six months do not have to show an additional pre-departure COVID-19 test result. Passengers without proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior six months, must show evidence of a negative PCR test result taken within the 72 hours prior to arriving in Ireland.

Overnight, Smart Traveller has updated its advisory to do not travel to Ukraine due to the risk of conflict. It also advised that anyone in Ukraine at the moment should look to leave when it is safe to do so.

Germany has now classified Australia as a COVID-19 high-risk country. Travellers entering Germany from a high-risk country are required to submit a digital registration form before travelling. All travellers over the age of 6 years of age must provide a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen), proof of vaccination, or evidence of having recovered from COVID-19. Incoming travellers from a high-risk country are required to quarantine for 10 days unless evidence of vaccination or recovery is provided with the digital registration. Alternatively, quarantine can be ended by submitting a negative test result taken after five days at the earliest.

As of 10 January South African travellers can once again enter Turkey. Travellers will be required to submit a negative PCR test taken within a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Turkey and must complete a Passenger Locator Form on https://register.health.gov.tr/ within 72 hours before travel. Documented proof of 2 doses of vaccine approved by WHO ( except 1 dose for Johnson & Johnson ) will be required – a minimum of 14 days must have passed since receiving the 2nd dose. Travellers under the age of 12 years are exempt from submitting a PCR test and travellers who are between 12-18 years old, travelling with their parents and cannot provide vaccination certificate, will be required to provide a negative PCR test result before travel and will be asked to have another PCR test upon arrival. Travellers who cannot provide vaccination documents must enter quarantine for 7 days at their place of residence or at an address that they declare, with an option to test to release on day 5.

As of 06 January 2022, South Africa will be listed as a high-risk country for entry into Spain for fully vaccinated or recovered travellers. Travellers will be considered fully vaccinated, if all doses are received at least 14 days before departure. A Covid-19 recovery certificate can be presented (valid from day 11 after the first positive NAAT and up to 180 days after the sample date). Negative PCR test result is required, for tests taken 72 hours before arrival or Antigen Test 48 hours before arrival. Health Control Form completed on https://www.spth.gob.es/ and QR code printed out. The form is to be completed by all persons travelling, including children of any age, travellers in transit and residents in Spain returning home.