With January set to be cold and grey, many Londoners will be eager to jet off for a late Christmas break, but with Omicron raging across the UK their options are somewhat limited.
In response to the new variant, many European countries have banned UK tourists from entering them.
This is because the UK has been identified as a ‘virus variant area’.
READ MORE: Heathrow and Gatwick: Latest travel advice for Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Majorca and Ibiza
These countries include France and Germany while other countries like Morocco require travellers to jump through many hoops before travelling.
This is what we know so far.
France
Currently, only people with essential reasons may visit France.
The Foreign Office guidance states: “All those wishing to travel from the UK to France, regardless of vaccination status, can only do so for essential reasons, as defined by the French authorities.
“French nationals, as well as residents in France, are considered to have an essential reason for travel.”
Germany
On December 19, the UK was designated a virus variant area by Germany.
The Foreign Office guidance states: “Carriers such as airlines are restricted to transporting a narrow range of individuals from the UK to Germany, including British citizens who are resident in Germany, and German citizens.
“UK nationals resident in Germany must demonstrate proof of residence at entry to Germany.
“Tourists are not allowed to be transported to Germany.”
Morocco
Morocco is now open to tourists following a two week shut down in late November.
The Foreign Office guidance states: “You will need to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the second dose administered at least two weeks prior to travel, and a negative PCR test result before boarding your flight or ferry to Morocco.
“The result must show that the PCR test itself was undertaken no more than 48 hours before boarding. For travel by ferry, you will also need to take a COVID-19 test during the journey.
“Children under the age of six years old are exempt from the PCR testing requirement for entry into Morocco.”
Australia
Tourists are currently banned from Australia.
The Foreign Office guidance states: “Entry to Australia is only available if you are exempt or have been granted an individual exemption.
“Exempt categories include Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents, and (from 15 December) fully vaccinated holders of eligible visas.”
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Japan
Tourists are still banned from Japan.
The Foreign Office guidance states: “From 30 November 2021, foreign nationals (including British nationals) who do not have existing resident status are not permitted to enter Japan for any purpose, other than in exceptional circumstances.
“You can find a description of exceptional circumstances on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.”
Qatar
You can currently visit Qatar although rules differ drastically for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
For more information, click here.
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