Traveling to Europe is the most exciting way to meet new people, visit stunning locations, and fill your memories with life-changing experiences. However, with the resurgence of the Omicron variant, the travel sector encountered additional substantial obstacles. November 2021, the World Health Organization first classified the Omicron variation as a variant of concern. It is incredibly contagious compared to other strains and can significantly increase hospitalization rates.
Therefore, the European Commission established guidelines and travel restrictions on persons entering and exiting the nation to minimize the possibility of infection and transmission. Individuals who have received vaccines, either Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen, AstraZeneca, or Nuvaxovid, can travel to the EU. These are the only vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency.
Additionally, a travel test is required to ascertain your eligibility for travel. Most member states require a fit to travel certificate, particularly in areas with higher infection rates. The EU Commission has launched several efforts to assist citizens in traveling safely around Europe. Here are some of them.
Contact Tracing Apps
Apps that track and inform users can help break the infection chain. They can save lives by assisting in the tracing process. Moreover, the Member States and the European Commission have established new services to enable the communication of national apps. These notify users if they have had contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Proximity-based Bluetooth technology is utilized to power contact tracking and alert applications. There is nothing to worry, as the individual's personal information is secured.
EU COVID digital certificate
A digital certificate issued by the European Union serves as proof that an individual has been vaccinated, has gotten a negative test result, or has recovered from the infection. A traveller with a valid EU COVID certificate should not be subject to restrictions such as tests or quarantine, regardless of their origin in the EU. On the contrary, persons who do not possess an EU Digital COVID Certificate should be allowed to travel depending on a pre-or post-arrival examination.
How can you travel safely?
Indeed, traveling during the pandemic makes it difficult for travellers to determine the safest locations. As a result, here are some recommendations to keep in mind when planning a safe trip to Europe.
1. Consider your destination.
Numerous European countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece, and Iceland, have already reopened their borders to fully vaccinated non-EU passengers, including Americans. You must follow all local regulations and provide correct health information. Consider excluding areas that are on high alert.
2. Plan and prepare your documents ahead of time
If you intend to travel, be prepared to take precautions. Avoid travel if you exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms. When you reach the border, submit your digital COVID-19 certificates or any other documentation indicating that you have been vaccinated or got a negative antigen or PCR test result.
3. Optimize ventilation
COVID-19 infection risk is higher in crowded and poorly ventilated settings. This is because the virus is spread between humans by infected respiratory droplets and aerosols. Hence, consider opening your vehicle's windows to increase airflow if possible. Include extra masks, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfection wipes when traveling.
Find your reliable testing provider
Official Rapid Test is the highest-rated UK government-approved testing provider that offers fast, reliable, and accurate COVID testing. It comprises medical experts with exceptional experience in testing, diagnostic, and other medical services. They aim to provide affordable and faster COVID testing for the public. Visit their website at https://officialrapidtests.com/ to learn more.
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