European Christmas Markets 2021: Covid Travel Safety Advice

Tips for Staying Safe On Your Christmas Market Break

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to be travelling to a traditional Christmas Market in Europe! But if you're worried about all the Covid-related admin, then fear not. Because we've put together some commonly asked questions to help you on the way to your winter wonderland - whether you're off to sip hot gluhwein at a market in Germany or looking forward to nibbling some Dutch speculaas biscuits in Amsterdam! Remember to check the UK Government website for all the latest information and a Step by Step Guide to travelling abroad.

Where Can I Check Covid-19 Entry Requirements For My European Christmas Market Break?

• The UK Government Foreign Travel Advice website is the best place to find all the latest information on Covid entry requirements.
• You should check whether the country will allow people to travel from the UK, if you will need to show proof of a Covid vaccination or negative Covid-19 test, and if you will need to quarantine on arrival.
• Many European countries currently require you to be fully vaccinated as a condition of entry, so make sure you have the required proof of vaccination before travelling.
• Be prepared to be asked to complete a pre-arrival form for your travel destination.
• All of these requirements change regularly so should be checked before you travel

How Do I Arrange a Covid-19 test Before and/or After I Travel?

• If the European country you're travelling to this Christmas requires proof of a negative Covid test result, then you cannot use an NHS PCR or Lateral Flow test for this. You will need to book a test from a private provider instead.
• You may also need to get tested before you arrive back in the UK, depending on your vaccination status and where you have been.
• When you arrive back in the UK, you will also need to get tested for Covid-19 using a private provider.
• You can find a test provider on the UK Government Travel Test Finder where prices start from £2.50.
• Make sure you book your tests before you travel and leave enough time for them to be delivered to your address.
• You can compare and choose a test provider based on cost and whether they are available in your region. The government does not endorse or recommend any specific provider - you should do your own research about them and their terms and conditions.

How Do I Use My NHS Covid Pass To Show my Vaccination Records?

• Some European countries require proof of Covid vaccination before you can enter, and you can use your NHS Covid Pass on the NHS app to access your vaccination records.
• The UK Government website has information on how to register for an NHS Covid Pass and how you can use this for international travel.
• If you're travelling before or after Christmas, then please note that the Foreign Office has advised that PDF versions of the NHS Covid Pass downloaded before November 1 are no longer valid, and you must therefore redownload a new PDF version from the NHS app.

Returning To The UK: What Do I Need To Do After My trip?

• Prior to your return to the UK, remind yourself of the rules and regulations for entering the UK on the UK Government website.
• There are different rules for travelling back to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so make sure you check the FCO Safe Travel Guide to find the correct regulations for your country.
You will need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form online before arriving in the UK, which you can do anytime in the 48 hours before you are due to arrive back in the UK.
• You may need to get tested for Covid-19 before you arrive back in the UK, depending on your vaccination status and where you have been.
• When you arrive back in the UK, you will also need to get tested for Covid-19 using a private provider.
• You can find a test provider on the UK Government Travel Test Finder where prices start from £2.50.

How Can I Stay Safe while Travelling?

• Before you depart for your Christmas break, make sure you check out the FCO Advice for Safer Air Travel.
• The public health requirements and Covid-19 related laws will vary for each travel destination, so you should keep up to date with the Requirements or your Travel Destination and travel prepared with plenty of face masks.
• You can check the website of your accommodation in your travel destination for any updates or changes to their Covid-19 policy, and for any changes to the accessibility of on-site facilities.
• Airports and airlines have also updated their check-in and on-board services to help keep you safe, so ensure you research their changes and requests ahead of your arrival at the airport.

The information contained in this guidance does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this guidance or its accuracy or completeness. No representation, warranty or undertaking is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the guidance and no liability is accepted by Wowcher for the accuracy or completeness or any reliance placed upon the guidance.