Tourist Terminal's video: Schengen visa Update Omicron variant Latest update New rules Important information

Thousands of people have been forced to cancel their Christmas travel plans due to the spread of the Omicron virus worldwide, and in particular, forced by the travel restrictions imposed by the governments in a bid to halt the spread of the new COVID-19 virus variant. Europe, as one of the world’s most affected parts by the virus, has recorded some of the highest COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, in addition to the spread of the new variant throughout the continent as well. The European Union Member States, since late November when the Omicron variant was first reported, have imposed entry bans on southern African countries, and some of them even on the United Kingdom and other EU countries as Denmark and the Netherlands. Other countries have added more areas to their red lists, thus obliging more travellers to quarantine upon arrival. The most common measure to crack on the spread of the virus, taken by the EU and Schengen Area countries, has been additional testing obligations, mainly pre-departure, for incoming travellers. Yet, each member state has its own rules and requirements when it comes to testing for COVID-19, as explained below.