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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

UK Foreign Office rules for Hungary, Poland and others amid Ukraine invasion

With coronavirus travel restrictions significantly easing, many British tourists are now planning trips abroad.

But while there has been some cause for optimism among those who want to get away, travelling could now face another threat - Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Horrific rocket strikes have struck cities including Odessa and capital Kyiv - and more than a hundred Ukrainian citizens and military have been killed.

READ MORE: Ryanair, KLM, and Air France cancel flights amid conflict

Russian president Vladimir Putin said his goal was the “demilitarisation” of Ukraine, and he warned that if western nations were to interfere they would endure “consequences they had never seen”.

The UK, the US and other western countries have always made clear they will side with Ukraine in any conflict.

There is a fear the conflict could spill over into neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe, and the UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance regarding visiting a number of nearby nations.

Here is the latest advice for travellers.

Poland

People are warned not to attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland - which borders the nation to the west.

Anyone entering the country should also "abide by the instructions of the authorities at all times".

The Government warns is very limited availability of accommodation in Poland in the vicinity of the border with Ukraine.

The British Embassy Warsaw has established a temporary consular presence in Przemyśl, which can provide initial consular assistance for those arriving in Southern Poland from Ukraine.

In terms of Covid-19 restrictions, all arrivals will need to fill in a passenger locator form.

All travellers entering from the UK who are aged five years and older must present evidence of a negative pre-departure test (PCR or antigen/lateral flow) taken within 24 hours before arrival.

Fully vaccinated arrivals do not need to quarantine, but those who are only partially or not vaccinated must isolate for seven days.

Hungary

As with Poland, people are warned not to try to enter Ukraine from Hungary.

At present, the UK government has not updated its advice in regards to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Hungarian Government said it will accept the UK’s proof of Covid-19 vaccination record, and travellers can enter as long as their final vaccine dose was administered at least 14 days before arrival.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must present a negative PCR test result - taken within the 72 hours before arrival.

Belarus

The UK Government advises against all travel to Belarus.

This is because Russian military operations are taking place in Belarus, and therefore there is a high risk that military action may take place within Belarus.

Government advice states: " Since January 2022, the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders, including within Belarus, has increased the threat of military action within Belarus.

"The situation is unpredictable and could further escalate without warning."

Routes out of the country are limited, particularly by air.

Finland

No updates have been given in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In terms of Covid-19 restrictions, fully vaccinated Brits can enter Finland.

Those who are not fully vaccinated will need an "essential or compassionate reason" - and tourism does not fall under either category.

People born in 2007 or later are exempt from these entry requirements and they do not need to provide proof of vaccination or take a test, if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult guardian.

Lithuania

On Thursday (February 24), Lithuania entered into a state of announced a State of Emergency, in response to Russian military action in Ukraine.

People are required to carry photo identification at all times when traveling in Lithuania and must present ID to law enforcement officers when requested.

Additional spot checks may be in operation in at border crossings, which may lead to some delays if you are travelling by road.

Rules relating to the State of Emergency may change at short notice.

British nationals travelling to Lithuania from the UK are no longer required to prove their vaccination status, recovery from Covid-19 or have a negative test result on arrival - and this is the same for all, regardless of vaccination status.

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