Will the Delta version of the Covid-19 restrict travel to Europe?

The Delta variant is causing concern around the world, but how widespread is it in Europe?

The main focus of Delta variant cases in Europe is the United Kingdom, with over 90 percent of new COVID cases attributed to it, but continental Europe is also monitoring the situation closely.

In France 2-4% of COVID cases are the Delta variant, while in Germany the level is similar at 2.5%.

Both countries have travel restrictions in place to prevent people from entering the UK, with France insisting on a negative test result within 72 hours for anyone entering the UK - in addition to a seven-day quarantine for unvaccinated travelers. writes Euronews .

Elsewhere, after 18 new cases were discovered in Madrid, a health chief expressed concern that Delta would be the dominant species across Spain within six weeks.

In the north, Sweden has confirmed 71 cases of the variant and urged citizens to be vaccinated.

What is the new variant?

The Delta variant was originally found in India, where it is believed to have contributed to a massive increase in cases. On March 30 India was announced to have the third highest number of new cases in the world, up 55 per cent in the previous week.

A large number of countries have banned travel from India and Pakistan and Bangladesh bordering Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Australia initially banned the return of its nationals from India, before withdrawing following a public backlash.

Since March, the Delta variant has spread to 74 countries with cases found outside Europe in African nations, China and the Pacific Rim.

There are concerns in Europe about the ability of the variant to reduce vaccine efficacy.

Britain is believed to be the most affected due to higher travel rates between the country and India. The variant is believed to be almost two-thirds more transmissible than the Alpha variant, originally found in the UK.

 Will the Delta variant affect travel?

If you are not in a country with a high level of cases, the answer is basically, no.

Travelers from the UK and South Asia are subject to measures which vary depending on the country. For example, Ireland (which has a common travel area with the UK) has also introduced a 10-day quarantine for British travelers.

However, travel within Europe and between countries with low Delta variant case rates remains intact, although vacation makers are advised to check back regularly for updates.