As the summer holidays draw imminently nearer, many people are planning vacations to their favourite holiday destinations. However, there has been a surge of Covid-19 hospital admissions in European countries and restrictions may affect your holiday plans.
Currently, Switzerland has open borders and has lifted all restrictions, but most neighbouring countries still have some restrictions so it is important to be aware of the entry requirements and measures in place in these countries. Access and restrictions are constantly changing so best to check the respective websites before travelling.
Following is an overview of the Covid-19 rules that apply as of 9 June 2022.
Italy: Since 1 June, no entry restrictions apply, no Covid certificate has to be presented. FFP2 masks are still compulsory until at least 22 June in public transport, hospitals and care facilities as well as cinemas, theatres and concert halls. Masks are no longer required on aeroplanes. The use of masks is highly recommended for indoor environments and crowded areas.
France: A valid Covid certificate or a negative PCR or antigen test not older than 72 or 48 hours respectively is required for entry. The last dose of the complete vaccination must not be older than nine months. Children under the age of twelve are exempt from the requirement of proof. Masks are still required in health facilities, otherwise, it has largely been lifted, including on aeroplanes. Restaurants, cinemas, etc. are open to all. You may be required to complete a form when travelling from a ‘green’ or ‘orange’ country before boarding.
Spain: Proof of vaccination or a negative test result is no longer required for entry from EU or Schengen partner countries. A mask must be worn on public transport, in aeroplanes, hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes. However, different rules may apply regionally, so it is still advisable to carry a Covid certificate and find out about the regulations in the holiday region.
Portugal: Travellers who are entering by air or sea must present a valid Covid certificate or a negative PCR (valid for 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid for 24 hours). Children under the age of 12 do not need to present a certificate or test. The rules apply equally to the Azores, but not to Madeira. Masks are worn on public transport and in health facilities.
Germany: Covid 19 travel restrictions lifted for travellers from EU countries and Schengen associated countries. Shops, restaurants and other establishments no longer have access restrictions at a national level. Masks are still mandatory in health facilities, on aeroplanes and on public transport. Different rules may apply in the individual federal states.
Austria: No entry restrictions apply. The FFP2 mask requirement has largely been lifted and only applies in health and care facilities. The capital Vienna is an exception: masks continue to be worn on public transport and in pharmacies.
Greece: Since 1 May, there are no more corona-specific entry regulations. Masks are still required in health care facilities and in public transport (metro, bus, tram, taxi). No mask is required on trains, planes and long-distance buses. Restaurants, cinemas, museums and bars are open without restrictions.
Turkey: Since 1 June, there are no longer any entry restrictions due to Corona. Random fever tests may still be carried out at the airport, which will result in further health checks. Masks are now only worn in the health sector. Travellers over six need to complete a ‘Traveler Entry Form’ at least four days before arrival.
United Kingdom: There are no longer any entry restrictions in all four regions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Neither are there restrictions on access to restaurants and other establishments or mask requirements. The government suggests ways of reducing the risk of contracting Covid-19 by being vaccinated, wearing face masks and other measures.
USA: There are no local restrictions in the USA. However, proof of full vaccination must be provided upon entry, in addition to the ESTA form and a passenger certificate. From 12 June, however, travellers no longer have to show a negative coronavirus test. Masks are compulsory on aeroplanes.
Information sourced from the SRF Swiss News website
