For the third time since the beginning of the corona pandemic, many holidaymakers are wondering which rules apply when entering the country and in the holiday country. We go through six of the most popular European travel destinations and describe in each case which proof – at least as of now – must be provided upon entry and which rules for infection protection apply in the country.
First of all: In Germany, the incidence is currently increasing significantly, but in Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey there are currently no special entry regulations. In some cases, a mask requirement or 2 or 3G rule applies. No proof is currently required for the return journey to Germany. It would be different when returning from a virus variant area, although no country is currently designated as a virus variant area.
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Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in the travel destination is subject to the local quarantine regulations.
These are the Corona rules in Italy
Since June 1, 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in Italy. In the country, the 2G rule only applies when entering healthcare facilities such as hospitals. It is advisable to carry a digital proof of vaccination with you, for example in the Corona-Warn-App. The yellow WHO vaccination card is not accepted everywhere.
Until September 30th, there is an obligation to wear an FFP2 mask in the following areas: public transport except airplanes, health care facilities such as hospitals and old people’s and nursing homes.
[Lesen Sie auch: Mehrfachnutzung, Schutz, Funktionsweise: Warum es sinnvoll ist, weiter freiwillig FFP2-Masken zu tragen]
These are the Corona rules in Turkey
As in Italy, there are currently no COVID-related entry restrictions in Turkey. Wearing a mouth and nose protector is only mandatory in healthcare facilities.
These are the Corona rules in Spain
There are currently no entry restrictions in connection with Corona if the travelers come from the EU or the Schengen area.
A mouth and nose cover must be worn nationwide on public transport, health facilities and in old people’s and nursing homes. As in Italy, this rule applies to people aged six and over. It is best to find out about the regulations in the respective target region of Spain before you travel. In fact, the 17 regions that make up Spain can impose their own restrictions.
These are the Corona rules in Portugal: Distinction between mainland and Madeira and the Azores
In Portugal, the Corona numbers have recently increased again significantly. who on Mainland Traveling from Portugal requires a PCR test or antigen test – but only if full vaccination cannot be proven by the EU’s digital COVID certificate. If the certificate is available, no additional test is required.
When entering the country by plane or ship, the test must not have been taken more than 72 hours (PCR) or 24 hours (antigen) before the start of the journey. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this obligation.
Body temperature is measured for air travelers. If it is higher than 38 degrees Celsius, further investigations should be expected. Quarantine can be ordered in this case.
On the mainland, masks are only compulsory in public transport and medical facilities. It is possible that the body temperature is measured before entering a means of transport or a public building.
On the Portuguese islands Madeira and Azores other rules apply.
There are no entry restrictions for Madeira. However, the mask requirement applies on all islands as on the mainland. In addition, a far-reaching 3G rule for sports and cultural facilities, hairdressers, restaurants, bars and discotheques is in force. People aged six and over need proof of vaccination (a booster is not required), a certificate of convalescence or a negative rapid test. This test is valid for one week and is chargeable.
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When entering the Azores internationally, a digital EU-COVID certificate must be used to prove that the person has been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative. Alternatively, a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours before departure) or a negative rapid test (no older than 24 hours before departure) must be presented. Children under the age of 12 are exempt.
At least for the time being, no tests are mandatory when traveling between the islands. In the Azores, however, there are five risk classifications with different measures. They can vary from island to island and are listed here.
These are the Corona rules in France
Entry differs for fully vaccinated people and people without full vaccination protection or proof – whereby “complete” protection does not require a booster vaccination when entering France.
Fully vaccinated people only need their proof to enter the country. The other travelers must present a negative PCR test (performed no more than 72 hours before departure) or a negative rapid test (performed no more than 48 hours before departure). Alternatively, evidence of recovery from COVID-19 dating back at least eleven days and no more than six months can be demonstrated.
Anyone who enters the country by land, stays in the country for less than 24 hours and is within a radius of less than 30 kilometers from their place of residence does not have to be tested. Business travelers can also be exempt from the test requirement.
Unvaccinated children over the age of 12 need a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours) or a negative rapid test (no older than 48 hours) to enter France.
[Lesen Sie auch: Fährtenleser des Virus: Wie in Berlin der erste PCR-Test zum Corona-Nachweis entstand (T+)]
People aged six and over are required to wear a face mask in France when visiting healthcare facilities. The 3G rule also applies there. One only counts as having been vaccinated with a booster if the second vaccination was more than four months ago, or more than one month in the case of Johnson&Johnson.
These are the Corona regulations in Greece
As of May 1st, 2022, there are no longer any restrictions on entry into Greece due to COVID-19.
Wearing a mouth and nose cover is mandatory for people aged four and over in health facilities and in local public transport. For hotels and other accommodation there are specific restrictions regarding hygiene, distance and occupancy.
Note: In a previous version of the article, Portugal was missing the information that entry is possible without a test with proof of vaccination. The note has been added.
