Posted on May 2, 2022

With the summer holidays just around the corner, travellers from all over the world can start planning their trip to Europe, as the majority of countries have already relaxed their COVID-19 entry rules.

While some European Union and European Economic Area countries have only decided to ease some of their restrictions, others have lifted all of their COVID-19 entry rules for all travellers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

The list of the EU/EEA countries that have dropped all of their restrictions and now permit restriction-free entry for all travellers is as follows:

Bulgaria
Czechia
Denmark
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Latvia
Lithuania
Norway
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland

On the other hand, the other countries still require travellers to meet entry rules.

Before planning your escape to Europe this summer, make sure to check the entry rules that each country currently applies.

Austria

Austria continues to keep in place its entry rules for all incoming travellers. The Austrian official travel portal explains that currently, all persons are required to present one of the certificates—a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate—upon their arrival.

Travelers who present one of the three passes are permitted restriction-free entry to Austria, meaning that they do not need to undergo any other additional entry rules.

However, it has been highlighted that everyone must make sure to meet the validity period that currently applies to vaccination and recovery certificates as well as to negative test results.

The Austrian authorities explain that the country accepts only vaccination certificates that prove that the holder has completed vaccination in the last 270 days or has received an additional vaccine dose.

On the other hand, the recovery passes have a shorter validity. Austria currently recognises only recovery certificates indicating that the holder has tested positive for the virus for the last time within the previous 180 days.

As for the negative COVID-19 tests, Austria accepts both PCR and rapid antigen tests. The PCR test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival in Austria, and the rapid antigen test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Even though Austria still continues to keep in place entry rules for incoming travellers, the country has already dropped the majority of its domestic COVID-19 rules.

“During your stay, you no longer need to prove your “3-G” status,” the official travel portal of Austria states.

This means that while in Austria, travellers are not required to present COVID-19 proof when accessing different public places and events. Everyone is permitted restriction-free entry to bars, cafes, restaurants, museums, and all types of accommodation, among others.

Belgium

Similar to Austria, Belgium also still requires travellers to present COVID-19 proof upon their arrival.

Earlier in February, the Belgian authorities revealed that the country would no longer apply entry rules based on travellers’ country of origin. Instead, they announced that rules now apply based on travellers’ vaccination status.

Travelers who have completed vaccination, as well as those who have recovered from the COVID-19 disease, can enter Belgium without having to follow additional entry rules as long as they hold a valid certificate.

When travelling to Belgium, vaccination certificates are accepted provided that they have been issued in the last six months, whereas recovery certificates are accepted if they have been issued in the last six months.

Moreover, vaccination certificates that indicate that the holder has received a booster shot are also accepted.

While vaccinated and recovered people can enter Belgium under facilitated rules, the authorities have explained that those who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus need to follow slightly stricter rules.

Persons who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus must take a pre-arrival COVID-19 test before entering Belgium. Unvaccinated/unrecovered travellers can provide either a rapid antigen or PCR test. The rapid antigen test must be taken within 24 hours before arrival in Belgium, and the PCR test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival in Belgium.

Despite keeping some of its entry rules in place, Belgium has already lifted the Passenger Locator Form requirement. Travelers can now enter Belgium without being required to complete the PLF.

Belgium has dropped the majority of national restrictions too.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is on the list of countries that have just recently lifted all of their entry rules. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that travellers are no longer required to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

“As of May 1, 2022, all COVID-19-related travel restrictions will be lifted. From this date on, all the arriving passengers will no longer be obliged to provide COVID-19-related documents in order for them to be allowed to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria,” the Ministry informed.

The authorities explained that such a decision was taken after taking into account the vaccination and infection rates. According to the Ministry, the situation is being monitored and managed in a predictable way.

Czech Republic

Old Town Square in Prague, Czechia

The Czech Republic is part of the list of countries that have already dropped all of their COVID-19 entry restrictions.

All travellers, regardless of their country of origin and their vaccination status, can enter Czechia without being required to present a vaccination, recovery, or test pass.

“As of April 9, 2022, the protective measures regarding the conditions of entry into the Czech Republic in relation to the epidemic of COVID-19 have been suspended. Entry into the Czech Republic is no longer subject to any special epidemiological conditions to prevent the spread of the disease. The entry ban for foreigners from third countries and the obligation to prove infection-free status have been lifted,” the statement of the Ministry of Interior of Czechia reads.

Apart from lifting the entry rules, Czechia has also abolished its domestic restrictions. Travelers are no longer required to wear a face mask. In addition, everyone can now access different public places and events without being required to hold COVID-19 proof.

Croatia

Croatia has relaxed its entry rules only for persons travelling from an EU or EA country.

According to the Ministry of Interior, passengers who enter Croatia directly from an EU/EEA country are not required to provide a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate, regardless of their citizenship.

“Passengers coming directly from the countries and/or regions of the European Union, i.e., countries and/or regions of the Schengen area and Schengen associated countries, regardless of their citizenship, will be allowed entry into the Republic of Croatia without the need to present an EU Digital COVID Certificate or any other epidemiological certificate,” the statement of the Ministry reads.

On the other hand, stricter rules apply to those who enter Croatia from a third country. The Croatian authorities explain that third-country travellers, as well as EU/EEA nationals who enter Croatia after staying in a third country, are permitted entry only if they hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

Croatia applies the same validity period rules as the other countries mentioned above. This means that when reaching Croatia, the vaccination pass must be issued in the last nine months, and the recovery pass must be issued in the last six months.

Cyprus

Cyprus updated its entry rules earlier in March. The authorities explained that entry rules are now based on travellers’ vaccination and recovery status rather than their country of origin.

Persons who have completed their vaccination, as well as those who have recovered from the virus, can enter Cyprus without being subject to any additional restrictions as long as they hold a vaccination or recovery certificate.

“Vaccinated or recovered passengers, regardless of their nationality, shall be allowed to travel to and enter the Republic of Cyprus from any country of departure without being required to meet the conditions of the respective category in which the country from which they travel has been categorized, such as the obligation for laboratory tests or for self-isolation,” the authorities emphasise.

Persons who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus can also enter Cyprus. However, they are required to follow additional rules.

Unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers entering Cyprus from a green-listed country must provide a negative test result, whereas those travelling from a red-listed country must provide a pre-arrival test and undergo testing again upon their arrival in Cyprus.

Previously, travellers reaching Cyprus were also required to fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass. However, such a requirement has now been dropped. In addition, the mask requirement has also been lifted.

Denmark

Denmark is one of the first countries to lift all of its COVID-19 entry rules. All travellers, regardless of whether they are travelling from an EU/Schengen Area or a third country, can enter Denmark without being required to present COVID-19 proof.

Except for permitting restriction-free entry for all travellers, Denmark has also already dropped its domestic restrictions. While in Denmark, travellers are not required to wear a face mask or use the COVID certificates when accessing different public places and events.

Estonia

Tourists at Main Square of Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia has also facilitated its entry rules for some travellers. The Estonian authorities announced earlier in April that travellers from the EU/EEA and the UK are no longer required to follow any entry restrictions.

EU/EEA and UK travellers can now enter Estonia restriction-free, regardless of their vaccination and recovery status.

On the other hand, travellers from the rest of the countries are still required to meet entry rules. All third-country travellers, with the exception of those from the UK, must present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate in order to be permitted entry to Estonia.

Estonia applies the same validity rules to COVID certificates as the majority of EU countries.

Finland

Currently, Finland allows entry to all travellers, including those from non-EU countries, as long as they present a vaccination or recovery certificate.

Unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers from some specific countries can also enter Finland. However, they need to follow additional rules.

Travelers from the EU/Schengen Area who do not hold a vaccination or recovery pass can enter Finland by presenting a negative COVID-19 test result.

On the other hand, unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers from third countries cannot enter Finland if they do not hold a vaccination or recovery certificate, meaning that a negative COVID-19 test result is not sufficient proof.

Just like the majority of the other EU countries, Finland has also eased the majority of domestic COVID restrictions. Travelers and citizens of Finland can attend different public places and events without being required to meet strict rules.

France

France currently permits restriction-free entry for all persons who hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate.

In addition, entry to France is also permitted for unvaccinated and unrecovered persons, but different rules apply depending on the country a person is travelling from. France currently categorises all world countries into two different lists: the green and orange lists.

Travelers who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus and who reach France from a green-listed country are permitted entry for all kinds of purposes as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test result taken recently.

The French Ministry of Interior explains that unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers from orange-listed countries can also enter France. However, they need to follow slightly stricter rules. Apart from having to present a negative test result, they must also present a sworn statement attesting to the absence of COVID-19 symptoms and contact with an infected person.

Germany

Brandenburg Gate and Tourists, Berlin, Germany

Despite easing some of its rules, Germany still requires travellers to present COVID-19 proof upon their arrival.

The German Federal Ministry of Interior explains that currently, all persons, regardless of their country of origin, must present a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

The requirement to present one of the passes when reaching Germany applies to all people over the age of 12. Those who are unable to present one of the passes need to follow additional rules.

“Every person over 12 is obliged to carry proof of their COVID-19 status when entering Germany,” the Ministry states.

Germany was expected to relax its entry rules by the end of April. However, the authorities have announced that the current rules that apply to incoming travellers will remain in place until the end of May.

Greece

Greece has become one of the most recent countries to lift its entry rules for incoming travellers. All travellers, regardless of whether they are travelling from an EU or non-EU country, can now enter Greece restriction-free.

The Greek Ministry of Health announced that even unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers are now permitted entry to the country without being required to follow any rules.

Apart from lifting the entry rules, Greece has also lifted domestic restrictions. While in Greece, travellers can access bars, cafes, restaurants, and other places for large events without being required to present valid COVID proof.

Hungary

Hungary has already lifted all of its entry rules. Travelers from all countries can enter Hungary restriction-free for all kinds of purposes.

The Hungarian authorities explained that the country no longer required incoming travellers to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon their arrival.

“Travel restrictions previously imposed due to the epidemic situation have been lifted,” the Hungarian authorities said earlier in March, announcing the lifting of entry rules.

In addition, Hungary has also dropped its national restrictions. Travelers can access different places and events while in Hungary without having to present COVID-19 proof.

Iceland

Just like Hungary, Iceland has also removed all of its COVID-19 entry rules. All incoming travellers, regardless of their country of origin and vaccination status, can enter the territory of Iceland without following any measures.

“All COVID-19 measures at the Icelandic border have now ended. Thereby, no COVID-19 prevention measures will be in place at the border, regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated,” the Directorate of Health of Iceland said earlier in February.

In addition, the country also now applies less stringent domestic measures.

Ireland

Temple Bar, in Dublin, Ireland

Ireland has also lifted all of its COVID measures. The country’s government announced in February that travellers are no longer required to hold COVID-19 proof when reaching Ireland.

Moreover, it has been explained that everyone is exempt from the requirement to fill out the PLF.

“There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travellers to Ireland. Travel carriers will not ask to check a PLF receipt prior to travelling to Ireland,” the statement from the government reads.

Italy

Italy continues to keep in place entry rules for all travellers. Since March 1, the country has been applying the same rules to all people, regardless of their country of origin.

Italy currently permits entry for all travellers who hold a vaccination or recovery certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result.

“For entry to the national territory, one of the conditions of the Green Pass will be sufficient,” the Ministry of Health of Italy explains.

Latvia

Latvia also permits restriction-free entry for all travellers. The Latvian authorities announced earlier in April that all travellers, regardless of their country of origin and their vaccination status, can now travel to the country for all kinds of purposes without having to meet any entry rules.

“Travellers entering Latvia no longer need to present an interoperable vaccination or recovery certificate, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test result,” the statement of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reads.

The authorities explained that no country is placed on the high-risk list. For this reason, it was decided that the entry rules would be lifted.

Lithuania

Lithuania is also on the list of countries that have recently dropped their COVID-19 entry rules.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Health announced that since May 1, all persons, regardless of their origin country, will no longer be required to follow coronavirus entry rules.

“From May 1, once the emergency situation in Lithuania is lifted due to the threat of COVID-19, there will be no more pandemic-related restrictions on foreign arrivals,” the Ministry wrote on April 29.

Except for scrapping the entry restrictions, Lithuania will also now apply less stringent national rules. The authorities announced that the requirement to wear a face mask no longer remains in force.

This means that all travellers are now able to access different public places and events in Lithuania without having to wear a face mask.

Luxembourg

The government of Luxembourg explains that travellers from the EU/Schengen Area can enter the country restriction-free.

“Citizens of the European Union and of the countries associated with the Schengen area, as well as citizens of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican/Saint See, are free to enter the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, regardless of the purpose of the stay and not only to return to their homes,” the statement of the Luxembourg government reads.

In contrast, travellers from third-world countries are still required to present a vaccination or recovery card.

Malta

The bars in St Lucia street, Valletta, Malta

Just like more than half of the EU/Schengen Area countries, Malta also continues to keep in place its entry rules.

All travellers reaching Malta are currently required to present valid COVID proof in order to be permitted entry to the country.

Previously, Malta permitted entry only to fully vaccinated travellers. However, those who have recovered from the virus, as well as those who have tested negative, can also now enter Malta for all kinds of purposes without being required to follow additional rules.

Malta has made other changes to its COVID-19 rules too. Since May 2, travellers are no longer required to complete the Passenger Locator Form. In addition, the same has also lifted the requirement to wear a face mask.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted all of its entry rules for EU/Schengen Area travellers. Travelers from the EU/Schengen Area can enter the Netherlands restriction-free, regardless of their vaccination status.

This means that they can enter the Netherlands without being required to present a vaccination or recovery certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken recently.

In contrast, travellers from third countries are still subject to entry rules. The Netherlands requires non-EU travellers to hold a vaccination or recovery certificate. Third-country travellers who fail to present one of the certificates are currently banned from entering the Netherlands.

Norway

Just like some other countries, Norway has also already dropped all of its entry rules.

All travellers, even those who have not been vaccinated against the virus as well as those who have not recovered, can enter Norway restriction-free.

“No testing, no quarantining, no registration!” the authorities said earlier in February, when the entry rules were officially dropped.

Norway has abolished its domestic restrictions too. Travellers are no longer required to wear a face mask or follow any other rules while in the country.

Poland

Similarly, Poland permits restriction-free entry to all travellers too. The government of Poland announced earlier in March that all travellers, including those from third countries, can enter Poland without being required to provide a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

“All restrictions on travel to the Republic of Poland are lifted, which means there is no obligation to present COVID certificates when crossing the border,” the government stated.

National COVID restrictions have also been eased. Poland no longer requires travellers to wear a face mask when attending different public places and events.

Portugal

Ribeira square in the old town. Porto. Portugal

Portugal has just recently updated its entry rules. The official travel portal of Portugal announced on April 26, that the country now permits entry to all travellers.

“All passengers are authorised to enter national territory, regardless of their origin or purpose of travel,” the statement of the Portuguese authorities reads.

Nonetheless, everyone is still required to meet COVID rules. All travellers are required to present a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon their arrival in Portugal.

The requirement to present one of the passes does not apply to those under the age of 12.

Just like mainland Portugal, the Azores also requires travellers to present COVID-19 proof. On the other hand, Madeira has already dropped its entry rules. All travellers can reach Madeira restriction-free.

Slovakia

Slovakia currently permits entry to all travellers who are able to present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate. Special travellers categories can also enter Slovakia by only presenting a negative COVID-19 test result.

According to the Slovak authorities, travellers who do not hold the required COVID document can also enter the country. However, they need to follow additional measures, such as testing and quarantine.

Slovenia

Slovenia has dropped all of its COVID-19 entry restrictions. All travellers can enter Slovenia without having to provide a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon their arrival.

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“Restrictions due to Covid-19 no longer apply when entering Slovenia. This means that the recovered/vaccinated/tested condition no longer has to be met at the border,” the authorities stated earlier in February.

Spain

Madrid, Spain at Plaza de Cibeles

Spain continues to require incoming travellers to meet COVID entry restrictions. Spain currently permits entry to all travellers from the EU/Schengen Area that present a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate – a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

On the other hand, the country applies stricter rules to travellers from third countries. Non-EU travellers are permitted restriction-free entry to Spain only if they present a vaccination or recovery pass or if they fall on the exemption list.

Despite keeping in place entry rules, Spain has already facilitated some of its domestic restrictions. The latter has dropped the face mask requirement. This means travellers visiting Spain are no longer required to wear a face mask when attending different places and events.

Sweden

Sweden has lifted all of its entry rules and now permits restriction-free entry to all travellers.

All persons, regardless if they are entering Sweden from an EU or non-EU country, are no longer required to hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

Travellers from EU/EEA have been able to enter Sweden restriction-free since February, whereas third-country travellers have been able to do so since April.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most recent countries to lift all of its entry rules. The State Secretariat of Switzerland said that from May 2, all persons would be permitted restriction-free entry regardless of their country of origin and their vaccination status.

The authorities have noted that travellers reaching Switzerland will now only be required to follow basic border measures, such as holding a valid visa or passport, if such a requirement applies.

Switzerland has already dropped its national Coronavirus restrictions. Travellers are no longer required to wear a face mask when accessing different places and events.

Original Post: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/travelling-to-europe-in-may-current-covid-vaccination-recovery-testing-rules-of-entry-for-every-eu-schengen-country/

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