Subscribe to our daily news digest
With the Easter holiday approaching, travellers can start planning their escape to the European continent as now the majority of countries have already eased their entry rules.
While some European Union/European Economic Area countries abolished their COVID-19 measures altogether for everyone, others decided to impose less stringent rules or only ease the restrictions for special categories of travellers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
The list of EU/EEA countries that have lifted all of their measures and now permit restriction-free entry to all travellers regardless of their country of origin is as follows:
Whereas two other countries – Estonia and the Netherlands – have abolished their entry rules only for EU/EEA travellers.
Before planning your trip to Europe this spring, make sure to check the entry rules that each country is currently applying.
Austria continues to remain part of the list of the countries that have not abolished their COVID-19 entry rules yet.
Currently, all persons are required to present a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon their arrival in Austria. Those who present one of these passes are permitted restriction-free entry, meaning that they do not need to follow any additional entry rules.
“To enter Austria, proof of vaccination/recovery OR a negative Covid test is required,” Austria’s official travel portal states.
Nonetheless, it has been emphasised that everyone must still make sure to meet the validity period that currently applies to vaccination and recovery certificates and to the negative COVID-19 test results.
The Austrian authorities explain that they accept only vaccination passes proving that the holder has completed primary vaccination within the last 270 days or has received a booster shot.
On the other hand, the recovery certificates have a shorter validity. Only recovery certificates indicating that the holder has tested positive for the last time within the previous 180 days are accepted.
As for COVID-19 tests, Austria accepts rapid antigen and PCR tests. The rapid antigen test must be taken within 48 hours before entry, and the PCR test must be taken within 72 hours before entry in order for it to be accepted.
Even though Austria has not yet relaxed the entry rules for incoming travellers, the country has already lifted some of its domestic COVID-19 restrictions. Travellers are no longer required to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate when accessing all types of accommodation, cafes, restaurants, leisure centres, and cultural institutions.
>> Current Travel Rules for Austria
The Belgian authorities announced earlier in February that the country would now apply entry rules based on travellers’ vaccination and recovery status rather than the country they are travelling from.
This means that Belgium still requires travellers to present COVID-19 proof.
Persons who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus can enter Belgium without having to follow additional entry rules as long as they present a valid vaccination certificate.
When reaching Belgium, vaccination passes are accepted if they have been issued within the last nine months, and recovery passes are accepted if they have been issued within the last six months.
In addition, vaccination passes that indicate that the holder has received an additional vaccine dose are also accepted.
As for unvaccinated and unrecovered persons, the Belgian authorities have explained that stricter rules apply to them.
Travellers who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the COVID-19 disease must take a test before their arrival in Belgium. The latter accepts PCR tests taken within the last 72 hours and rapid antigen tests taken within the last 24 hours.
Even though Belgium keeps some basic entry measures in place, the country has already removed the Passenger Locator Form requirement. Travellers are no longer required to complete the PLF when reaching Belgium.
Belgium has also lifted the majority of its national COVID-19 restrictions.
Similar to the two countries mentioned above, Bulgaria also requires travellers to present COVID-19 proof.
Regardless of their country of origin, all travellers are currently required to present one of the documents that are part of the EU Digital COVID Pass – a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.
Travellers from third countries that are not connected to the EU DCC can present another equivalent document.
While travellers who hold one of these certificates are permitted restriction-free entry to Bulgaria, those who fail to present one of the passes need to follow additional rules. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria explains that travellers who do not hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate must follow the self-isolation requirement.
“In the absence of the aforementioned documents, the person shall be quarantined for ten days at home or in another place of accommodation where he/she has indicated that he/she will reside,” the statement of the Ministry reads.
Nonetheless, certain exemptions apply. Arrivals from Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, North Macedonia, and Egypt are no longer obliged to present documents related to COVID-19 such as vaccination, recovery, or test certificate when reaching Bulgaria.
>> Bulgaria Today Removed All COVID-19 Requirements for Arrivals From Poland, Czechia & 8 Other Countries
The Czech Republic has dropped all of its COVID-19 entry restrictions. All travellers regardless of their vaccination status and their country of residence can now enter the territory of the Czech Republic without being required to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.
“All persons can now arrive in the Czech Republic without any restrictions, regardless of whether they are travelling from a non-EU country or from the European Union,” the statement of the Ministry of Health of Czechia reads.
>> Czechia Lifts COVID-19 Entry Restrictions for All Travellers
Croatia has not eased its entry rules either. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Croatia explains that EU/EEA travellers are permitted entry to the country for all kinds of purposes as long as they present one of the certificates that is part of the EU Digital COVID-19 Pass (a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate).
Croatia applies the same validity period on the vaccination and recovery certificates as the countries mentioned above – vaccination passes must be issued within the last nine months, and recovery passes must be issued within the last six months.
The same rules apply to non-EU/EEA travellers. According to the Ministry, third-country travellers can enter Croatia by presenting a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate or another equivalent document.
The Cypriot authorities updated their entry rules earlier in March. They explained that entry rules will now be based on travellers’ vaccination and recovery status.
Travellers who have been vaccinated or recovered from the virus can enter Cyprus restriction-free as long as they hold a vaccination or recovery certificate issued by an EU/Schengen Area country or any other third country.
“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 where they travel has been categorised into, such as the obligation for laboratory tests or for self-isolation/quarantine,” the statement of the Cypriot authorities reads.
Travellers who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus are also permitted entry to Cyprus. However, they need to follow additional rules.
Unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers reaching Cyprus from a green-listed country need to present a negative test result taken before arrival, whereas those travelling from a red-listed country need to present a pre-arrival test as well as undergo testing again upon their arrival in Cyprus.
Denmark has removed all of its COVID-19 entry rules. Travellers from EU/Schengen Area as well as third-country travellers, can now enter Denmark without being required to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.
Apart from abolishing its entry rules for all travellers, Denmark has also relaxed its domestic COVID-19 restrictions. Travellers are no longer obliged to wear a face mask or use COVID passes when accessing different public places and events.
Estonia is one of the most recent countries to announce that EU/EEA and UK travellers are no longer required to follow COVID-19 entry restrictions.
The Estonian government explained last week that all travellers from EU/EEA and UK can now enter the country regardless of their vaccination and recovery status.
>> Estonia Eases COVID-19 Restrictions for Arrivals From Other Countries From Today
On the other hand, travellers from other third countries still need to meet entry rules when reaching Estonia. All third-country travellers, except those travelling from the UK, need to present one of the certificates to be permitted entry to Estonia.
>> Estonia Abolishes Quarantine Requirement for Arrivals From Other Countries
The Finnish authorities have explained that all travellers, including non-EU nationals, can enter Finland by only presenting a vaccination or recovery certificate.
As for unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers, the authorities note that they need to follow additional rules.
Travellers from the EU/Schengen Area who do not hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate can enter Finland by presenting a negative test result.
On the other hand, unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers reaching Finland from third countries not connected to the EU DCC can not enter Finland for travel purposes if they do not hold a vaccination or recovery pass.
Similar to the other countries, Finland has also relaxed the majority of its national COVID-19 restrictions.
“As of March 1, 2022, the restrictions on the opening and alcohol serving hours as well as restrictions on the number of customers and customer seats in restaurants have been lifted,” the official travel portal of Finland states.
France permits restriction-free entry to all persons who present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate upon entry.
Moreover, entry to France is also permitted for those who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus. Unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers who reach France from a green-listed country are permitted entry as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test result taken recently.
According to the French Ministry of Interior, unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers from orange-listed countries are also permitted entry to France. Apart from being required to present a negative test result, they also must provide a sworn statement attesting to the absence of COVID-19 symptoms.
France has also eased some of its national rules. Travellers can now access different public places and events without proof of vaccination.
>> France Lifts COVID Passport Requirement for Access in Most Venues & Events
Even though Germany has eased some of its rules, the country still requires travellers to provide valid COVID-19 proof. The German Federal Ministry of Interior has explained that currently, all persons, regardless of their country of origin, need to present valid proof of their COVID-19 status.
All travellers over the age of 12 need to hold a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate when travelling to Germany in order to be exempt from additional entry rules.
“Every person over the age of 12 is obliged to carry proof of their COVID‑19 status when entering Germany,” the statement of the German Federal Ministry of Interior reads.
>> Travelling to Germany in Spring 2022: Current Entry Rules & Other Restrictions Explained
The Greek authorities explain that all EU/Schengen Area travellers, nationals of Canada, Australia, and the United States, as well as travellers from third countries that are connected to the EU DCC who hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate, are permitted restriction-free entry to the country.
Travellers from the rest of the countries can only enter Greece if they have been vaccinated or recovered from the virus and if they take an additional pre-entry test.
Previously, travellers entering Greece were also required to complete the Passenger Locator Form. However, such a requirement has now been lifted.
>> Greece Lifts Passenger Locator Form Requirement for All Travellers
Even though Greece still requires incoming travellers to meet entry rules, the authorities have announced that starting from May 2 everyone will be able to enter restriction-free.
>> Greece to Officially Drop COVID-19 Entry Restrictions for All Travellers on May 2
Hungary has already abolished all of its COVID-19 entry rules. Travellers from all countries can now enter Hungary restriction-free without having to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.
“Travel restrictions previously imposed due to the epidemic situation have been lifted,” the Hungarian authorities stated earlier in March.
Except for lifting the entry rules, Hungary has also removed its national COVID-19 restrictions. Travellers are no longer required to hold COVID-19 proof when accessing different public places and events.
Similar to Hungary, Iceland has also removed all of its entry rules. All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status and country of origin, can enter 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 Icelandic Directorate of Health said in February.
Ireland has lifted all of its measures too. The Irish government announced earlier in February that travellers are no longer required to present any COVID-19 proof upon their arrival. In addition, the same has noted that everyone is also exempt from the requirement to fill out the Passenger Locator Form.
“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 Irish government stated.
Since March 1, Italy has been applying the same rules to all travellers, regardless of their country of origin. All persons are currently permitted entry to Italy provided that they present a vaccination or recovery certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result.
“With effect from March 1, the same rules for arrivals to Italy from all non-European countries as those already in force for European countries. For entry to the national territory, one of the conditions of the Green Pass will be sufficient,” the Italian Ministry of Health noted.
>> Non-EU Travellers Now Permitted to Enter Italy for Non-Essential Travel Purposes
The Latvian authorities have just recently announced that all travellers are now permitted restriction-free entry to the country regardless of their vaccination or recovery status.
Updating the entry rules, the Latvian authorities explained that no country is currently placed on its high-risk list. For this reason, they have decided to lift their entry rules.
However, it has been emphasised that travellers will be required to present COVID-19 proof if their country of origin gets placed on the high-risk list in the future.
>> No Vaccination or Test Certificate Is Required to Enter Latvia Starting Today
Considering the low infection rates, Lithuania has also relaxed some of its entry rules. All travellers, including those from third countries, can enter Lithuania restriction-free if they have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus.
In contrast, stricter rules apply to unvaccinated and unrecovered persons.
Unvaccinated and unrecovered travellers from the EU/Schengen Area are recommended to take a rapid antigen or PCR test on the third day of arrival at the latest.
As for travellers from third countries who have not been vaccinated or recovered, the Lithuanian authorities have explained that they need to take a test before entry. In addition, they are also recommended to take a second test within three days after arrival.
>> Lithuania Removes Passenger Locator Form Requirement for Everyone
Luxembourg has followed the example of other EU/Schengen Area countries and has decided to relax its entry rules.
EU/Schengen Area travellers can currently enter Luxembourg without having to follow additional measures provided that they present one of the passes that is part of the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate.
In contrast, it has been highlighted that different rules apply to travellers from third countries. Third-country travellers can only enter Luxembourg if they present a valid recovery or test certificate.
The validity of vaccination passes is nine months after the completion of primary vaccination, and the validity of recovery passes is six months.
>> Luxembourg Extends Current Entry Restrictions Until End of June
Malta continues to keep in place its entry rules and the colour-coded system. All travellers are currently required to fill out the Passenger Locator Form as well as present a vaccination certificate to be permitted entry to the country.
Vaccination certificates are considered valid when entering Malta only if primary vaccination has been completed in the last 90 days. Those who have been vaccinated more than three months ago need to receive a booster shot in order for their pass to be recognised upon entry into Malta.
Malta does not accept other documents – recovery or negative tests – for entry.
Even though the country still keeps entry rules in place, the Maltese authorities decided to remove some of the domestic COVID-19 restrictions earlier in March. As a result, different establishments no longer have limitations on their operating hours.
>> Malta Has Facilitated Entry for Travellers from Dark-Red Countries & Vaccinated Third Country Nationals
The Netherlands has just recently dropped all of its COVID-19 entry rules for EU/Schengen Area travellers.
Travellers who reach the Netherlands from an EU/Schengen Area country are now permitted restriction-free entry, regardless of their vaccination status. This means that all EU/Schengen Are travellers can enter the Netherlands without having to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.
On the other hand, third-country travellers are still subject to entry rules. Non-EU travellers can enter the Netherlands as long as they hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate.
Norway has already lifted all of its entry measures. All travellers, regardless of their country of origin, can enter Norway without having to worry about holding a recovery or vaccination certificate.
“No testing, no quarantining, no registration!” the Norwegian authorities emphasised earlier in February when they decided to lift their rules.
In addition, Norway has also lifted all its national COVID-19 measures.
“Other restrictions have also been lifted. You do not need to wear a face mask anywhere in the country, and social distancing rules have also been lifted. Social and cultural life is now back to normal,” the authorities added.
Poland is one of the most recent countries to remove all of its COVID-19 entry rules.
The Polish government announced on March 28 that all travellers, including those from third countries, can now enter Poland without being required to present valid COVID-19 proof.
“From March 28, 2022, onwards, 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; test for SARS-CoV-2; undergo the so-called entry quarantine,” the statement of the government reads.
In contrast to the two countries mentioned above, Portugal still requires travellers to meet some measures. EU/EEA travellers are permitted entry to Portugal for all kinds of purposes, provided that they present one of the certificates that is part of the EU Digital COVID Pass.
Non-essential travel to Portugal is also allowed for travellers from these third countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, US, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, UK, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, UAE, and Taiwan.
In addition, Portugal also permits entry to all travellers from third countries that recognise Portugal’s COVID travel documents under reciprocal conditions.
Slovakia permits entry to travellers as long as they present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate. Special categories of travellers can also enter with a negative COVID-19 test result.
The Slovak authorities explain that travellers who do not hold one of the required documents can also enter the country. However, they are subject to additional measures, such as testing and quarantine.
Slovenia has lifted all of its COVID-19 entry measures. All travellers can now enter the Slovenian territory without having to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.
“As of February 19, 2022, restrictions due to Covid-19 no longer apply when entering Slovenia. This means that the RVT (recovered/vaccinated/tested) condition no longer has to be met at the border,” the Slovenian authorities stated earlier in February.
Spain currently permits entry to all EU/Schengen Area travellers who present a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate. This means that travellers from the EU/Schengen Area can enter Spain by presenting a vaccination or recovery certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result.
Travellers from third countries are also allowed to enter Spain. Third-country travellers can enter Spain restriction-free only if they hold a valid vaccination or recovery pass or if they fall into the exemption list.
>> Travelling to Spain in Spring 2022: Entry Rules Explained
Sweden has already lifted all of its entry rules and now allows restriction-free entry to all EU/EEA citizens. Travellers from the EU/EEA are permitted entry to Sweden without having to follow additional measures.
“From February 9, 2022, there is no longer an entry ban when entering directly from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland,” the Swedish Police said earlier in February.
The Swedish authorities have also announced that since April 1, the ban on non-essential travel from third countries will be removed. This means that third-country travellers can also now enter Sweden without being required to present any COVID-19 proof.
Similar to the majority of the other countries, Switzerland has also facilitated some of its measures. However, travellers are still required to meet COVID-19 entry rules.
Currently, all travellers regardless of their country of origin, can enter Switzerland restriction-free as long as they present a valid vaccination certificate.
In addition, those who have recovered from the virus can also enter Switzerland.
>> Switzerland Permits Entry for Travellers From Risk Countries Who Have Recovered From COVID-19