Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Most countries have travel restrictions in place in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19.
The latest big changes include:
Albania
Measures to contain COVID-19 remain in effect, including night-time curfews from 11pm to 6am, and mandatory face masks indoors and on public transport.
All land borders are open and there is no restricted movement around the country.
A negative PCR test and proof of vaccination taken less than 72 hours before arrival are required for all foreign nationals.
Andorra
Access to Andorra requires passing through either Spain or France, so check their travel restrictions, too, before planning your trip.
Travel to and from the country is open, but masks are still required in indoor spaces. Andorra also asks that social distancing be respected.
Travellers who intend to stay in Andorra for more than three nights need to present a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR or lateral flow test result, or proof that they have recovered from COVID-19.
Austria
One of three documents is required to enter the country a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, a vaccine certificate or proof of past infection.
A negative COVID-19 test will not be sufficient.
Austria is connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Masks are required on public transport and in indoor spaces.
Belarus
It’s still possible to travel to Belarus by air under certain restrictions, but land travel for leisure is currently banned.
At the moment, most countries are considered high risk but fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt from restrictions.
Foreign arrivals who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to do a PCR test 72 hours before entry. This rule still holds for those above six who are not vaccinated.
Belarus
It’s still possible to travel to Belarus by air under certain restrictions, but land travel for leisure is currently banned.
At the moment, most countries are considered high risk but fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt from restrictions.
Foreign arrivals who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to do a PCR test 72 hours before entry. This rule still holds for those above six who are not vaccinated.
Masks are compulsory on public transport.
Belgium
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Everyone entering the country must fill in a Passenger Locator Form, except if you are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours.
Masks are no longer required outdoors but remain compulsory in indoor spaces such as shops, places of worship and public transport.
People entering bars, restaurants, cafes and other indoor must show their COVID-19 safe status through the Belgian Covid Safe Ticket (CST) system.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina are open to tourists as long as they can present a negative PCR result, issued no less than 48 hours before travel, or proof of vaccination.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and cafes are open, along with most other businesses.
People must wear masks in outdoor and indoor public spaces and on public transport.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is operating a colour-coded system for international travel.
A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel is necessary for entry.
Croatia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
All passengers coming from an EU/EEA country on the ‘green list’ are allowed into Croatia, as long as they can show a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before departing, or a vaccination certificate.
Cyprus
Cyprus has toughened its COVID-19 screening for all travellers, now requiring them to present a negative PCR result taken within 48 hours of departure.
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
The country has a colour-coded system in place, with requirements for travellers depending on their location.
Cyprus is also operating a ‘SafePass’ to access public spaces, where face masks must be worn.
A Cyprus Flight Pass must be obtained by all arrivals, along with a negative PCR test for orange and red list arrivals.
Czech Republic
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Czech Republic separates countries into five categories with varying entry requirements, the full lists are available here.
Denmark
All foreigners and non-residents entering Denmark must do a test before arrival.
This can be a PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival, or an antigen test taken 48 hours before arrival.
Museums, cinemas, art galleries, concerts, cinemas and similar are open but you need a corona passport or proof of vaccination to enter.
Restaurants, cafes and bars are open but you need a corona passport or proof of vaccination to enter. They are closed from 11pm to 5am.
Estonia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
A 10-day quarantine period will be applied if you are arriving from an EU/EEA country with an infection rate higher than 150 cases per 100,000 of the population in the last 14 days.
Travel documents and medical symptoms are checked at the borders.
Finland
All passengers arriving in Finland from abroad are required to present proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, along with a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to arrival.
Finnish citizens and residents, or those arriving for ‘compelling reasons’ do not have to show a negative test on arrival.
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
France
France has now lifted its ban on UK tourists. Brits no longer need a ‘compelling’ reason or have to isolate on arrival. Full details on the new rules are here.
France requires all UK travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test either antigen or PCR taken within 24 hours before departure.
Non-vaccinated visitors from the EU need to present a negative test taken 24 hours before travel.
Mask-wearing is compulsory in all enclosed public spaces and some outdoor places, including crowded queues, markets or in the stands of a stadium.
Germany
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Germany is operating a ‘green pass’ for entry into public spaces.
Travellers entering the country need to fill out a digital registration form before they travel and must have proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Only German citizens are allowed into the country on flights from South Africa. Arrivals will need to go into quarantine for 14 days whether they are vaccinated or not.
Arrivals from other “areas of variant of concern” are subject to different rules, detailed here.
Greece
All incoming travellers are now required to have follow-up tests for COVID-19 on the second and fourth days after their arrival.
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
Beaches are open but people must socially distance themselves. Masks must be worn in all indoor public places.
A PCR test, EU Digital Certificate, or proof of vaccination are required for almost all arrivals.
All arrivals must fill in a Passenger Locator Form.
Hungary
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Social distancing rules are no longer in force, but people must wear face masks in hospitals and ‘social institutions’. They must be worn on public transport too.
Curfews are no longer in place. Shops and service providers are now open as normal.
Iceland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Visitors from other countries must be fully-vaccinated or recovered, and present a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours or less before arriving in Iceland.
Ireland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
If you are fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery, arrivals in Ireland are no longer required to present a negative antigen or PCR test.
If you are not fully vaccinated, you will still be required to show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel.
Travellers must also fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before departure.
Only people who are fully vaccinated, or who have proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past six months, will be able to enjoy indoor hospitality.
Italy
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
All travellers from EU countries will need to present a negative COVID test on arrival.
The time frames for taking these vary by country, but Italy has a simple questionnaire to fill in, which will instantly give you the rules to follow based on your situation.
Unvaccinated arrivals from many countries have to quarantine on arrival. Again fill in this questionnaire for full details.
Kosovo
All but essential travel to and from Kosovo is generally advised against, and the government has announced strict temporary measures to control the virus.
A negative PCR test less than 72 hours old is required by all foreign travellers entering Kosovo from countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases.
Latvia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Latvia is operating a ‘green pass’ for access to public spaces.
Everyone who intends to enter Latvia is required to complete and submit an electronic form no earlier than 48 hours before entering Latvia.
All arrivals must show a negative PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before flying to be allowed to enter Latvia.
Liechtenstein
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Anybody travelling to Liechtenstein from a ‘high risk’ country must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.
For the most part, the tourism industry is operating and the usual COVID-19 measures such as wearing face masks and social distancing apply in public spaces
Lithuania
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
A 10-day quarantine is in place for non-EUDCC arrivals. Borders remain open to EU and EEA citizens but movement within the country remains restricted.
Anyone arriving in Lithuania will need to present a negative PCR test no older than 48 hours or submit to being tested on arrival at the airport. All travellers are required to then quarantine for 10 days.
Luxembourg
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Luxembourg is operating a ‘green pass’ for access to public spaces.
Malta
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Malta is still operating a traffic light system that will determine which restrictions you will be subject to when you arrive.
Currently, there are no countries on the green list. Arrivals from countries on the red list (all countries) are required to present a recognised vaccination certificate.
Only fully vaccinated people in possession of a recognised vaccination certificate are exempt from quarantine.
Visitors from the UK to Malta who have not been fully vaccinated will have to quarantine for 14 days.
Moldova
Most hotels are open with no restrictive measures in place.
Private events such as weddings or birthday parties are not allowed, and nightclubs are closed.
Monaco
Monaco is open for tourists and is following the EU traffic light system to determine restrictions for arrivals.
Visitors have to present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival. In the absence of a negative test, a quarantine will be enforced.
Montenegro
Evidence of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to travel, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or proof of full vaccination with an EU approved vaccine is needed for entry into Montenegro.
Arrivals to Montenegro with none of the above will need to isolate for 14 days.
Netherlands
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
All arrivals must present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours and fill in a health declaration form.
Anyone arriving in the Netherlands from highly impacted areas is required to undergo 10 days of self-quarantine. No negative test or quarantine period is required for visitors arriving from “safe” countries across the EU, Asia, and Oceania.
Due to the new Omicron variant, direct flights from South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are banned.
North Macedonia
The borders are open in North Macedonia.
Bars, restaurants and cafes are open for business with social distancing and extra hygiene measures in place. Other businesses including shops and hairdressers are open.
Norway
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travellers to Norway must have a COVID-19 test, regardless of vaccination status. The test can be taken at a testing centre on border crossing points and at the airport.
Fully vaccinated travellers or those with an approved certificate do not need to provide evidence of a negative test on arrival or complete an online registration form prior to arrival.
Masks are compulsory in public spaces for everyone over the age of 12, unless you are exempt.
Poland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
UK travellers and anyone else from non-Schengen countries must quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Arrivals from Schengen countries must show proof of full vaccination on arrival. If they do not, they will have to quarantine for 10 days.
Portugal
Portugal announced new restrictions over Christmas and the New Year which saw negative COVID tests being a necessity for access to public spaces and limited gatherings.
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC). Fully vaccinated travellers will have to present a negative test on arrival. This can either be a lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of departure or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
It is mandatory to prove full vaccination status to enter restaurants, tourist venues and accommodation.
Face masks must be worn in public and social distancing and extra hygiene measures are in force in all public settings.
Romania
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Hotels, guesthouses and other tourist accommodations are open and subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Museums, cultural sites and tourist attractions are open along with restaurants, cafes and clubs.
Russia
All arrivals into Russia will be temperature checked and will be required to provide a negative PCR test result.
Bars, restaurants and tourist attractions are now open.
San Marino
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Serbia
All arrivals to Serbia must provide a negative PCR test performed no more than 48 hours before departure to be allowed entry, or a vaccine certificate.
Slovakia
Slovakia is currently in lockdown.
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travellers will also need to register their arrival via an online form.
Slovenia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Slovenia has a traffic light system in place. If you’re coming from a ‘red list’ country, you’ll be asked to quarantine for 10 days when you arrive.
COVID-19 restrictions vary between municipalities.
Spain
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travellers from the UK must show proof of being fully vaccinated. This means you must have received the second dose at least 14 days before arrival. Children under 12 years old are exempt when travelling with an adult.
Sweden
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
UK and non EU/EEA arrivals are no longer banned, with the exception of those who do not have proof of COVID-19 recovery, full vaccination or a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours.
Sweden has begun opening its borders up to those outside the EU, including travellers from the US as of November 5th.
Switzerland
All arrivals, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative PCR test on arrival.
All arrivals, regardless of vaccination status, must do a test between the 4th and 7th day after arrival. This can be an antigen or PCR test.
The rules are different if you are transiting through Switzerland.
Turkey
Most travellers to Turkey aged 12 years and above must have proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival, an antigen test within 48 hours, or be fully jabbed.
All arrivals will be subject to a medical check for symptoms of COVID, including temperature checks, and may be asked to take random PCR testing on arrival.
Ukraine
All visitors must have health insurance that covers COVID-19.
Ukraine is operating a colour-coded regional system, in place until at least the New Year.
Social distancing and indoor mask-wearing are mandatory in all zones.
United Kingdom
Instead vaccinated travellers will have to take a lateral flow test at the end of their second day in the UK with a follow-up PCR required if it is positive.
Unvaccinated travellers are still required to take a pre-departure test and self-isolate for 10 days.
They will also need to take a PCR test on day two and day eight after they arrive in the UK.
Face masks are now mandatory in most public spaces in the UK and COVID passes are required for large venues.
Vatican City
Vatican City has reopened its doors to tourists following the easing of Italy’s travel restrictions.
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