Covid restrictions still on for several European countries

While some destinations have relaxed all Covid travel restrictions, others have maintained a series of test requirements upon entry.

For instance, Spain has recently announced the extending of the Covid-19 regulations until the 15th of June, with travellers required a full vaccination scheme before visiting the mainland, Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands. The strict rules do not apply for children under the age of 12. Nevertheless, children aged 2 and more need a Covid-19 recovery certificate or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry.

France and Turkey also follow this example and allow unvaccinated holidaymakers on their territories only after presenting a negative PCR upon arrival.

On the other hand, countries like Greece, Croatia and Austria have already lifted all restrictions, regardless vaccination status.

Portugal and Cyprus have a different approach, as visitors are required to take a lateral flow test by a healthcare professional no more than 24 hours before entry. Italy and the US also ask for Covid testing, regardless age and vaccination status.

Nick Markham, co-founder at Cignpost ExpressTest based in the UK, declared:

“It’s great to see people are travelling abroad again, but as individual countries are responsible for their own Covid testing rules, passengers must remain wary to ensure they’ve taken the right tests for their destination.

“The risk is that they can’t get a last-minute test in time for their flight, so pre-booking the right test at the airport should be thought of as a holiday essential, like buying insurance or finding the best deal for your travel money.

“With testing rules changing regularly and often at short notice, we advise people keep checking the requirements for their destination to make sure they don’t get caught out.”

On top of Covid testing requirements, countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain have announced their intentions of also keeping face mask regulations in place for the moment.

 

Source: theguardian.com