This article was updated on December 2, 2021.
The European Union spent decades getting rid of its borders. Coronavirus brought them back.
When the pandemic first washed across the bloc in early 2020, panicky countries restored border controls; people and trucks transporting everything from car parts to cabbages spent days in huge lines waiting to cross frontiers. Most air travel ended. Over the last year, as COVID-19 vaccines have become available, those barriers have been lowered — but they haven’t entirely gone away.
Instead of a seamless travel zone from Finland to Portugal, the EU is very much a cacophony of independent nations. Travel rules that apply in Estonia aren’t the same in Cyprus. A traveler strolling through Warsaw’s Chopin Airport may face a very different reception in Dublin.
A rising fourth wave of infections, made worse by panic over the appearance of the Omicron coronavirus variant, has countries across the bloc bringing in new emergency measures. Austria’s bars and restaurants are shuttered. In Belgium, you have to show a COVID pass to get a table in a restaurant. In Poland, no one bothers to check at all.
Finding information on the fast-changing situation isn’t easy. That’s why POLITICO’s reporters have gone through all 27 EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and the U.K. to give travelers an idea of what the entry rules are, what paperwork is needed, and what you can do once you’ve cleared border formalities.
Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | United Kingdom
🇦🇹 Austria
What are the rules for entry? When traveling to Austria from a country that is listed as having a “low epidemiological risk,†one must carry proof of vaccination or recovery in English or German, no older than nine months. Those who are not vaccinated must carry the result of a negative PCR test that has been conducted 72 hours before entry.
The list of low-risk countries can be found here and includes all EU/EEA members, as well as third countries with a low COVID-19 incidence.
An entry ban applies to countries with “a high incidence of virus variants.†These are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
For all travelers entering Austria from countries that are not explicitly listed, a 10-day quarantine applies (which can end after the fifth day with a negative PCR test), a pre-travel clearance form must be filled out, and proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR test must be provided upon entry.
What paperwork is required? When entering Austria from a country that’s not listed as having a “low epidemiological risk†or as having “a high incidence of virus variants,†one must fill out the pre-travel clearance which can be found here.
Can I visit from outside the EU? If your country is listed as a low-risk area you may enter Austria – without quarantine or extra paperwork – under the condition that you provide proof of vaccination or recovery no older than nine months, or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours.
The following non-EU countries are included in the list of low-risk areas: Andorra, Australia, Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jordan, Canada, Qatar, Kuwait, Macau, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay, Vatican City and Vietnam.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Austria recorded a seven-day average of 1,186 cases per million people, and 6 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 12,553 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 69.5 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.Â
What can I do when I get there? Austria currently faces a nationwide lockdown that started on November 22 and is scheduled to last for a maximum of 20 days. This means that you can leave the house only under certain exceptions and that restaurants, nonessential shops, cultural venues and the like are closed.
More info: Here.
🇧🇪 Belgium
What are the rules for entry? If you’re fully vaccinated, you can travel freely from countries within the EU. Fully vaccinated means two weeks have passed since your last shot. Belgium accepts all vaccines approved by the EMA, as well as Covishield.
What paperwork is required? If you were abroad for more than 48 hours, you have to fill in the passenger locator form within six months before your arrival in Belgium, even if you are fully vaccinated.
Can I visit from outside the EU? It depends on your country’s color code. If you are traveling from a green or orange area, you don’t have to do a test or quarantine. If you’re traveling from a red area inside the EU, you need to get tested upon arrival if you’re not fully vaccinated. If you’re staying in Brussels and are not fully vaccinated, you can only leave quarantine once the result of your second test is known.
If you’re traveling from a red area outside the EU, you can only travel to Belgium if you’re an EU citizen or if you’re fully vaccinated. You need to get tested upon arrival. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you need to get tested on day 1 and 7 upon return and stay in quarantine until the result of the second test is known.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Belgium recorded a seven-day average of 1,565 cases per million people, and 4 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 27,072 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 74.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. There are major discrepancies in vaccination rates in the different regions of Belgium.
What can I do when I get there? You have to show your immunity passport, the so-called Covid Safe Ticket, to go to restaurants and pubs or large events. In the hospitality industry, an 11 p.m. curfew is imposed on restaurants. A maximum of six people are allowed per table, unless they are members of the same household. Christmas markets have to close at 11 p.m. Private meetings indoors are prohibited, with the exception of weddings and funerals.
More info: Here.
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
What are the rules for entry? Bulgaria classifies countries based on the spread of COVID-19 and groups them in color areas. Entry requirements depend on the color of the country of departure.
 Travelers coming from green and orange countries can generally enter without further restrictions (such as 10-day quarantine) if they have an EU Digital COVID Certificate, or equivalent documents, showing proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID in the six months before arrival or a negative COVID test (PCR test results can’t be older than 72 hours; antigen test results no older than 48 hours). Approved vaccines include Sinopharm and Sputnik V.
Travelers from red countries can enter only if they are EU/Schengen citizens or are part of specific categories (such as medical workers). They must have a COVID certificate and a negative PCR test.
What paperwork is required? EU Digital COVID Certificate, or equivalent documents.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Only if you belong to a specific category, such as medical workers. Bulgaria has imposed a travel ban for passengers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Bulgaria recorded a seven-day average of 303 cases per million people, and 16 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 28,542 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 25.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.Â
What can I do when I get there? Like other European countries, Bulgaria has introduced some restrictions. In general, an EU COVID certificate or equivalent document is required in many situations, including visits to museums, cinemas and theaters. It’s the same for restaurants, bars and other catering establishments.
The use of face masks is mandatory in indoor public areas — including public transport, museums and churches — and crowded open spaces, when it’s not possible to keep a distance of 1.5 meters from other people. Exceptions include customers in restaurants.
More info: Here.
🇭🇷 Croatia
What are the rules for entry? Individuals can travel to Croatia without restrictions if they are coming directly from an EU/European Economic Area country, irrespective of citizenship, if they have a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate.Â
If you don’t have such a certificate, you can still enter with a certificate no older than 365 days showing you have received two doses of vaccine used in EU member countries or approved by the WHO. You may also enter with a certificate no older than 365 days that you have one dose of Johnson & Johnson, provided 14 days have passed since the shot. A single shot of Pfizer, Moderna or Sputnik V can also get you into the country in the period of 22 to 42 days from receiving the shot. You can enter Croatia with a single shot of AstraZeneca in the period of 22 to 84 days from receiving the shot.Â
If you’ve had COVID and have received one dose of a vaccine used in EU countries, you can also visit Croatia. If you’re not vaccinated, you will need to provide a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours or a negative antigen test result no older than 48 hours upon arrival. You can also take a test once you arrive and will need to self-isolate until the test comes back negative.
What paperwork is required? Travelers are advised to fill out a form before arriving in Croatia.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? You can enter Croatia if you are an EU/EEA citizen, a family member of an EU/EEA citizen or a long-term resident of an EU country, provided you have an EU Digital COVID Certificate, another vaccination certificate or a negative test result.Â
Third-country nationals will only be granted entry to Croatia in cases of necessary travel, but tourism is a valid exception.Â
Passengers coming from a country on the red list are not allowed entry and special measures are required for passengers coming from a country on this list of countries to which special epidemiological regulations apply.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Croatia recorded a seven-day average of 1,090 cases per million people, and 16 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 10,967 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 47.6 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.Â
What can I do when I get there? Cafes, clubs and restaurants are open but subject to curfews and capacity rules. You need an EU Digital COVID Certificate to attend an indoor gathering of more than 50 people. Masks are mandatory indoors, as well as outside where social distancing cannot be maintained.
More info: Here.
🇨🇾 Cyprus
What are the rules for entry? Cyprus is following a color-coded system harmonized with the evaluation standards of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Depending on whether you’re vaccinated or not and depending on the color category of the country you depart from, various conditions must be fulfilled before you can enter Cyprus.
These conditions range from a negative coronavirus PCR test within 72 hours before flight departure to another PCR test upon arrival and mandatory self-isolation (only for gray countries). As of December 6, everyone entering the country will need a negative PCR test, regardless of vaccination status.Â
What paperwork is required? Regardless of where you travel from, the Cyprus Flight Pass must be completed 48 hours prior to departure. Individuals traveling from gray countries need to obtain a special permit to enter Cyprus at least two days before the expected date of travel.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes. Travel from outside the EU is possible according to the guidelines outlined for the color-coded system Cyprus abides by.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Cyprus recorded a seven-day average of 559 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 598 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 65.1 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? From December 15, only individuals who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine will be allowed to enter certain premises, among them cinemas, theaters, night clubs and catering facilities.
More: Here.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
What are the rules for entry? The Czech government has set in place entry rules dependent on the level of risk of infection in the traveler’s home country. For those coming from a country defined as either low- or medium-risk, passengers should take an antigen or PCR just before arriving, or within five days of staying in the country. For those traveling from a high-risk country, passengers should take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and then again between the fifth and seventh day present in the Czech Republic.
What paperwork is required? Here is the passenger locator form which all new arrivals must complete.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes, although the government has set in place restrictions on entry for those who have spent time in a series of southern African countries.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, the Czech Republic recorded a seven-day average of 1,706 cases per million people, and 10 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 33,186 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 59.4 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? From November 22, only those who hold a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery are allowed to access hotels, restaurants and other leisure facilities.
More info: Here.
🇩🇰 Denmark
What are the rules for entry? Fully vaccinated people can travel freely, as long as they haven’t been to a country with a COVID variant of concern within 10 days of arriving on Danish soil. If they have, they need to take a PCR test before boarding the plane. Upon arrival, they’ll need to take a test within 24 hours and go into 10 days of isolation. Self-isolation can end with a negative PCR test taken at least four days after arrival.
You’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your last dose of an EMA-approved vaccine, but you must have been jabbed within the last 12 months. A first dose of AstraZeneca followed by a second dose of Moderna or BioNTech/Pfizer is also considered a full course. You can travel without restrictions with a positive PCR test that’s at least 14 days old, but no older than 12 months.
Requirements depend on your country’s risk label. In most cases, you’ll have to take a test before entering Denmark or within 24 hours after entering the country. Travelers from high-risk countries will not only have to test within 24 hours of arrival, but also self-isolate for 10 days. Isolation can end with a negative PCR test that’s taken at least four days after arrival.
What paperwork is required? Documentation of having been vaccinated or being in possession of a recent negative test result, depending on the above entry requirements.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Requirements also depend on your country’s risk label. Denmark has simplified its risk-labeling process by targeting ​​countries with “COVID-19 variants of concern†and “high risk.†Access to Denmark is otherwise pretty straightforward, as long as you’re jabbed with a vaccine that’s accepted by the EMA and can prove it with documentation that’s accepted in the EU.
What’s the COVID situation?  In the week up to December 1, Denmark recorded a seven-day average of 753 cases per million people, and 2 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 2,922 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 76.6 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Entry to museums, restaurants and other cultural venues requires either proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test. Individual businesses may additionally set their own entry rules when it comes to showing proof of vaccination or a negative tests, or wearing face masks.
More info: Here. And here’s an interactive guide to determine which rules apply to you.
🇪🇪 Estonia
What are the rules for entry? You can freely enter Estonia if you’ve been fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.
If you’re unvaccinated and traveling from a country with a 14-day infection rate above 75 per 100,000, you’ll need to quarantine upon arrival for 10 days, unless you receive a negative test result. You can check your country’s status if it’s in Europe here, or outside of Europe here.
What paperwork is required? All travelers entering Estonia need to fill out this form up to three days before arrival.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes. But as of December 1 and provisionally until December 15, travelers from countries that are “recognized as being at high risk of Omicron COVID variant†need to undergo a 10-day quarantine. The list of countries is: Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini and Namibia.
Travelers from the above-mentioned countries who are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19 must take a PCR test upon arrival. If the test result is negative, you’re free to go. If you refuse to get tested, you’ll have to go through a 10-day quarantine.
Unvaccinated travelers from Omicron high-risk countries can take a PCR test upon arrival and a second one six days later. If both of these come out negative, you may then shorten the standard 10-day quarantine.
What’s the COVID situation?  In the week up to December 1, Estonia recorded a seven-day average of 422 cases per million people, and 4 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 1,803 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 59.5 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? If you’re vaccinated or have proof of a recent COVID-19 recovery, you can do pretty much anything. Nightclubs, bars, movie theaters, concert halls, museums, spas, saunas and sporting events are open to you, as long as you show proof of your vaccination or recovery. These locations need to close by 11 p.m.
But if you’re unvaccinated, enjoying Estonia will be tougher, since you won’t be able to enter any of the above-mentioned places nor eat out at restaurants.
🇫🇮 Finland
What are the rules for entry? You can travel freely into Finland if you’re fully vaccinated, which Finland considers you to be if you received your final dose of an approved vaccine within the past seven days. The only exception is if you’re traveling from (or have recently been to) Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe. You can also enter Finland without restrictions if you’ve had COVID, and had one dose of an accepted vaccine.Â
If you’re not vaccinated, you can still travel to Finland without restrictions if you come from a “low-risk†country, which currently includes: Bhutan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, China, Kuwait, Macao, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, New Zealand or Vatican City. The Norwegian municipalities of Sør-Varanger, Karasjok, Storfjord, Nordreisa, and Tana are also included.Â
If you’re not vaccinated and you’re not traveling from a low-risk country, you will either have to demonstrate you’ve recently tested negative for COVID, or you’ll have to arrange a COVID test on arrival.Â
What paperwork is required? Travelers from EU countries can show their EU Digital COVID Certificate, as can passengers from countries that have signed an equivalency agreement with the EU on COVID certificates. ​​If a traveler does not have a COVID-19 certificate, another reliable certificate or a verified translation of it should be in Finnish, Swedish or English, or, in the Sámi Homeland area, in Sámi. The Finnish government recommends downloading the “Finentry†app, which gives travelers information on self-isolation or testing requirements and allows them to book a test for free.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes, provided you’re vaccinated, traveling from a low-risk country, or have tested negative (or are willing to get tested on entry). Otherwise, you have to prove you’re traveling for an “essential†reason, like doing health care, diplomatic or transport-related work, or for pressing family reasons.
What’s the COVID situation?  In the week up to December 1, Finland recorded a seven-day average of 221 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 1,348 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 72.6 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
More info: Here. Finland lists entry restrictions by country here.
🇫🇷 France
What are the rules of entry? If you are fully vaccinated you can travel to France with no restrictions linked to health conditions. Unvaccinated children over 12 will have to show a negative test result to enter the country.
If you’ve already had COVID-19, instead of a negative test result, you are allowed to present a recovery certificate older than 11 days and no older than six months prior to the date of your arrival.
If you aren’t vaccinated and arrive from a green-list country you’ll need to show a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 72 hours before boarding. But if you arrive from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia or Switzerland, your test needs done within 24 hours.
Exemptions to this rule apply for cross-border workers, urgent work-related trips and trips by hauliers carrying out their work, but you’ll have to show a document proving the reasons for your trip to benefit from the exemption.
If you arrive from an orange-list country, you’ll only be allowed in France if you have a “compelling reason†and you can show a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours or a negative antigenic test taken less than 48 hours before departure. Upon entry into the country, you’ll have to voluntarily self-isolate for seven days.
If you arrive from a red-list country, you’ll be allowed only if you have a “compelling reason†and can show a negative PCR or antigenic test no older than 48 hours. You’ll have to be tested upon arrival and do a mandatory 10-day quarantine supervised by security forces. Red-list countries include Afghanistan, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Eswatini, Georgia, Lesotho, Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Suriname, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.
What paperwork is required? To enter, you will have to show a proof of vaccination. You’re considered fully vaccinated if it’s been one week after the second jab for two-shot vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca); one month after your single-shot vaccine (Johnson & Johnson); one week after your first shot for people who have already had COVID-19; and one week after a booster shot. France only accepts EMA-recognized vaccines.
On top of that, you will need to show a sworn declaration stating you don’t have symptoms of a COVID-19 infection and that you haven’t been in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes, if you have a “compelling reason†or come from a green-list country (like Canada, Japan or Australia) and abide by the rules listed above.
What’s the COVID situation?  In the week up to December 1, France recorded a seven-day average of 514 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 120,208 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 69.8 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? There aren’t any lockdowns in place in France, but you will need to show a valid COVID-19 pass containing a proof of vaccination or a negative test of less than 24 hours to go to restaurants, bars, clubs, cinemas, museums, theaters and sports events (full list here). If you’re not a European national, here is how to apply for such a pass.
From December 15, elderly people over 65 or people who were vaccinated with a Janssen vaccine will have to provide proof of a booster shot for their COVID-19 pass to be extended.
Tests cost between €22 and €45 in France.
More info: Here.
🇩🇪 Germany
What are the rules for entry? Anyone aged 12 or older must present either proof of vaccination or recovery, or a negative test. Arrivals from “areas of variant of concern†(list here) must present a negative test before departure even if they’re vaccinated. To be valid for entry, a PCR test result must be no older than 72 hours and an antigen result no older than 48 hours. After staying in an area of variant of concern, the antigen result can be no older than 24 hours.Â
What paperwork is required? All people arriving from high-risk or variant of concern areas (list here) must fill out an entry form, available here.
Can I visit from outside the EU? In principle, people can freely enter Germany from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and a list of other countries determined by the EU, and fully vaccinated people from all other countries may enter (minus variant-of-concern areas).Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Germany recorded a seven-day average of 687 cases per million people, and 4 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 102,183 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 68 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Masks are mandatory in closed spaces such as public transport. Some of Germany’s 16 federal states mandate the wearing of FFP2 masks, while others allow either FFP2 or surgical masks. Currently, the so-called 2G rule (entry only for vaccinated and recovered people) applies in restaurants, bars, hotels and public transport in most states, with some demanding an additional negative antigen test. In some states, additional restrictions for unvaccinated people apply. Here’s a list of links to the local rules in different states.
More info: Here.
🇬🇷 Greece
What are the rules for entry? You can travel freely if you’re fully vaccinated. You’re considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the date that you got your second dose, or after the single Johnson & Johnson jab. Greece recognizes all vaccines authorized by the EMA or WHO, as well as Sputnik V, CanSino, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. If you’ve had COVID, you can travel freely in the 180 days after you recover from your infection. A recovery certificate can be issued 30 days after the day of the first positive coronavirus test.
In case you have none of the above, you will need a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours or a rapid test no older than 48 hours.
What paperwork is required? All travelers need to fill out a passenger locator form no later than 11:59 p.m. of the day before arriving in Greece. One PLF should be submitted per family. Random testing is also carried out by Greek authorities.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? The same rules apply for most non-EU countries. As of November 26, arrivals from nine African countries, including South Africa and Botswana, are halted to prevent spread of the new Omicron variant. Only Greek nationals or those traveling for essential purposes will be allowed in the country, with a negative PCR tests,a rapid test upon arrival and 10 days in quarantine and after being in touch with the Greek embassies and consulates to get approval. For passengers entering Greece from land borders, there is a limit of 1,500 passengers per week. All travelers from Russia will have to have a negative PCR or rapid test, independently of whether they have been vaccinated. Maritime connections with Turkey are restricted.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Greece recorded a seven-day average of 598 cases per million people, and 9 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 18,234 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 63.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Those without a vaccine certificate are barred from indoor venues such as bars, restaurants, cafes cinemas, theaters, retails stores and gyms. Everyone needs to show a vaccination certificate and an ID to enter indoor places, but issues have been reported with vaccination certificates issued outside the EU, as the Greek digital system does not recognize them. Unvaccinated people are only able to enter certain essential indoor stores, such as pharmacies and supermarkets.
Find out more: Here.
🇭🇺 Hungary
What are the rules for entry? There are no restrictions or requirements for entry by road or rail from Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. When traveling by air, individuals need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID within the past six months or a negative PCR test.Â
What paperwork is required? A digital COVID certificate is accepted.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? Hungary has a range of bilateral arrangements with countries outside the EU.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Hungary recorded a seven-day average of 1,029 cases per million people, and 18 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 34,713 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 60.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? There are no lockdowns.
More info: Here.
🇮🇸 Iceland
What are the rules for entry? If you’re vaccinated, you need to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Self-tests don’t count.Fully vaccinated means 14 days have passed since you got your second jab or since your Johnson & Johnson shot. Iceland accepts vaccines authorized by the EMA or the WHO. Â
If you’ve had COVID, you need a certificate proving a positive PCR test that is older than 14 days or a certificate proving you have antibodies. You cannot enter Iceland if you were diagnosed less than 14 days ago, whether vaccinated or not. You will need to present a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
If you’re neither of the above, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours. You’ll also have to quarantine for five days upon arrival and take another test at the end of your self-isolation period. You can quarantine at home as long as the accommodation fulfils certain conditions.
Can I visit from outside the EU? If you’re coming from outside the EU and if you’re fully vaccinated, you’re allowed to enter the country, provided you have a PCR test no older than 72 hours before boarding. Unvaccinated third-country nationals who haven’t had Covid-19 are banned from entering Iceland bar for essential travel. You might be exempt from these restrictions if you’re traveling from a country approved by Iceland, or if you are, for example, visiting a relative residing in Iceland.
What paperwork is required? Everyone entering Iceland has to pre-register.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Iceland recorded a seven-day average of 376 cases per million people, and no deaths per million people. There have been approximately 35 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 82 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? A maximum of 50 people can gather indoors or outdoors. You’ll have to wear masks in places where social distancing rules can’t be respected, for example in shops or public transport. Sports are still allowed. Events with up to 500 people can take place, provided that rapid tests are used and that guests are registered with contact details and sit in allocated seats. You can go to swimming pools, spas, gyms and ski areas, but they’re capped at 75 percent of their capacity. Restaurants and venues that serve alcohol have to close their doors to new customers at 10 p.m. and kick all guests out by 11 p.m.
More info: Here.
🇮🇪 Ireland
What are the rules for entry? From December 3 anyone traveling to Ireland must show a negative test result for COVID-19. That applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated people. However, the testing requirements are slightly lighter for people who can prove they are fully vaccinated, as they can use the result of an antigen test to gain entry. Vaccinated people can use a PCR test too, but unvaccinated people may use only a PCR test.
Until December 3, the EU Digital COVID Certificate, or proof of a negative PCR or RT test in the 72 hours before you arrive, or proof that you are vaccinated with an approved vaccine or have recovered. There is no need to quarantine, unless you’ve been in southern Africa.Â
What paperwork is required? Everyone must complete a passenger locator form.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes — but not if you’ve been in any of the following countries during the previous two weeks: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia. There are a number of exceptions, though, such as if you are an EU or U.K. citizen.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Ireland recorded a seven-day average of 911 cases per million people, and 2 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 5,707 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 76.1 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Ireland is open for business, but pubs, restaurants and nightclubs must close at midnight. You need to prove you are vaccinated or recovered in order to be served inside and go to the cinema. If you use public transport or go into a shop you must wear a mask.
More: Here.
🇮🇹 Italy
What are the rules for entry? Travelers from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Andorra and Monaco can enter Italy with a COVID-19 vaccine passport, including proof of vaccination or of having recovered from the coronavirus or a negative swab test (molecular within the last 72 hours or antigen within the last 48 hours before entering Italy). Absent these conditions, a mandatory five-day quarantine will apply, and a negative test at the end of it is required.
What paperwork is required? All travelers need to fill in a passenger locator form.
Can I visit from outside the EU? People who have stayed in or transited through South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini in the previous 14 days are banned from entering Italy. Travelers from Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, UAE, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, New Zealand, Qatar, the U.K., South Korea, Singapore, the U.S., Ukraine, Uruguay, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao must show a negative test result carried out 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy (48 hours for the U.K.), and present proof of full vaccination. Failing that, a mandatory five-day quarantine will apply, and a negative test (molecular or antigen) at the end of it is required. Travelers from Canada, Japan and the U.S. can enter Italy with proof of having recovered from the virus.Â
Travelers from anywhere else are allowed in Italy “exclusively for work, study, health or other absolutely essential reasons and to Italian/EU/Schengen citizens and family members, as well as holders of long-term resident status and family members … and partners in a proven stable emotional relationship (regardless of whether or not they cohabit) with Italian/EU/Schengen citizens or long-term residents, if travelling to their partner’s home or place of residence in Italy and to athletes participating in sports competitions of national interest and accompanying personnel.â€
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Italy recorded a seven-day average of 211 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 133,931 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 73 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Under new rules starting December 6 and effective until at least January 15, proof of vaccination or of having recovered from the virus will be required to enter bars, restaurants, hotels, gyms, nightclubs, ski lifts and stadiums — a negative test alone is no longer accepted. A negative test will continue to be acceptable (as an alternative to proof of vaccination or recovery) on public transport and in workplaces.
More info: Here.
🇱🇻 Latvia
What are the rules for entry? All people arriving in Lithuania must register with the National Public Health Center 48 hours before their arrival, and will have to show proof of registration before boarding planes or ships into the country. Travelers having received full shots or having proof of recovery from COVID-19 do not have to be tested or self-isolate.
If you’re coming from a red-zone country and have no record of past infection or having received a COVID-19 vaccination, you must have a pre-travel test and self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers from yellow-zone countries don’t have to self-isolate, but a second test is necessary three to five days after arrival. Travelers from green-zone countries (of which there are currently none) need to take a pre-travel COVID-19 test and fill out a registration form. A new category of countries subject to even stricter measures, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Esvatini, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia, will need to show a negative test 72 hours before traveling, isolate for 10 days upon arrival, and take PCR tests within the first three days of arriving and again during days seven through 10 of isolation.Â
What paperwork is required? A national registration form to be completed prior to travel is available here.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes. The list of countries by color, updated weekly, is here.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Latvia recorded a seven-day average of 433 cases per million people, and 11 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 4,213 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 63.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? You’ll have to wear a mask indoors everywhere. If you do not have a certificate proving recovery from COVID-19 or a full vaccination, you will not be allowed to attend cultural events or eat in restaurants, either in or outdoors. You also will only be allowed to visit churches for 15 minutes maximum, when no services are in progress. Certificate holders will be required to keep masks on and sit two seats away from others at cultural sites and events. Services such as taxi driving, banking or repairs can only be provided by certificate-holders. Shopping centers must separate certificate holders from others.
More info: Here.
🇱🇹 Lithuania
What are the rules for entry? Testing and self-isolation requirements don’t apply if you received a positive COVID test no more than 180 days ago or if you were vaccinated at least 14 days ago with either the Johnson & Johnson, BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines. The exception is if your country of origin is on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s blacklist of non-EEA countries.
If you haven’t recently recovered from COVID or you’re unvaccinated, you will have to follow entry requirements based on ECDC guidelines. That means that if you’re arriving from a country marked red, dark-red or gray, you must have received a negative PRC test within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test within 48 hours, and remain in self-isolation for 10 days, regardless of the test result. You can shorten the isolation period if you take a PCR test on the seventh day at the earliest — if you receive a negative test result, you can fill out an application to shorten the self-isolation period.Â
If you’re arriving from an orange-list country, you don’t have to self-isolate, but you must have received a negative PRC test within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours of arrival. You will also have to take another PCR test between the third and fifth day of your arrival. You can register for the test here.
If your country of origin is on the green list, you just have to take a PCR test within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours.
What paperwork is required? You’ll need a certificate proving your vaccination or COVID recovery status. Whether you’re transiting through or arriving in the country, you’ll also have to fill out a passenger questionnaire no earlier than 48 hours before the trip.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Even if you’re vaccinated or have proof of recovery from COVID, adults arriving from a black-marked, non-EEA country must have received a negative PRC test within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours of arrival. You’ll also have to take one PCR test on the third day of your trip at the latest, and a second one between the seventh and 10th day. Whether your test results are positive or negative, you will have to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. You’ll also need to fill out the passenger questionnaire no earlier than 48 hours before arriving.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Lithuania recorded a seven-day average of 625 cases per million people, and 8 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 6,759 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 66.3 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? According to Lithuania’s national tourism agency, hotels, spas, restaurants and other such tourist attractions remain open for people who are vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID, or who have taken a paid PCR or antigen test which is valid for 48 hours.
More info: Here.
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
What are the rules for entry? Fully vaccinated travelers from the EU, the Schengen area, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican can travel to Luxembourg without restrictions. Fully vaccinated means you’ve been given a final dose of AstraZeneca, BioNTech/Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks have passed since your single Johnson & Johnson shot. If you recovered from the coronavirus and got a single shot of a vaccine within the previous 180 days, you’ll also be considered fully vaccinated after a 14-day wait. If you can prove you recovered from the coronavirus in the six months prior to your trip, you can also travel without restrictions.
If you’re not vaccinated or did not have COVID in the past six months, you can still travel with a certificate of a PCR test carried out in the 72 hours before your flight, or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours.
What paperwork is required? Vaccination certificate or recovery certificate. Travelers can show an EU Digital COVID Certificate at the border and in public places requiring vaccination, recovery or a negative test.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? Third-country nationals are banned from traveling to Luxembourg until the end of 2021, unless the country of origin is on the approved travel list, the travel is considered essential or the traveler is fully vaccinated.Â
Until January 14, 2022, additional sanitary measures are applicable to all travel from African countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Travelers who stayed in those countries 14 days prior to their arrival in the Grand Duchy need to take a COVID test when they land in Luxembourg, stay in quarantine for seven days and take another test on the sixth day. This does not apply to passengers in transit.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Luxembourg recorded a seven-day average of 543 cases per million people, and 3 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 876 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 67.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Restaurants, bars, cafés, cinemas and theaters are open and welcome people who are either vaccinated, have recovered from COVID or can show a negative test. Indoor and outdoor gatherings are allowed, but outdoor ones cannot exceed 2,000 people unless they are subjected to a health protocol. You’ll have to wear a mask in shops and supermarkets, public transport and for any gathering of more than 10 people.
More info: Here.
🇲🇹 Malta
What are the rules for entry? If you are coming from a “red zone†country — which includes the rest of the EU — you’ll need to fill out a Public Health Travel Declaration and passenger locator form. You can travel with a certificate proving you’re fully vaccinated, meaning two weeks have passed since your final shot. Malta recognizes BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson; a certificate with two different, recognized shots is also accepted. Maltese authorities will accept recognized vaccine certificates showing recovery from COVID, plus one dose of an approved vaccine, as per the vaccination policy of the issuing country. If you don’t have a valid vaccination certificate and are coming from a red-zone country, you’ll need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before your arrival to Malta and have to quarantine for 14 days in a hotel recognized by authorities, at a cost of €100 per night, per room.Â
What paperwork is required? Visitors must complete a Public Health Travel Declaration and passenger locator form.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? The above rules apply for non-EU red zone countries. Travelers can only come from “dark red zone†countries (the lists are here) in “exceptional circumstances†and special authorization is required. You can apply here. You will need a negative PCR test and to quarantine for 14 days at your expense. In response to the Omicron variant, Malta temporarily banned travel from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe on November 28.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Malta recorded a seven-day average of 167 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 468 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 83.8 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? You’ll need to show a vaccination certificate if you want to enter restaurants, snack bars, bars and clubs. Wear a mask at all times in these venues unless eating or drinking. More rules on going out are here.
More info: Here.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
What are the rules for entry from countries within the EU/Schengen? If you are traveling from a country that is deemed safe (low-risk), you only have to fill in a health declaration before boarding. The Dutch government advises people to take a test after arrival. If you are traveling from a high-risk country, you will have to show proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test result upon arrival. For those traveling from an EU/Schengen country, a PCR test no older than 48 hours before departure, or an antigen test no older than 24 hours before departure are acceptable.
What paperwork is required? If you are traveling by air, you must fill in a health declaration before boarding.Â
Coming from outside the EU? If you are traveling from outside of the EU, you will have to show a proof of vaccination or a negative test result issued no more than 24 hours before departure. If you are traveling from a high-risk area outside the EU, you are required to quarantine for 10 days, in addition to showing a negative test result.Â
The Netherlands currently enforces a flight ban from the following southern African countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, the Netherlands recorded a seven-day average of 1,249 cases per million people, and 3 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 19,909 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 73.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? The Netherlands is currently in a partial lockdown, with stores and restaurants (including bars and cafés) closed from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Supermarkets are open until 8 p.m. No amateur sports are allowed at public venues within the same time frame in which restaurants are closed. During opening hours, stores are under strict measures: Face coverings are mandatory indoors unless you’re sitting down, and everyone older than 13 is required to show a coronavirus entry pass in certain public spaces. Breaking any of the Dutch COVID measures could incur a €95 fine.
More info: Here.
🇳🇴 Norway
What are the rules for entry? Travelers are free to enter without quarantine or testing if they are vaccinated and can prove it with a green pass or an equivalent. If unvaccinated, then the requirements vary depending on the country of departure. Unvaccinated travelers coming from green or orange countries within Europe have to provide a negative COVID test taken 24 hours before arrival and also have to take an antigen test upon entering the country. Unvaccinated travelers from red or dark red countries have to take an antigen test and also quarantine for 10 days. Quarantine can end if a negative COVID test is produced following three days of isolation.
What paperwork is required? Unvaccinated travelers have to complete a travel registration form for entry into Norway.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes. But if unvaccinated, travelers will have to show a negative COVID test taken 24 hours before arrival and take an antigen test once on Norwegian soil. The authorities will then ask you to quarantine for 10 days, although self-isolation can end if a negative COVID test is produced following three days of isolation. None of these requirements apply to vaccinated individuals, so long as they provide a green pass that’s accepted within the EU.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Norway recorded a seven-day average of 529 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 1,092 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 70 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? From December 1, people have to wear face masks when on public transport, in taxis and shops where social distancing is impossible. Businesses are not required to scan COVID green passes for people to enter their shop.
More info: Here.
🇵🇱Â Poland
What are the rules for entry? Travelers who have been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months or have a negative COVID-19 test result, performed within 48 hours before arrival, don’t have to go into quarantine. This can be proved with the EU COVID passport or other official certificates in Polish or English. Those who don’t have such proof will have to go into a 10-day quarantine upon entry. You can be exempted from the quarantine if you undergo a test 48 hours after crossing the border and if you receive a negative result (the only accepted tests are PCR or antigen performed by a laboratory; travelers will have to pay for those).
What paperwork is required? Any person who crosses the Polish border by plane is obliged to fill in, prior to check-in, a passenger locator form, either electronically on paper using the form provided by the airline staff.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Travelers from outside of the EU who are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from the disease are exempt from quarantine. This has to be certified by an official document, in English or Polish, that proves either vaccination with an EU-recognized jab or recovery from COVID. The quarantine can be waived, no earlier than the eighth day from the entry, if you get a negative test result. The government, however, says that the quarantine obligation may not be waived in the case of incoming travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The passenger locator form is also required for those who are traveling by plane.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Poland recorded a seven-day average of 616 cases per million people, and 9 deaths per million people. There have been 84,153 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 54 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? All public indoor areas, including communal transport, shops, and cultural and public institutions, require visitors to wear a protective face mask. Cultural venues and events, such as cinemas, museums, concerts, can operate with some attendance limits. The same applies to restaurants, bars, hotels and gyms.
More info: Here.
🇵🇹Â Portugal
What are the rules for entry? Travelers with an EU Digital COVID Certificate can travel to Portugal 14 days after completing their full vaccination course. But even vaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test (or similar NAAT test) taken at most 72 hours prior to boarding their flight, or a rapid antigen test taken up to 48 hours before boarding.Â
Portugal only accepts vaccines authorized by the EMA (BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson).Â
Travelers can present an EU Digital Green Certificate with a certificate of recovery, which is considered to be valid 11 days after the traveler’s first positive test, and up to six months after that date.Â
Valid recovery certificates will be accepted from Albania, Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Israel, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine and the Vatican.
Travelers who aren’t fully vaccinated must present a negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) taken at most 72 hours prior to boarding, or a rapid antigen test taken up to 48 hours before boarding their flight.Â
A negative test will also be required of all persons seeking to enter Portugal via a land, sea or river border.
What paperwork is required? All travelers need to fill out a passenger locator form.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Travelers from countries on the EU’s green list must present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to their arrival, or a rapid antigen test performed 48 hours before boarding their flight.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Portugal recorded a seven-day average of 307 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 18,458 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 87.8 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? The Portuguese government has declared a state of calamity throughout the country between December 1 and March 20. Throughout its duration EU Digital COVID Certificates are required to access restaurants, tourism establishments, hotels, gyms and events with fixed seating. Negative PCR or antigen tests are required to access nursing homes, health care centers, or major cultural or sporting events, as well as bars and nightclubs. Bars, nightclubs and schools are closed from January 2-9; telework is also required during that period. Masks are now mandatory in all enclosed spaces and stadiums; the government is empowered to make the use of masks mandatory on the street at any time during the state of calamity’s duration.
More info: Here.
🇷🇴 Romania
What are the rules for entry? Travelers coming from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana must quarantine for 14 days and take a PCR test upon arrival, with a second test on the eighth day. Quarantine is also required for countries in the yellow or red zone. Otherwise, an EU- or Romania-issued Digital Green Certificate, or a recognized equivalent, or a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention card showing a full suite of injections, exempts holders from quarantine. While a negative pre-travel test is not required by the government, it can shorten quarantine to 10 days — and some airlines do require one before boarding. If your stay in Romania is less than 72 hours, quarantine is not required upon presentation of a negative test.Â
What paperwork is required? Fill out a declaration form here.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes, but depending on the country risk level, quarantine may be required for those without proof of vaccination recovery from COVID-19.
What is the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Romania recorded a seven-day average of 82 cases per million people, and 7 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 56,618 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 38.9 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? There is a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew in place, with some localities placed under lockdown barring intercity travel. Masks are mandatory indoors, and entry to shops, restaurants and closed public spaces requires proof of a negative test or proof of vaccination.
More info: Here.
🇸🇰 Slovakia
What are the rules for entry? Vaccinated travelers do not have to quarantine if they can produce either an EU Green Pass or a vaccination certificate issued in another country. All certificates must be in Slovak, Czech or English to be accepted.Â
All unvaccinated travelers must go into a 14-day period of self-isolation, which they can exit upon the 14th day if they do not display any COVID-19 symptoms or if a PCR test, which can be taken at the earliest on the fifth day of quarantine, comes back negative. Quarantine exemptions apply to certain groups such as EU diplomats or MEPs, artists or athletes or those who can prove they cannot get vaccinated due to health reasons. These groups must, however, present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entry.
What paperwork is required? All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, must register here no later than upon entry in Slovak territory, as well as fill in a passenger locator form. All travelers must be able to produce proof of their registration if and when requested to do so.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Travelers from certain countries, regardless of their vaccination status, must also undergo a PCR test no older than 72 hours, unless they are coming from a list of exempted countries, which include the EU, U.S., China, Mexico, South Korea or Turkey (full list can be found here). Children under 12 years old are exempted from the PCR requirement.
Due to the Omicron variant, from December 1, all travelers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Israel, Hong Kong or the Seychelles must go into 14-day quarantine. They can exit quarantine after two negative PCR tests taken on the first and eighth days after the day of arrival (arrival day is counted as zero).
What is the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Slovakia recorded a seven-day average of 2,004 cases per million people, and 12 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 14,503 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 43 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Not much. Slovakia declared a 90-day state of emergency due to COVID on November 25, imposing a two-week lockdown, with a curfew running from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., during which people can only go out for essential or work-related reasons.Â
All nonessential businesses, such as libraries or cinemas, are closed. Catering businesses are open but can only do delivery or takeaway. Nature trips are allowed but only within one’s own county.
More info: Here is more information about the rules during the state of emergency. Here is more information about the general rules from traveling into Slovakia, which include information about potential exemptions
🇸🇮 Slovenia
What are the rules for entry? You may enter if you can prove that you have recovered from COVID-19 no more than 180 days ago, or have a valid vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. A negative rapid antigen test is also OK as long as it’s no older than 48 hours.
What paperwork is required? A vaccination certificate is valid if it shows that the person entering the country has received the second dose of a coronavirus vaccine produced by Biontech/Pfizer, Moderna, Russia’s Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Sinovac Biotech, Sinopharm, AstraZeneca or the Serum Institute of India, or a combination of two previously listed vaccines. One shot of the vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson is also accepted.Â
Can I visit from outside the EU? You can still enter the country — including for nonessential travel — from outside the EU, provided you come from one of the countries on a list the government updates on a regular basis.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Slovenia recorded a seven-day average of 999 cases per million people, and 9 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 5,240 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 55.3 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Bars and restaurants are open, but before entering the premises you have to prove that you are either vaccinated, have tested negative or have recovered from a coronavirus infection. The organization of public cultural or sporting events in open public spaces is not permitted, but it is permitted in enclosed public spaces with fixed seating. In those cases, every other seat must be left vacant, the use of face masks is mandatory, and all participants must have been tested, vaccinated or recovered.
More info: Here.
🇪🇸 Spain
What are the rules for entry? Travelers with an EU Digital Green Certificate can travel to Spain from an at-risk EU/EEA country 14 days after completing their full vaccination course. Spain accepts all vaccines authorized by the EMA and the WHO. Those include BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as China’s Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.
Travelers who have recovered from COVID can present an EU Digital Green Certificate with a certificate of recovery, which is considered to be valid 11 days after the traveler’s first positive test, and up to six months after that date.
Travelers who aren’t fully vaccinated must present a negative PCR test performed up to 72 hours before their flight, or an antigen test performed within 48 hours prior to their arrival in Spain. People arriving from EU/EEA and third countries not on a list of at-risk countries can enter Spain without showing any proof of vaccination or testing.Â
What paperwork is required? All travelers arriving by air or sea are required to fill out passenger locator forms and will have their temperature taken upon arrival. Spikes in coronavirus infections have led to additional restrictions being imposed at a regional level.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Travelers must present a vaccination certificate, which is considered valid 14 days after the completion of their full vaccination course. The certificates must be in Spanish, English, French, or German, or otherwise translated into Spanish by an official body. Travelers coming from a high-risk country must present a negative COVID test regardless of their vaccination status.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Spain recorded a seven-day average of 192 cases per million people, and 1 death per million people. There have been approximately 88,080 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 80.5 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? COVID-related restrictions are being decided at the regional level in Spain, which means rules differ between territories. As of December 2, the regions of Aragón, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Galicia, Murcia, Navarre and Valencia require EU Digital Green Certificates (or their equivalents) to access bars, restaurants, cultural venues and hotels; the Basque Country is currently attempting to put similar requirements in place. Several regions, among them Madrid, have rejected requiring the passes; others are still analyzing the issue. At a nationwide level, masks must be worn in closed spaces, on all public transport, and at outdoor events where safe distance cannot be maintained.
More info: Here.
🇸🇪Â Sweden
What are the rules for entry? You may travel to Sweden if you can prove that you have a valid vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours or proof of recovery. Swedish authorities recommend that all travelers from outside the Nordic regions, meaning Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway, take a test on the day of entry.
What paperwork is required? Documentation of having been vaccinated or being in possession of a recent negative test result.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Sweden has banned non-essential travel from most countries outside the European Union until the end of January 2022.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Sweden recorded a seven-day average of 101 cases per million people, and no deaths per million people. There have been approximately 15,161 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 70.2 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? There are basically no restrictions. If you are not vaccinated, you are advised to keep a distance from others and in particular avoid close contact with people in risk groups.
More info: Here.
🇨🇭 Switzerland and Liechtenstein
What are the rules for entry? You may travel to Switzerland if you can prove that you have recovered from COVID no more than one year ago, or have a valid vaccination certificate. If not, you must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a negative rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours at arrival. Four to seven days after entry, you will have to take one of the two tests again.
What paperwork is required? Every traveler must fill out this entry form.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes, but when entering from “countries with a variant of concern,†even vaccinated travelers must present a negative test result. All travelers from those countries will have to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, Switzerland recorded a seven-day average of 891 cases per million people, and 2 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 11,548 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 65.3 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. In the same period, Liechtenstein recorded a seven-day average of 1,303 cases per million people, and no deaths per million people. There have been approximately 61 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 65.4 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
 What can I do when I get there? With the COVID certificate, you can basically do anything you want, as Switzerland has imposed relatively light measures. Masks are mandatory in public transport and in public indoor areas.
More info: Here.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
What are the rules for entry? Anyone entering the U.K. must take a PCR test on the second day after arrival and must self-isolate until they have a negative result. The test must be booked and paid for before arrival in the country. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative test taken before their travel.
What paperwork is required? All passengers are required to fill a passenger locator form in the 48 hours prior to their arrival in the U.K.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes, but not from everywhere. There’s a temporary flight ban for red-listed countries (South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe), and those who have been in any of them must quarantine and take tests.Â
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 1, the U.K. recorded a seven-day average of 638 cases per million people, and 2 deaths per million people. There have been approximately 145,586 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 68 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Rules differ among the four U.K. nations. Face masks are again compulsory in places like shops and on public transport across the entire country. In Northern Ireland, people must show vaccine passports for venues including nightclubs, bars and cinemas, and there’s a limit of 30 people from different households mixing indoors in domestic settings. In Scotland, people must provide their contact details in order to enter indoor hospitality businesses, and all over-18s must prove they are fully vaccinated in order to enter nightclubs and other venues. In Wales, people must show their NHS COVID Pass in order to enter nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and many other events.
More info: Here’s the guidance for entry in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Sarah Anne Aarup, Lili Bayer, Leonie Cater, Mari Eccles, Cristina Gonzalez, Laurenz Gehrke, Louise Guillot, America Hernandez, Aitor Hernández-Morales, Laura Kayali, Leonie Kijewski, Lukas Kotkamp, Pietro Lombardi, Karl Mathiesen, Barbara Moens, Annette Nöstlinger, Joshua Posaner, Bjarke Smith-Meyer, Merlin Sugue, Paola Tamma, Zosia Wanat, Eddy Wax, Zia Weise and Antonia Zimmermann contributed reporting.
