More and more countries are relatively easy to travel to again, which is a good sign regarding the upcoming summer holidays.
This is especially the case in Europe, where the vaccination campaign is in full swing, with many countries lifting travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers. Tourism-Review brings you an overview of the situation in some of the most important markets on the continent.
Seaside Destinations Welcoming Tourists
Since June 7th, entry for fully vaccinated people has been without restrictions in Spain. The full vaccination must have taken place at least 14 days before departure and must have received EMA approval or WHO emergency approval.
France has introduced similar measures since June 9th. People who have been vaccinated in the EU (Switzerland included) can enter France without a valid reason and without any compulsory testing. As in Spain, there is a rule of vaccination 14 days prior to entry to the country for an individual to be eligible for these benefits.
Croatia, Turkey and Greece are now also free for entry to fully vaccinated tourists. In Croatia, the Chinese and Russian vaccines used in Serbia are also approved.
This is also the case of Cyprus, which does not even require a 14-day period to elapse from vaccination before being able to travel freely (with the exception of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).
In all of the above countries, people can exempt themselves from the obligation to test if they can prove that they recovered from Covid-19 in the last 180 days.
Central Europe Following Similar Trend
The situation in Germany is still somewhat complicated. There is no longer any quarantine upon entry, but testing is compulsory. However, those who have recovered and who have been vaccinated are exempt from this rule.
Austrian regulations are somewhat more complex. Vaccines approved by EMA are valid from the 22nd day after the first dose for a maximum of 3 months and after the second dose, the validity is extended by a further 6 months.
In Poland, anyone who is verifiably vaccinated (or tested) does not have to quarantine, while in Slovakia vaccinated travelers are also exempt from any restrictions.
There is, however, differentiation between mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/Biontech and Moderna) and vector vaccines (AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson). For mRNA vaccines, free entry is possible 14 days after the second dose, while for vector vaccines, the time period is 28 days.
Finally, the Czech Republic is also easing restrictions for vaccinated people under very similar conditions as their EU counterparts. People receiving the second dose of vaccination or having recovered from Covid-19 in the last 6 months are exempt from compulsory testing or quarantine upon entry.