Prague Old Town–EU travel restrictions are still in flux as Covid-19 rates rise across the region
Whilst the big global travel news is the reopening of U.S. borders to EU and U.K. citizens on 8 November after an eighteen-month travel ban, it has also led to a rush of bookings by American residents to travel in the other direction, clearly reassured that the U.S. government is saying it is okay to do so.
However, the rules between EU countries are still changing on a regular basis and travelers, particularly the unvaccinated, should be wary of being caught out, particularly as Covid-19 infection rates are rising in many European countries.
The entire bloc is using the EU Digital Covid Certificate to allow unrestricted travel across the EU and Schengen area countries and most are using a green pass for access to public spaces, restaurants, gyms, etc. even for tourists, such as Austria and France. Foreign travelers can access these applications and/or a paper version will suffice.
As of 29 October, the U.K. is now also registered under the EU Digital Covid Certificate scheme, meaning that Covid-19 vaccination certificates, negative test certificates and those who have recovered from the virus are now recognised across EU countries.
The EU is progressively easing its Safe List for travel, the countries from where travel is allowed for non-essential reasons as the lowest restriction level (although individual EU countries can still decide for themselves). As of 28 October, this list has expanded to now include Argentina (new), Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia (new), Jordan, Kuwait, Namibia (new), New Zealand, Peru (new), Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay (and China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity, but also Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan).
Here is the list of vaccination and quarantine requirements for EU countries (plus Schengen and the U.K.) for November 2021.
Austria—highest reported daily cases since 2020
Austria is reporting some of the highest Covid-19 daily infection rates since 2020–4,261 cases were recorded on 27 October 2021, which hasn’t been as high since November 2020, when cases reached 4,047, according to The Local. The number of people being treated in hospital has also risen by 30%, week-on-week.
Austria is following different Covid-19 restrictions based on what is being called the 3G rule–Geimpft (vaccinated), Genesen (recovered), Getestet (tested negative). Some venues are asking for 3G proof, others 2G and some 2.5G, depending on the region and venue.
Travelers from the safe list may enter, showing either a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination/past infection upon entry. This list is most of Europe and the EU list of safe countries. Unvaccinated arrivals must show a PCR test (not antigen) taken within the past 72 hours. Unvaccinated travelers without a PCR test must immediately take one at the airport.
There are also tighter restrictions for arrivals from areas where there are virus variants, where people must arrive with a negative PCR test and quarantine for ten days: Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Suriname. They must also apply for pre-travel clearance.
Anyone else can enter if they are vaccinated–if not, they too must have pre-travel clearance, show a PCR or antigen test and self-isolate for ten days (testing out at day five with a negative test result). The exception would be unvaccinated business travelers–as of 27 October, they currently can enter with a negative Covid-19 test result, and do not need to self-isolate nor have pre-travel clearance. Written proof of the professional nature is required, however, from either a company or proof of an appointment or conference.
Belgium—orange, green and red zones in play
Belgium color-codes countries to determine travel restrictions as per ECDC recommendations and much of the EU and Schengen area are currently green, as well as some third-party countries. However, there are still large numbers of European regions and entire EU countries that are currently labelled orange and red. Updates are done on Saturdays.
Travelers arriving from green or orange zones do not need to quarantine or test. Anyone arriving from a red zone in the EU/Schengen area or a red zone White List country (currently Singapore and the Ukraine)–if they are vaccinated, they do not need to get tested or self-isolate. Anyone unvaccinated will need to arrive with a negative PCR test result, head into isolation and test out after a negative test on days 1 or 2.
Anyone arriving from a red zone from outside the EU/White List is only allowed if they are vaccinated, or can prove they are traveling for essential reasons.
If people must travel, they must fill in a a “Public Health Passenger Locator Form” 48 hours before arrival.
Bulgaria—new lists in place until 30 November
As of 10 October, new rules are in place until 30 November. Countries are now divided into green, orange and red countries–most EU countries are currently on the orange list, as is the U.S.
Green and orange-list arrivals must go into a ten-day quarantine or have proof of a negative PCR/antigen test result if they don’t show their EU Digital Covid Certificate. For arrivals from red-list countries, only essential travel is allowed through a list of exceptions.
Croatia—proof of paid accommodation required
Anyone arriving from an EU/Schengen area country can enter if they can show one of the following: proof of vaccination in the past 365 days, proof that they have had Covid-19, or proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival at the Croatian border.
Third country nationals are not allowed in for essential travel, unless they can show proof of paid accommodation for the entirety of their stay in the country AND can show proof of a negative test result, of having had Covid-19 or are completely vaccinated. All travelers must complete the Enter Croatia web form before arrival.
Cyprus—the U.S. is on the red list, so testing needed
Cyprus’ borders are open to anyone who has been vaccinated/recovered from Covid-19 in a long list of countries, including the EU, U.S. and U.K. with a specific list of vaccines. All passengers must fill in a Cyprus Health Pass upon arrival.
For all unvaccinated travelers, Cyprus has three categories of countries–green, orange and red–with distinct rules surrounding quarantine and testing requirements. Everyone else is on a gray list.
There are now 8 countries on the green list, the most epidemiologically sound where no quarantine is needed nor a negative Covid-19 test: Holy See, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The orange list, from which people must arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result: Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Chile, China, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Macao, Monaco, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay.
Arrivals from the red list can only enter with a negative Covid-19 test result and they must take another upon arrival, which is at their own cost: Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the U.K. and the U.S.–if the PCR test result upon arrival is positive, passengers must quarantine.
Anyone else is on the grey list from which arrivals must enter a 14-day quarantine.
Czech Republic—U.S. still considered very high risk
Anyone arriving must fill in the arrival form and anyone showing proof of vaccination or having had Covid-19 in the past 180 days or children aged 6-12 do not need to test or self-isolate.
As of 1 November, the following were listed as low-risk: Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Italy, Jordan, Canada, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Malta, New Zealand, Rwanda, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Spain, Taiwan, Uruguay, the Vatican City, Hong Kong, Macau and Madeira.
As of 1 November these countries are medium-risk: Andorra, France, Cyprus, Monaco, San Marino, Portugal (including the Azores), the Balearic islands and Sweden.
Unvaccinated travelers from low or medium-risk countries must have proof of a negative antigen or PCR test either before or after arrival.
High-risk countries are currently Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Austria, Greece and Germany.
Very-high risk countries are Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and all other countries in the world.
Arrivals from both high risk and very-high risk must have a PCR test result before and after arrival.
Frederiksborg Castle and Gardens, Hillerød Denmark.
Denmark—simplified restrictions now in place
The country reported its highest new rate of daily Covid-19 infection rates on Wednesday 27 October since January, registering 1,871 new cases, as reported by The Local. Professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Southern Denmark, Hans Jørn Kolmos, said that “this is evidence that the epidemic is developing again domestically, but it is probably still doing so very locally.”
Denmark has relaxed a lot of its travel restrictions announcing that as of 25 October, “the requirement for a worthy purpose for entry into Denmark and the requirement to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test before entry are removed for all countries.”
Anyone arriving from an EU/Schengen area country–if they are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19, they do not need to get tested or self-isolate. The unvaccinated from these countries, must take a test either before or after arrival (within 24 hours). These countries are: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Vatican City.
Denmark now has a list of risk-countries, from where, vaccinated or previously infected travelers can enter without testing or self-isolation. If not vaccinated, travelers must take a test within 24 hours of arrival. These countries are: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine and Uruguay (as well as Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
All other countries, are classified as high-risk and arrivals must get tested and quarantine immediately, with the possibility of testing out after a negative PCR test on or after day 4 of isolation.
However, vaccinated people from high-risk countries are exempt, as are those who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past if they can prove that they have legal permanent residence or a residence permit in an EU/Schengen/OECD country. OECD countries are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S.
Estonia—vaccinated can bypass quarantine
Vaccinated people can travel to Estonia and bypass all testing and quarantine requirements (travelers are also exempt if they have had Covid-19 in the past 180 days). There are several lists of different color-coded countries, both inside and outside the EU, subject to specific quarantine and testing requirements.
For all other countries not listed on any list, travelers must have a special reason to travel and must enter quarantine, if they are not vaccinated.
Finland—unvaccinated non-EU travel ban still in place
Anyone from any country who is vaccinated or who has had Covid-19 can enter, provided more than 7 days have passed since the final vaccine dose.
EU/Schengen residents can travel freely, using the EU Digital Covid Certificate. This means if they are not vaccinated or haven’t had Covid-19, they must arrive with a negative test result and test 3-5 days after arrival.
Travel from the EU safe list countries has been normalized, so there are zero restrictions providing that all arrivals are direct (Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, the UAE and Uruguay).
If travelers are not vaccinated and coming from outside the EU/Schengen area, such as from Russia, the U.K. or the U.S., there are very strict travel measures still in place and people can only travel for essential reasons.
France—anyone who is vaccinated can enter freely
Anyone who is vaccinated can arrive into the country with proof–minors do not need to be vaccinated but children over the age of 12 must have a certificate showing negative Covid PCR results (France has a high percentage of minors aged 12-18 vaccinated). Everyone must also sign a sworn declaration that they have no symptoms and have not–to their knowledge–been in contact with anyone who has in the past 14 days.
For unvaccinated travelers, there are three color codes with different rules that apply.
Green countries are those in the EU (plus Andorra, the Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland) and Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Comoros Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vanuatu.
From a green country, everyone aged over 12 must present a negative Covid-19 PCR or RAT test result not taken more than 72 hours before boarding. For people traveling from Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania–their test must be taken less than 24 hours before the flight.
Red list countries are Afghanistan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Georgia, Iran, Moldova, Montenegro, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Suriname and Turkey. Travelers must have an essential reason for travel, arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (RAT or PCR), be tested upon arrival and enter a ten-day quarantine, which will be overseen by security forces.
All other countries are considered orange and arrivals must have a pressing reason for travel. What’s more, arrivals from orange countries must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative RAT test taken within 48 hours upon arrival. (This has been reduced to 24 hours for all U.K. arrivals, for both sorts of tests). Arrivals might be subject to random testing and everyone must pledge to self-isolate for 7 days.
Since 9 August, France has been using a Health Pass for everyone who wants to eat or drink in a restaurant or bar or attend a cultural event, such as the cinema. From 30 August, this also applied to full-time employees of companies and from 30 September, this rule applied to minors aged 12-17. Tourists can also access this–it is called a pass sanitaire.
Germany—high-risk list has increased in November
Fully vaccinated travelers from anywhere can enter Germany, as can those who have had Covid-19, children under 12 or anyone in transit. Germany has a very long list of high-risk countries as of the beginning of November, from both in and outside the EU/Schengen area (including the U.S. and the U.K.) and unvaccinated travelers must have a critical reason to enter the country but if so, they can do so with a negative COVID-19 test result (or proof of recovery) and they must quarantine for ten days, although there is a new rule that some passengers can ‘test out’ after day 5. Everyone must fill out a Digital Registration Form and there is testing taking place upon arrival.
Melissani Cave on Kefalonia island, Karavomylos, Greece.
Greece—open to many non-EU countries
Greece has open borders, without the need to quarantine, to the following countries: EU++ (Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican, the Principality of Monaco), the U.S., the U.K., Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrein, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE and Ukraine.
Non-EU citizens are advised to travel on direct flights and all passengers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and if they don’t have proof of vaccination, they must have taken a Covid-19 PCR test and received a negative result no more than 72 hours before departure, a negative RAT test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or proof of having had Covid-19 in the past 30-180 days. Arrivals may also be subject to random testing.
Accepted vaccines are Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, and Sinopharm.
Hungary—still open to Covid Certificates or negative tests
Anyone arriving with a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate can enter without additional testing requirements or quarantine restrictions. Without a Covid Certificate, since 9 August there haven’t been any restrictions for passengers arriving into Hungary with a negative PCR taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. The test must be taken in an EU, OECD, NATO member state or Russia, China, the UAE, Bahrain, or a Turkic Council member state (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan).
Iceland—any vaccinated traveler is welcome
Anyone can enter Iceland if they can show proof of having been vaccinated (obviously twice, with a two-dose vaccine) or having had Covid-19. Most people still need to arrive with proof of a negative result (PCR or RAT).
For the unvaccinated, travelers will need to arrive with a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers will then need to test upon arrival, enter a five-day quarantine and then test to exit.
For the unvaccinated, anyone from EEA/EFTA countries (EU member states plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are welcome, plus several third party country residents, such as those in proven relationships with Icelandic individuals, for over six months.
Iceland reduced its quarantine time at the end of October from 7 to 5 days with a PCR test taken on the last day.
Ireland—quarantine scrapped for non-EU arrivals
People from inside the EU+ area can travel without quarantine or testing if they can show evidence of having had Covid-19 in the past 180 days or having been vaccinated against it or show a negative PCR test result, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
From outside the EU+ area (and this now includes the U.K.), vaccinated passengers and people who can prove they have had Covid-19 in the past 180 days do not need to do anything else. Unvaccinated travelers from outside the EU+ area must show results for PCR testing taken within 72 hours before arrival. Quarantine is no longer required.
Italy—most vaccinated need to test
The Italian government has brought in measures to boost tourism across the country, amounting to €191 billion for a Recovery and Resilience fund.
Italy is running a series of lists, where countries are subject to very different travel restrictions. Travelers from Safe List countries for instance do not need to undertake the current 5-day quarantine that many other unvaccinated travelers must.
In many cases, even vaccinated travelers must arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result. Unvaccinated travelers are allowed in but must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test result and must quarantine for five days (this includes the U.S.). At the end of the five-day quarantine, they are also required to take an antigen or PCR test to leave self-isolation.
Latvia—High-risk vaccinated must also isolate
All arrivals must fill in an electronic form 48 hours before arriving in the country and the country is using a green pass to access restaurants, bars and other spaces.
Latvia is dividing countries into risk levels and has different travel restrictions for each category. Vaccinated travelers can arrive without the need for testing or self-isolation, providing that this isn’t from a very high-risk country (classified as more than 75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants within a 14 day period).
Unvaccinated travelers must take a pre-departure test and if they are arriving from a high-risk country outside the EU or a very high-risk country, they must take pre-departure tests, a test upon arrival, they must self-isolate and there must be an essential reason for travel. The latter requirements are also true if someone is vaccinated but arriving from a very high-risk country.
Lithuania—uses color-coded maps
EU/Schengen area residents are allowed to enter using an EU Digital Covid Certificate, as are travelers from the U.K. and EU safe list countries. There is a waiver, however, for a wide variety of situations, notably those people that are vaccinated or can prove another essential reason for travel from countries outside of these listed. An updated list sets out different criteria by color-coded country.
Luxembourg during autumn
Luxembourg—entry ban for non-EU until 31 December
Luxembourg is allowing EU/Schengen area visitors (for whatever travel reason) as well as third-party nationals which have been approved at the EU level–Australia, Canada, Chile, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity at EU level), Jordan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine and Uruguay (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are also included).
All arrivals must show a vaccination certificate, proof of having had Covid-19 or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to enter the country (either PCR within 72 hours or antigen within 48 hours)–in line with the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
Anyone else is not allowed to enter for non-essential reasons, unless they have been vaccinated by AstraZeneca, BioNTech/Pfizer, Johnson&Johnson and Moderna vaccines, using a certification system approved by Luxembourg–which doesn’t currently include CDC certificates issued in the U.S., for example.
Malta—only vaccinated can enter without quarantine
The travel ban was extended on 21 October but anyone who is vaccinated and arriving from Malta’s safe list can enter without quarantine (Malta is currently running four color-coded lists).
Unvaccinated arrivals are not allowed, even with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, and would have to enter a government-mandated hotel to quarantine at their own cost.
The Netherlands—countries split into safe and high risk
Whilst the Netherlands classifies countries into different risk categories, anyone who is vaccinated and traveling from inside the EU/Schengen is allowed to visit regardless of Covid-19 levels in their country. However, many EU countries are on the high risk and so, a negative test result is required–even for vaccinated travelers. This list was updated at the end of October.
From outside the EU, there is a safe list, from where vaccinated people or those who show a negative test result can enter freely. Otherwise, countries are considered high or very-high risk with different rules around quarantine and testing. The U.S. is currently considered a high-risk area (the U.K. is very high-risk).
Everyone must fill in a Health Declaration Form.
Norway—non-EU travel ban extended
Norway has decided to extend its travel ban to non-EU/EEA travelers indefinitely, although anyone who has a verifiable EU Digital Covid Certificate (EUDCC). EU residents who don’t have the certificate can enter, but may need to quarantine. Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 can travel with their parents and won’t need to quarantine on their own.
For countries outside the EU/EEA, most are currently not allowed in under the non-essential travel ban extension, as reported by Forbes. The exception would be countries on the purple list, which on 31 October did not include Canada or the U.S. There are exceptions for people who are allowed in, but these might have to quarantine. Norway has one of the most helpful tools to explain who is required to do what.
All arrivals must fill out an online travel form before arriving in the country.
Poland—vaccinated don’t need to quarantine
Borders are open for EU and EFTA nationals (and Turkey, via a special agreement) and anyone arriving won’t need to self-isolate for 10 days if they have a negative Covid-19 test result with them, taken no more than 48 hours before (either antigen or PCR) or if they have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.
Everyone arriving from outside the EU/Schengen area must quarantine for ten days but they can ‘test out’ after day seven of self-isolation. Anyone who can prove vaccination by a European-approved vaccine or having had Covid-19 in the past 6 months can also enter freely without quarantine. Children under the age of 12, arriving with vaccinated adults can also enter freely.
Everyone who arrives must complete a Traveler Location Card.
Portugal—EU+plus U.S. and U.K. allowed in
As of 1 November, flights from EU/Schengen areas and the EU’s safe list of countries are allowed to enter, plus the U.S. and the U.K.: countries of the European Union, Schengen countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland), Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, South Korea, the U.S., Jordan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Ukraine, the U.K., Uruguay, the UAE and special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
As per the government’s instructions, all passengers over 12 years should have an EU Digital Covid Certificate or must be in possession of a negative RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a Rapid Antigen Test taken within 48 hours.
The Portuguese government also extended the rule that allows reciprocity for countries outside the EU in regard to Covid-19 certificates–if the third country recognises the validity of the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate issued in Portugal, then an equivalent certificate issued by non-EU countries, will be considered valid in Portugal.
Romania—vaccinated don’t have to quarantine
If travelers have been vaccinated at least ten days before arrival, they do not need to quarantine, nor if they have had Covid-19 during the past 90 days.
As of 1 November, people coming from red countries are allowed to enter but must quarantine for 14 days if they are not vaccinated, even with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result: Anguilla, Armenia, Austria, Barbados, Belize, Belarus, Belgium, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius & Saba, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Croatia, Dominica, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Greece, Guam, Guernsey, India, Ireland, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Man Island, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, Russia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent & Grenadine, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Suriname, Turkey, the U.S. and the Ukraine. A negative Covid-19 test result will allow travelers to be released from self-isolation after day ten.
There is another list of yellow countries, from which unvaccinated travelers can arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test and not have to quarantine: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Grenada, Greenland, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Montserrat, Northern Macedonia, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For travelers coming from countries not mentioned on either the red or yellow list, there are no restrictions to entry.
Anyone arriving must fill in a Romania Entry Declaration.
Slovakia—quarantine reduced from 14 to 10 days
Every traveler needs to register using an online form and the fully vaccinated traveler is exempt from quarantine and doesn’t need to test either (but must carry proof of vaccination on them). The unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days (since 15 October) but people can ‘test out’ after day five with a negative result.
Slovenia—the recovered/vaccinated/tested requirement
Slovenia now applies the same rules to all arrivals regardless of where they are traveling from, but anyone arriving must be recovered/vaccinated/tested (the RVT rule) without needing to quarantine at home. Requirements are:
- an EU Digital Covid Certificate, with a digital QR code;
- proof of vaccination;
- a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours;
- a negative antigen test, no older than 48 hours; or
- proof of having had Covid-19 in the past 6 months.
If anyone doesn’t have one of these documents, they must go into a period of self-isolation for 10 days but can ‘test out’ after day five (children under 15 are exempt from quarantine). All arrivals must fill in a travel form.
Spain—vaccinated, EU and EU safe list can visit
Since 17 July, Spain has been open to vaccinated travelers, EU residents and anyone from an EU safe-list country (Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Jordan, Kuwait, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, the UAE, Uruguay and China). Aside from some specific categories of people, non-essential travel is not allowed for the unvaccinated from third party countries outside the EU/Schengen area.
Växjö, Sweden
Sweden—ban from non-EU extended to 31 January
The entry ban for non EU/EEA citizens has been extended until 31 January 2022 (unless people fall under the list of exemptions), although this will be lifted for fully vaccinated U.S. travelers from 5 November, to align with the fact that the U.S. will allow EU travelers to visit from 8 November.
Travelers from within the EU must be able to present a vaccination certificate, a negative Covid-19 test result, or a certificate confirming the recovery from Covid-19.
However, as reported by The Local, anyone can enter Sweden without any restrictions from Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Norway, regardless of nationality.
Switzerland—vaccinated or safe list countries can enter
Switzerland is operating a list of countries which are no longer considered high-risk–this is all EU/Schengen states, plus EU safe list countries. Everyone else is considered high risk and are not allowed in for non-essential travel, unless you can prove “special necessity”. The one big exception, however, is vaccinated individuals who can travel for tourist purposes or minors under 18 who are traveling with vaccinated adults.
It is still obligatory to fill in a passenger locator form if arriving by air.
Switzerland has a great travel-checker tool that will let you know if you can travel into the country or not, based on your individual criteria.
England–the end of traffic light restrictions
The U.K. government has scrapped its complicated set of traffic light classifications and restrictions, which have been in place since May 2021.
For vaccinated people, therefore, travel now involves taking a lateral flow test on day two, which needs to be bought from a government-approved body–photos of test results are emailed to the labs and a certificate can be downloaded online.
For anyone who is not fully vaccinated, the situation is far more complicated. They must take a pre-departure test before arrival into the U.K. and isolate for ten days upon arrival. Travelers can ‘test out’ at day 5 with a negative test result but they still need to test on days 2 and 8 after arrival, and these can be expensive.
Everyone must complete a Passenger Locator Form, before arriving in the country.