Covid rules in the EU. These are the new rules for traveling in the countries around us

The countries of the European Union have agreed this Tuesday to change their approach to restrictions on European travelers to stop the coronavirus, such as screening tests or quarantines, which from now on will no longer depend on the country of origin, but on the digital covid certificate. from each person.

The Council (countries) of the EU approved this modification, which responds to "the significant increase" in the administration of vaccines in the EU and "the rapid application of the covid certificate," said that institution in a statement. The aim is to simplify the applicable rules and provide more clarity and predictability for travellers.

The changes, which are not binding but rather constitute a recommendation, will come into force on February 1.

These are the rules depending on which EU country it is:

Germany

The EU digital covid-19 certificate, or its national equivalent, is required to access public spaces and indoor venues and events. Regional governments adapt the rules on a case-by-case basis.

Throughout Germany, the 2G rule (vaccinated person, recovered person) applies. In practice, this means that all access to public facilities, including tourist accommodation, restaurants and bars, cultural institutions, and leisure and sports facilities, is only possible with proof of full vaccination or past infection; a negative covid-19 test is considered insufficient.

Austria

Rule 2G (vaccinated, recovered) applies. Visitors should be aware that people who are not vaccinated or recovered may only leave home for essential reasons. For all others, a vaccination or recovery certificate is required to access cultural, leisure and sports facilities, and other indoor spaces; proof of a negative covid-19 test is considered insufficient.

1G (Vaccinated): Travelers present evidence of their vaccination status (must have completed an EMA-approved double-dose or single-dose vaccine). Sufficient time must have passed for approved doses to be effective and not expired.

2G (vaccinated, recovered): Travelers present evidence of their vaccination status or a medical certificate showing recovery from infection in the last 180 days, confirmed by a PCR test.

2.5G (vaccinated, recovered, tested): Travelers provide proof of their vaccination status, recovery, and a negative PCR test.

3G (vaccinated, recovered, tested or negative). Travelers provide proof of their vaccination status, recovery, and a negative PCR test.

Children under 12 years of age are exempt from the regulations, except in Vienna (where they apply to children over 6 years of age).

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian authorities have introduced a series of restrictions valid until March 31, 2022.

The EU digital covid-19 certificate (EUDCC), or an equivalent document, is required for all participants in activities such as attendance at congresses, conferences, seminars or the like, events such as music festivals or concerts, visits to museums, galleries, cinemas, theaters or circus shows, attendance at sports competitions or organized excursions and group visits to tourist sites.

The covid certificate must contain one of the following elements: proof of complete vaccination. Until March 31, 2022, the document is also valid between 15 and 30 days after the administration of the first dose, for vaccines that require two doses. Recovery test. Validity: between 15 and 365 days from the first positive test result. Negative test result. Validity: 48 hours for rapid antigen tests, 72 hours for molecular tests (PCR).

Belgium

In Belgium, the EU covid-19 digital certificate is required to access the following public spaces: catering establishments (restaurants, bars, cafes). Cinemas and museums. Gyms and swimming pools. Big events.

To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following: proof of full vaccination completed at least two weeks before travel. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Moderna, Vaxzevria (Astrazeneca/Oxford), Janssen and Covidshield. Proof of recovery from covid-19. Validity: 180 days. Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 72 hours (PCR) and 36 hours (antigen).

Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC must present equivalent certificates, in English, Dutch or French.

Czechia

Certificates of vaccination, recovery or negative result of the PCR test are required to enter indoor spaces, including tourist accommodation, restaurants and bars, catering establishments and recreational, cultural and sports facilities.

Face masks and respirators must be worn indoors and rules for social distancing must be followed.

Cyprus

In all indoor and outdoor areas and premises where, subject to distancing measures, more than 20 people may gather at any one time, people aged 6 and over are required to have a "security pass". Conditions by age:

0-5 years: no restrictions apply

6-11 years: negative molecular or rapid test, valid for 7 days

12-17 years: at least one dose of vaccine administered, or a recovery certificate (valid for 6 months. As of January 31, 2022, the validity is reduced to 3 months), and a negative rapid or molecular test result, valid 72 hours.

18 and above: at least one dose of vaccine administered, or a recovery certificate (valid for 6 months. As of January 31, 2022, validity is reduced to 3 months) and a negative molecular test result (valid 72 hours) or fast (valid 48 hours). Or proof of full vaccination. As of December 18, 2021, the vaccination-based Safepass is no longer valid for people who have not received a booster dose after seven months have elapsed since the completion of the initial vaccination program.

The document must be displayed, along with proof of identification, by all residents and visitors of hotels, restaurants, cafes or bars, places of worship, theaters and cinemas, shopping malls, gyms, nursing homes, beauty salons, beaches, food stores, archeological sites and other public places.

An EU Covid-19 digital certificate (EUDCC) of vaccination or recovery can also be used to generate safe passage.

Croatia

Information on the situation in the country can be found on the National Platform for Emergency Preparedness and on the official website on information on covid-19.

Denmark

To access public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, museums, swimming pools, large events, etc. EU covid digital certificate is required. Travelers are recommended to always carry the corresponding certificates.

To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following elements: proof of complete vaccination. Accepted vaccines: vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Janssen. Proof of recovery from covid-19. Validity: 180 days. Negative result in a pre-departure molecular test (valid 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid 48 hours).

Slovakia

There are four different vaccination-based regimens:

1. Basic (all people);

2. OTP (vaccinated, tested, recovered);

3. PO (vaccination/primary series, recovered/maximum 180 days after recovery);

4. OP+ (vaccinated with booster, primary vaccination series + test; primary vaccination series + catch-up/maximum 180 days after catch-up).

Masks must be worn indoors. Travelers are reminded to always carry their vaccination, recovery or negative test result certificates.

Slovenia

The 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered, tested) applies to all users of services or activities. The certificates must be presented before guests can enter cultural, leisure and sports facilities, restaurants and bars, tourist accommodation, indoor fairs and conferences, casinos and other places. The same rule applies to public assemblies, cultural events, sports competitions and cable car operators.

Estonia

Estonia is still open for travel and business. However, there are restrictions and special measures to fight the pandemic. Face masks must be worn, social distancing rules respected and covid-19 certificates must be presented to access all indoor and local spaces.

Finland

The current measures are valid until January 31, 2022, regardless of the infection rate.

In Finland, the EU digital covid-19 certificate is required to access the following public spaces: leisure activities, attractions and theme parks

Indoor facilities for zoos. Museums, exhibition spaces and other similar cultural places.

To be valid, it must contain one of the following: proof of complete vaccination. Accepted vaccines: Comirnaty (Pfizer-BionTech), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Janssen (Johnson&Johnson), BIBP/Sinopharm, COVIDSHIELD, Coronavac, COVAXIN. Proof of recovery from covid-19. Validity: 180 days. Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 48 hours.

France

The EU Digital Certificate of covid-19 is necessary to access the following public spaces: tourist services; catering establishments; cinemas, museums and indoor attractions.

To be valid, it must contain one of the following: proof of complete vaccination. Vaccines accepted: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson.

Seven days after the second injection for double injection vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca);

28 days after injection for single injection vaccines (Johnson & Johnson);

Seven days after the injection for vaccines in people who have had a history of Covid (1 single injection).

Proof of recovery from covid-19. Validity: 180 days.

Negative molecular or antigen test result. Validity: 24 hours.

Greece

The EU digital covid-19 certificate or an equivalent document is required to access some public spaces, including restaurants, interior spaces and tourist attractions.

The certificates must be accompanied by documents that confirm the identity of the holder and contain one of the following elements: proof of complete vaccination. Recovery test, valid between 30 days and 3 months after the first positive result. Certificates issued between July 15 and October 31, 2021 (inclusive) remain valid. Only accepted in some cases: negative test result.

Hungary

Proving protection against covid-19 with a Hungarian Immunity Card, an EU digital certificate for covid, a Hungarian recognized certificate or the EESZT app is mandatory to access all indoor events (sports, cultural, musical and dance halls, etc.) and outdoor events with more than 500 participants.

Children under the age of 18 are exempt if they are under the supervision of a protection certificate holder.

Ireland

An EU digital covid-19 certificate is required to access indoor venues and events, including cinemas and theaters, gyms and leisure centers, and hotel bars and restaurants.

Iceland

The EU covid-19 digital certificate must access the following public spaces: hotels, bars and restaurants. Cinemas and theaters. Gyms and leisure centers (excluding access to swimming pools or independent facilities).

To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following: proof of full vaccination. Accepted vaccines: Comirnaty (BioNTech and Pfizer), Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Janssen, Covidshield, BIBP/Sinopharm, Coronavac, Covaxin and Covovax. Proof of recovery from covid-19. Validity: 180 days. Negative molecular result (valid 72 hours) or antigen test (valid 48 hours).

Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC must present equivalent certificates in Icelandic, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian or English.

Italy

Stricter health measures apply during the state of emergency, until March 31, 2022. Travelers are strongly advised to regularly check the official websites.

In Italy, access to various public spaces requires the EU digital certificate, also called a green pass. Children under the age of 12 are exempt. Restrictive measures are also applied at the regional level.

Italy distinguishes between the “basic” EUDCC, called the “basic green step”, based on a negative test result, and a “reinforced” EUDCC, called the “super green step”, based on proof of full vaccination or recovery. Only holders of an EUDCC based on vaccination or recovery ("super green step") can access: public transport, including at regional and local level, cinemas, theaters, concert halls, museums and exhibitions, stadiums and sports facilities, gyms, team sports and swimming pools, bars and restaurants, private parties, public events, amusement parks, Spas and wellness centers, cultural and recreational venues, game rooms, betting shops and casinos, hotels and tourist accommodation, including their catering facilities, fairs and congress centers, ski facilities.

latvia

Latvia remains open for business and travel. However, there are strict rules and special measures to combat the spread of the virus. Covid-19 certificates are required for entry to indoor spaces and events. Rules for social distancing and wearing masks must be followed in all indoor spaces and at events where people congregate.

Liechtenstein

Masks must be worn in all indoor areas. This standard also applies to establishments and facilities where a 3G certificate is required: workplaces, catering establishments, restaurants and bars, and cultural, leisure and sports facilities. Events with fewer than 50 people, as well as religious functions and funerals, are not subject to the certificate requirements. Private events are completely exempt from the certificate requirement.

Lithuania

Vaccination, recovery or negative test result certificates are required to enter most indoor premises, including non-essential shops, personal services, tourist accommodation, cultural, leisure and sports facilities, and restaurants and bars.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg has the CovidCheck system, applicable to individuals, establishments (for example, restaurants, bars, fitness centers, shops, administrations, companies, etc.), as well as public or private events (for example, sporting events, concerts, etc. .). Under the currently applicable "2G+" system, persons who have reached the age of 12 years and 2 months must present a certificate of vaccination or recovery and undergo a self-diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 on site or present a test Certified Valid Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test.

Persons who have a vaccination certificate issued in the last 180 days, a booster vaccination certificate or a recovery certificate for a period of 180 days are exempt from the obligation to take tests. People who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons must present a certificate of contraindication for vaccination, as well as a certificate of a negative covid-19 test (PCR, certified antigen test) or, if necessary, carry out a self-test in if you.

malt

The use of masks is mandatory in indoor public spaces. In outdoor spaces, the removal of masks is only allowed for vaccinated people in groups of no more than 2. The use of masks on beaches and in swimming pools, although still recommended, will not be enforced by law.

Norway

Information on the situation in the country can be found on the official COVID-19 information website.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the digital certificate must access cultural or sports activities.

To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following: proof of full vaccination. The Netherlands considers that it is not valid until 14 days after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) or 28 days after receiving the Janssen vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days. Negative result of the molecular test (valid 48 hours) or antigen (valid 24 hours).

Poland

Possession of an EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate with proof of full vaccination, proof of recovery from Covid-19 or negative PCR test result (or equivalent certificates) facilitates access to various services and facilities, such as meetings private and public, places of worship, restaurants and tourism establishments, indoor attractions and sports activities.

Portugal

An EU digital certificate for covid is required (EUDCC, with proof of full vaccination, recovery or negative result in a molecular or rapid antigen test), or proof of full vaccination, or a negative test result is required, to enter tourist establishments and local accommodations, restaurants and bars, cultural shows, events with reserved seats, gyms.

A negative test result, a covid-19 recovery test or a certificate of the booster dose (valid after 14 days) is required to access bars and clubs, health centers and nursing homes when they visit patients, big events.

Romania

The EU digital covid-19 certificate or an equivalent certificate is required to access many venues and events. It must contain proof of complete vaccination (valid after ten days after the end of the vaccination cycle), recovery from covid-19 (between 15 and 180 days after being infected) or a negative result of a molecular test (valid 72 hours) or a rapid antigen test (valid 48 hours).

It is a must to access all stores except grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations. Cafeterias and restaurants, including terraces, and other catering establishments. Local central and local public institutions (except employees). Tourist accommodation. All organized events and activities, including courses, sports activities and competitions and cultural, artistic and entertainment events.

Exemptions: The EUDCC is not required in the following cases: access to grocery stores up to 200 square meters, pharmacies and gas stations.

Children under the age of 12 are not required to hold an EUDCC or a negative test result, but must be accompanied by an adult holding an EUDCC.

Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC must present equivalent certificates, in English and in the language of the issuing country.

Sweden

In Sweden, the EU digital covid-19 certificate must access the following public spaces: cinemas, theaters, concerts, if there are less than a hundred people.

To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following:

Proof of full vaccination, completed at least 14 days before travel. Accepted vaccines: Comirnaty (covid-19 BioNtech tozinameran vaccine), Spikevax (COVID-19 Modern Vaccine), Vaxzevria (COVID-19 AstraZeneca Vaccine), COVID-19 Janssen Vaccine, COVID-19 AstraZeneca/SKBio vaccine, COVISHIELD (Serum Institute of India COVID-19 vaccine), COVID-19 vaccine BIBP/Sinopharm, Coronavac (COVID-19 vaccine Sinovac).

Proof of recovery from covid-19. Validity: 180 days.

Negative molecular or antigen test result. The test shall contain information on the type of test, the time and date, and the result of the recovery test.

Please note that for all public gatherings and indoor events where there are more than 100 people, the vaccination certificate will be required for everyone who is 18 years of age or older.

Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC must present equivalent certificates in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English and French.

Travelers are strongly recommended to always carry the corresponding certificates.

Swiss

There are currently no countries on the mandatory quarantine list. However, travelers from outside the EU/Schengen area are reminded to check the lists maintained by the Federal Office of Public Health and the State Secretariat for Migration to check their national entry status.