Not just France: from Portugal to Greece, who and when demands the Green Pass
In the beginning it was France. Macron's government made the Green Pass mandatory for the performance of [...]
In the beginning was the France. Macron's government has made mandatory the Green Pass for the performance of a whole range of activities: the French, and tourists traveling to the country, must show it to attend major events such as concerts or games and--as of July 21--to enter any place that gathers more than 50 people (theaters, cinemas, museums). From August 1, barring any last-minute changes, it will finally also be needed to board public transportation, to enter a shopping mall, even to cross the threshold of bars and restaurants. A decision, this one, that hundreds of thousands of people have protested.
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Political issues aside, there is no doubt that, with the Green Pass, we will be dealing with it for a long time. Especially if we intend to travel (but not only, since Italy is planning to imitate France). So let's find out what the rules are in different European countries.
Countries where the Green Pass provides greater freedom
Greece
In Greece, the Green Pass is required to enter restaurants, bars and indoor venues, cinemas and theaters. It is not needed, however, for outdoor venues. Also mandatory, to make entry into the country, is the completion of the form Plf (Passenger Locator Form).
Portugal
The Green Pass is compulsory in the 60 municipalities considered high-risk, for lunch and dinner in the indoor dining rooms of restaurants. Between 3 p.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. on Monday, moreover, only those in possession can enter and leave the Lisbon metropolitan area.
Denmark
Last April, Denmark launched the "Coronapass" app (a kind of health passport, certifying vaccinated or cured status or negativity to a swab no older than 72 hours). The Green Pass is required for tourists to enter bars, restaurants, museums, the hairdresser and beauty salons.
Austria
In Austria you enter only with the Green Pass in hotels, nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Leaving your first and last name is mandatory but, once inside, there is no mask requirement. Hotels also offer tests to guests every 48 hours.
Latvia and Lithuania
Outdoor restaurants are accessible to all, but indoor dining, going to the movies, and attending concerts and events require a Green Pass.
Cyprus
Cyprus has launched its "SafePass," an app that allows access to enclosed spaces only if vaccinated for three weeks with at least one dose of vaccine, cured of the virus in the previous six months, or if in possession of a negative test no older than 72 hours. So you need a pass for churches, shopping malls, movie theaters, indoor events, indoor restaurants and tourist establishments.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg has given commercial establishments (restaurants, bars, gyms) and event organizers the opportunity to join the "CovidCheck" system: if you intend to enter a place participating in the program, the Green Pass is required.
Ireland
L' Ireland, reopened July 19, asks for both Green Pass and Plf for entry. The former is required to enter bars, restaurants and indoor venues.
The other countries
Several other countries are more "soft" about the use of the Green Pass:
- Croatia requires Green Pass to enter the country, but not if the entry is only for transit (staying less than 12 hours)
- Switzerland requires it only for air arrivals: those who have not been vaccinated, or who have not recovered from Covid-19 within the past six months, must submit a molecular test no older than 72 hours or an antigenic test no older than 48 hours
- Spain requires a Green Pass and completion of the "public health form" available on the Spain Travel Health website or the Spain Travel Health-SPTH app (completion generates a QR code to show at checkpoints)
- in Germany the Green Pass is not mandatory: restaurateurs and hoteliers can ask to show it, or ask German citizens to show the "CovPass Check" app, but there is no obligation
In all other countries, the "classic" Green Pass rules apply (so tourists can cross borders only if vaccinated, cured or in possession of a negative tampon).
What about Italy? At the moment there is still nothing definitive. The government is working on the Green Pass, and while it seems certain that it will be granted only upon completion of the vaccination cycle and no longer after a single dose, it is not yet clear where it will be required. "The Green Pass makes sense only to enter a disco or stadium or to participate in large events, which involve large crowds," said Massimo Garavaglia, minister of tourism. However, the possibility of introducing it for the indoor halls of restaurants, bars and clubs is also being discussed.
