Traveling in the EU: everything you need to know, between buffers and Green Passes
Traveling in the EU is complicated. Once again, when the worst seemed to be over, here comes the Omicron variant [...]
Traveling in the EU is complicated. Once again, when the worst seemed to be over, here comes the Omicron variant to mess up all the plans. Let us therefore see some order.
In this article:
Last December, Christian Wigand (the spokesman for the European Commission) announced the adoption of new rules regarding the EU Covid certificate, establishing the 270-day validity period. What does this mean? That our Green Pass is worth 9 months and in that time it allows us to move within the European Union.
New rules were then dictated for theindication of doses on the certificate: 3/3 to indicate that the person did the booster (the so-called "booster") after the two primary doses, 2/1 to indicate that he/she did the booster after a single dose (because he/she was cured and therefore subject to a single dose, or because he/she was vaccinated with J&J).
Traveling in the EU: how many doses do you need?
The basic rule is one: you need a valid Green Pass to travel.
Italian citizens over 50 are to date obliged to vaccinate with three doses. All others, while not subject to the obligation, must vaccinate with the booster dose (and thus get the Super Green Pass) if they want to go to restaurants or bars, for long-distance transportation, public transportation, cable cars, cinema, theater, gym, swimming pool. In the coming weeks, they will also need the Basic Green Pass (swab, certificate of recovery no older than 6 months, or one or two doses of vaccine) to access several other services: from January 20, it will be mandatory at the hairdresser's, barber's, and beautician's; from February 1, also for stores, malls, post office, and banks. Currently, the Super Green Pass and Green Pass Base are worth 9 months: their validity will then drop to 6 from February 1, 2022. The Green Pass obtained with the swab remains valid for only 72 hours.
But what does it take to fly? Contrary to popular belief, only the Green Pass Base is needed to board a foreign-bound plane. So, even those who have not received the booster dose can fly (for domestic flights, Flying without Super Green Pass will instead become impossible).
However, depending on the destination, vaccinated and unvaccinated may do different things.
LATEST UPDATE January 12, 2022
The rules of EU destinations
First, the return to Italy. Currently, our country imposes theObligation to swab those coming from the EU: even third-dose vaccinated, or cured, travelers need a negative swab certificate to enter our territory. In this way, they avoid the five-day fiduciary isolation requirement required of unvaccinated travelers instead (who must stay for five days at the address given on the PLF). The same rule applies to Italian citizens traveling to an EU country upon their return to Italy. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the swabbing requirement.
Do you need medical/travel insurance?
The answer is. is not mandatory, but being protected from the unexpected can make all the difference in the world. We recently reported on two Italian travelers who were locked in the bathrooms of an airport in Norway, compared to the same mishap that happened to A family who instead took advantage of free travel insurance included in the annual credit card fee.
Albania
Above 6 years of age, one of the following documents must be presented:
- Green Pass base
- PCR test performed within 72 hours or rapid antigen test performed within 48 hours of entry into Albania
- certificate of recovery
An 11 p.m. curfew is currently in effect for bars and restaurants.
Austria
Italy is included among the countries not at risk for the development of new variants.
Those who are vaccinated with three doses, or has recovered from the virus in the last 90 days, should not submit to swabbing. Who has been cured for 3-6 months, or has not completed the vaccine course, must show a negative PCR molecular test performed in the previous 72 hours or do a 10-day quarantine.
On Feb. 1, however, the vaccine requirement will also be triggered in Austria.
Belgium
Belgium is based on the color map ECDC.
Italy is currently in the dark red zone (only Sardinia is red). To go to Belgium, it is necessary to present a Green Pass base (with cycle completed more than 2 weeks ago) or a certificate of recovery no older than 180 days. Alternatively, the result of a PCR test performed within the last 72 hours or an antigenic test no older than 24 hours.
Many establishments ask for the Green Pass.
Bosnia
You can enter by presenting one of the following documents at the border:
- PCR or rapid antigenic test not older than 48 hours
- Green Pass base
- Certificate of recovery (occurred between 180 and 14 days prior to entry)
Bulgaria
Italy is currently in the red zone: only Italian citizens with Super Green Pass (cured or vaccinated), who are still required to have a PCR test Negative not older than 72 hours.
The Green Pass is required to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, museums and all establishments that do not sell essential products/goods.
Croatia
One of the following documents must be submitted:
- PCR test negative performed no later than 72 hours prior to entry into the country or rapid antigenic test negative not older than 48 hours
- Green Pass base
- certificate of recovery not older than 8 months
Entry is also granted to those who have received the first dose Pfizer, Moderna, or Sputnik V in the previous 22 to 42 days, and to those who received their first dose of AstraZeneca between 22 and 84 days before entering Croatia.
Cyprus
Until January 31, 2022, travelers 12 years and older (even if vaccinated) must present a certificate from a PCR test not older than 72 hours and carry out another as soon as we landed, before leaving the airport. Those who received the third dose are exempt from the requirement for a new rapid antigen swab to be taken 72 hours after arrival in the country. The rapid antigenic swab may be performed free of charge At the Ministry of Health's collection centers.
Denmark
Regardless of the number of vaccinations, to enter Denmark you need to present a negative test performed within 48 hours (rapid antigenic test) or within 72 hours (molecular PCR test) prior to entry into Denmark.
Estonia
If the country you come from has had less than 75 cases per 100,000 population in the last 14 days, entry to Estonia is completely free. If it is between 75 and 200, there are no restrictions for those with a basic Green Pass or a negative swab (PCR no older than 72 hours, rapid no older than 48 hours). If the incidence rate is above 200 per 100,000 population in the last 14 days, those who do not have the Green Pass base has a double test requirement and must be in isolation until the second result arrives.
France
Italy is counted among the green countries.
You can enter the country if you are vaccinated (two doses are sufficient). Those who are not vaccinated, or have not completed the course (excluding boosters), must present a negative PCR or antigenic test performed less than 24 hours prior to departure. The requirement does not apply to children under the age of 12.
The Green Pass in France is required to do almost everything: boarding public transportation and airplanes, entering bars, restaurants, medical facilities and shopping centers, cultural sites, museums, theaters.
Germany
Italy is ranked among the countries at risk. Therefore, to enter Germany, it is necessary:
- Register on the portal www.einreiseanmeldung.de
- Submit a Green Pass base (6 years of age and older): travelers who have completed the vaccination cycle for at least 14 days and cured those cured between 28 days and 6 months prior are considered vaccinated. For those not vaccinated, a rapid test or PCR performed within 48 hours prior to entry into Germany is required
- Those who are neither vaccinated nor cured, however, has an obligation to stand in quarantine for 10 days. After 5 may require a second test and discontinue isolation if the result is negative
Greece
All travelers 5 years of age and older, even if vaccinated or cured, must present a negative PCR test or, alternatively, a rapid-antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to arrival in Greece. In addition, it is mandatory to complete the PLF.
Who is not vaccinated nor healed, however, can only enter pharmacies, supermarkets and grocery stores. Only minors between the ages of 4 and 17 are allowed to enter all other places with a negative self-test result. Instead, the swab is sufficient for outdoor food service activities.
Iceland
Starting 72 hours before arrival, it is necessary to register on https://visit.covid.is/.
Travelers unvaccinated and unhealed must submit a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours (antigenic tests are not accepted) and undergo a 5-day quarantine. For vaccinated and cured travelers, a rapid test is sufficient.
Latvia
Those arriving by plane, even if vaccinated, cured, or swab negative, can undergo a free PCR test at the airport.
Lithuania
In the 48 hours prior to arrival, it is necessary to complete the online form https://keleiviams.nvsc.lt/en/form, to obtain the QR code.
Healed and vaccinated persons are not subject to testing or quarantine. Those who do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate must show a negative result from a PCR or antigenic test (no older than 72 and 48 hours, respectively) and stay in insulation for 10 days (or 7 with additional testing).
Luxembourg
One of the following documents must be submitted:
- negative test (not older than 48 hours if PCR or 24 if antigenic)
- full vaccination certificate
- certificate of recovery
Malta
To enter Malta, the rules are as follows:
- who has Completed for at least 14 days the vaccination cycle (with two doses) Is not subject to quarantine or swabbing
- those who are not vaccinated must undergo a 14-day quarantine In a hotel designated by the government, at a cost of 100 euros per day
- people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons must request express permission to enter through e-mail [email protected]
- children between 5 and 11 years old may enter with a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or legal guardian
- all must submit the European Localization Form ( fillable at https://app.euplf.eu/#/)
Moldova
All travelers over the age of 12 must hold the basic Green Pass.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit one of the following documents:
- vaccination certificate in Romanian, English, Italian, French, German or Russian
- test PCR not older than 72 or test quick not older than 48
- certificate of completion healing (must be healed between 180 and 15 days before entry)
- A certificate showing the presence of antibodies (valid for 90 days from the time of collection)
Montenegro
You can enter with completion of the vaccination cycle (even without booster) or with certificate of recovery (valid between 180 and 10 days prior). In both cases, however, a negative test (PCR no older than 72 hours, rapid no older than 48).
Norway
Travelers over the age of 16 must register on https://reg.entrynorway.no/.
Those who are neither vaccinated (with at least two doses) nor cured within the past 6 months must submit certification from a negative test (PCR or rapid antigenic) made within 24 hours of arrival. All incoming travelers, vaccinated, cured, and unvaccinated, must undergo a test (PCR or rapid antigenic) immediately upon arrival or within 24 hours thereafter.
Poland
One of the following documents must be submitted:
- Negative result of a swab (PCR or antigenic) not older than 48 hours, in English or Polish
- full vaccination certificate
- Successful recovery in the previous 6 months
Portugal
Those arriving by any means of transportation (including on foot) from other EU/Schengen/EEA-EFTA countries must alternatively present:
(a) a negative swab result (PCR or antigenic), taken no later than 48 hours prior to entry into the country and written in English or Polish;
(b) certification that the vaccination cycle has been completed, for at least 14 days, with one of the vaccines allowed in the European Union;
(c) successful recovery from COVID and completion of home isolation or hospitalization, with entry into Poland no later than 6 months from the date of the SARS-CoV-2 positive swab.
Netherlands
Until January 14, the lockdown is in effect in the Netherlands.
In general, it applies to enter the European Green Pass: Completion of vaccination course (even without third dose), successful recovery, PCR test not older than 48 hours or rapid test not older than 24.ù
Portugal
Even those who are vaccinated must submit a molecular test not older than 72 hours, or a antigenic test not older than 48 hours (children under 12 are exempt from this requirement), or fill out the PLF form.
United Kingdom
Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to take a pre-departure swab, and do not have to undergo quarantine. They will have to book a swab, however, or a rapid test, to be conducted in the UK by the 2nd day after arrival at an authorized medical center (the test is free), also need to fill out an online declaration.
Czech Republic
Those who are in possession of Super Green Pass, those under 12 years old and those who have received two doses of vaccine and are between 12 and 18 years old are exempt from the swabbing requirement. All others must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure.
After entering the country, it is necessary to make a according to swab PCR between the fifth and seventh day after arrival, and while waiting for the result, always wear the FFP2 mask even outdoors. They are Exempt from post-arrival testing requirement Travelers in possession of the EU Green Pass.
Romania
Italy is currently listed among the countries in the red zone.
Thus, travelers must undergo a 10- or 5-day fiduciary isolation unless they have completed the vaccination cycle with two doses for at least 10 days or have not recovered in the previous 180 days.
Serbia
One of the following documents must be submitted:
- Negative PCR test not older than 48 hours (rapid tests are not allowed)
- vaccination certificate
- certificate of recovery
Slovakia
Travelers not fully vaccinated (excluding boosters) must undergo a quarantine Of 10 days, or 5 with negative swab on day 5.
From 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. a curfew is in effect.
Slovenia
New rules go into effect Feb. 1.
Since that day, the certificates of vaccination and recovery will be considered valid for 270 days (for travelers over 18 years of age). Receipt of the second dose or booster will be considered proof of vaccination.
Those who are neither vaccinated nor cured must present a negative PCR test result performed within the previous 48 hours or a rapid test performed within the previous 24 hours.
From age 12 and above, GVT status (healed, vaccination or test) must be met for food service establishments, nonessential stores, events and ski lifts.
Spain
There is no quarantine requirement for travelers in possession of:
- vaccination certificate (even without booster)
- certificate of recovery
- quick test carried out in the previous 48 hours
Sweden
From 12 and up, it is necessary to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigenic), made within 48 hours before arrival in the country. The rule also applies to those who are cured or vaccinated.
Switzerland
All travelers, 16 years of age and older, must submit negative un PCR test dated no more than 72 hours earlier of the entrance or a Antigenic test performed no more than 24 hours previously entry. Those who are neither vaccinated nor cured must be retested, at their own expense, between 4 and 7 7 after their arrival, the results of which must be forwarded to the relevant cantonal authorities.
Ukraine
One of the following documents must be submitted:
- vaccination certificate (even without booster)
- rapid test or PCR no older than 72 hours
In addition, it is to be in possession of a health insurance policy that explicitly provides Covid-19 coverage valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country.
Hungary
To enter Hungary, one of the following documents must be presented:
- Vaccination certificate (one dose is sufficient)
- A negative anti-Covid PCR test not older than 72 hours
- A certificate of recovery no older than 180 days
So here is where traveling in the EU definitely needs some attention to the rules.
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