Visa Travel requirements and Entry Rules for Italy during COVID-19 (Update July 12, 2021)

Italy is currently in an emergency situation as it emerges from a lockdown lasting two months following its battle with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was severely affected in the early stages of the pandemic. In June 2020, Italy opened its doors to EU visitors. The country imposed a quarantine requirement on all European citizens arriving in the country at the end of March. On April 10, however, the advice was extended for all arrivals from any country in the world who were allowed to enter the country as per the exemptions list. Mario Draghi, the Italian Prime Minister, announced that authorities would open the border to other visitors on May 15, 2021. Roberto Speranza the Minister of Health, informed that visitors from the EU/Schengen Area and Israel will be allowed to enter. Italy launched its EU COVID-19 Passport June 20th. The country has begun issuing and accepting evidence of vaccination, proofs of recovery, and negative COVID test certificates. Italy will make modifications to the requirements of the document due to the popularity of the COVID Delta version. Here's what to expect if you plan to travel to Italy during the COVID-19 epidemic.

COVID-19 Situation in Italy

It was the first European country to be seriously affected by the pandemic. The Coronavirus situation was managed by a strict lockdown. However, the cases rose again in September and a third wave began in February 2021. Most of the country was under lockdown restrictions for the first quarter of 2021, and infection rates increased despite these measures. Italy had more than 4Mio cases of COVID-19 infections as of June 15, 2021 and 130k deaths. After months of delays, the vaccination campaign is now moving forward. Up to now, the country has administered 54,702,448 doses COVID-19 vaccines, and approximately 21 million people have been vaccinated. It is the main country that administers vaccines from Moderna, AstraZeneca and Comirnaty.

From What Countries are Travellers allowed to Enter Italy?

After being closed for the winter holidays, the Italian border was reopened in January 2021. The countries currently permitted to enter Italy can be divided into two groups: European and non-European. Italy allows entry into most European countries. This includes Austria, Andorra and Bulgaria, Croatia. Cyprus. Dan. Estonia, France. Finland. Germany. Greece. Hungary. Ireland. Ireland. Malta. Malta. The Netherlands. Norway. Portugal. Poland. Czech Republic. Romania. Slovenia. Slovakia. Sweden. Any person arriving from any of the above countries can enter Italy for non-essential reasons. They simply need to present the COVID-19 certificate, which shows whether they have been vaccinated or recovered from an illness. These countries were freed from the five-day quarantine on May 18. Persons who have been or transited through the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Channel Islands are required to submit a negative COVID-19 result within 48 hours of arrival. They also need to remain self-isolated for five consecutive days. This decision was previously made by Visarequirements.eu and will continue to be in effect until July 30. Israeli nationals can also be admitted as long as they have a negative result from a blood test. These arrivals are not subject to the same quarantine requirements as the UK. American citizens are also allowed to enter Italy if they use 'Covid tested'flights. Non-European nationals are allowed to travel to Italy from Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Only one of the following EU Digital COVID certificates is required: - Vaccination certificate - Certificate of recovery - A negative COVID-19 result can be proved Tourism from any other country is currently prohibited. It is illegal to travel to Italy by way of another country if you have not registered your overnight stay.

Italy's 'COVID Tested' Flights

NOTE:These flights are no longer offered by Delta as of June 25. It instead offers regular flights. For countries with actual entry ban situation, the italian government has approved the 'Covid-tested' flights. To be allowed to board these flights, a person must provide a negative result from a test within 48 hours of the flight, complete a self declaration and passenger locator form and then undergo another test at the airport. According to the Ministry's statement, passengers on these flights are authorized to enter and transit onto the Italian national territory without having to adhere to the obligations of fiduciary isolation and health surveillance. Leisure travel will now be allowed from the US, provided that the travellers arrive by one of the 'Covid-tested' flights approved by the government. These flights are currently only operated by Alitalia or Delta. These routes are currently served by flights: - New York - Rome Fiumicino - Atlanta - Rome Fiumicino - New York - Milan Malpensa - Atlanta - Milan Malpensa Three other countries offer 'Covid-tested flights', including Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. If you arrive at any of these airports, US, Canada, Japan and UAE passengers arriving on a Covid-tested' flight have to be tested three times. - Fiumicino - Milan Malpensa - Naples Capodichino - Venice Marco Polo The first should be done 48 hours before you board, the second at the airport and the third upon arrival. They may be allowed to skip quarantine if all three tests are negative. NOTE: These flights are no longer offered by Delta as of June 25. It instead offers regular flights.

Italy's Restrictions on Countries with Higher COVID-19 Infection Ratios

All European citizens who arrive in the country are required to submit a negative PCR result within 72 hours. They must also report to local authorities their arrival. Similar rules apply to UK and Israel arrivals. However, a 48-hour test is required. Self-isolation is not required for arrivals from any country permitted to enter. Travelling from COVID-19-affected countries, such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, is subject to stringent regulations. Any person who has been in Brazil for the past 14 days, or has transited through Brazil for more than twelve hours, must submit a negative test within 48 hours. They will then be subject to second testing upon arrival. They must then be quarantined for 14 days, and again undergo another test after that. The Brazilian restrictions on arrivals have been extended to July 30. Only Italian citizens who are legal residents can enter Italy from India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. Anybody who has traveled through India or Bangladesh must take another test on arrival. After that, they will be quarantined for ten days at the designated location by authorities. Before being released from quarantine, they must pass another test. All individuals traveling for vital purposes from countries where they are prohibited entry must be quarantined for 14 days.

COVID-19 Vaccine Passport

May 4th, Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced plans to establish a national green pass. As part of the EU vaccination passport initiative, the pass will show whether the holder was vaccinated against COVID-19 or has had a recent negative test. Draghi confirmed that tourists would also be eligible for the pass, and stated that it was planned to launch the pass by mid-May. However, no details have been provided. Italy launched its EU COVID-19 Passport June 15th. The country has begun issuing and accepting evidence of vaccination, proofs of recovery, and negative COVID test certificates. Italy will make modifications to the requirements of the document due to the popularity of the COVID Delta version.

What to Expect While Visiting Italy

It is important to note that Italy has four zones based on the current infection level. It is mandatory that you wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor areas as part of the Coronavirus prevention measures. Also, keep at least one metre distance. All regions have been yellowed since May 24, but microzones exist within some regions where cases are rising. It is recommended that everyone check the restrictions in their area before they travel. Yellow zones allow outdoor and indoor dining. If more than four people are permitted at a table, they must not be living together. The 10pm curfew was extended by 11 pm to May 25, and will continue to be in effect throughout the country until further notice. Invite guests to your home for up to four people and unlimited children. It is also permissible to visit second homes. Sports activities are now allowed to resume, with up to 1,000 spectators permitted in open areas and 500 in closed spaces. The shops are also open, although only a small number of people can enter. Shopping centres might only be open weekends and holidays. The cinemas, concert halls and theatres were also reopened. However, only 50% capacity was available. Everyone is required to adhere to the social distancing and reservations procedures. Museums and cultural institutions are also open on weekends, but they are closed during the week. According to Visarequirements.eu, admissions are restricted during the workday. White zones, on the other hand, are considered extremely low-risk and almost back to normal. The restrictions are not applicable to white zones. However, local authorities may impose additional rules based on the circumstances. Lazio, Italy's region in Rome, has launched a tourism campaign worth 10 million EUR to encourage tourists to stay longer. It offers extra nights free of charge and subsidies for accommodation costs in the capital. Read the full article

Visa Travel requirements and Entry Rules for Switzerland during COVID-19 (Update August 31, 2021)

The epidemiological situation in Europe and the rest of the world is improving, and Switzerland has a fast vaccination rate, Switzerland is now open to tourists who wish to visit during the summer. Follow our guide to get an actual overview of the current travel situation in Switzerland. The country of the stunning views and beautiful mountains.

COVID-19 Situation and Vaccination Rate in Switzerland

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Switzerland had identified 800k cases of COVID-19 infections as of August 31. Six new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. According to the same, there have been 10k deaths from Coronavirus disease in Switzerland. FOPH noted that vaccination campaigns are prioritized in countries where high-risk groups receive the vaccine first. COVID-19 prioritizes people according to their risk group (target groups 1 through 4) and all others (target group 5). These are people who are at greater risk of infection, death or transmission. The FOPH statement indicates that the individual is a member of the relevant group. Up to now, 58% of Switzerland's population has received at least one dose of vaccines, while 50% percent have been fully vaccinated.

What is open to tourists in Switzerland?

The Swiss authorities decided to continue to relax their measures after the country's epidemiological situation improved significantly and the EU Digital COVID Certificate was introduced. Tourists arriving in Switzerland will be able to find most places open. This includes cafes, restaurants and shops as well as museums, parks, hotels and thermal baths. Events that are held in private establishments or businesses are restricted in terms of the number of people who can attend them. FOPH noted that children are included in the numbers. Outdoor gatherings can have a maximum of 50 people and indoor gatherings can have a maximum limit of 30. Coronavirus preventative measures are still in effect. This means that everyone is required to respect social distance and wear masks when they travel in enclosed spaces. COVID-19 certificates will soon be required for all indoor activities. In order to gain entry to bars, restaurants and cinemas as well as other indoor spaces, everyone will need a COVID-19 Certificate.

Who Can Enter Switzerland?

Travel Flag Sky Saas Fee Outdoors Red Switzerland According to current epidemiological conditions, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has confirmed that travelers from 25 EU/Schengen Area nations can enter Switzerland with no restrictions. This means that travelers from these countries are exempted from quarantine and testing requirements, provided they have the EU Digital COVID-19 certificate: - Austria - Belgium - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Iceland - Italy - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Norway - Poland - Portugal - Sweden - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain Other third countries allowed to visit switzerland and travel restriction-freeare thr one that have been added to the EU's list of epidemiologically safe countries for which the EU Commission suggested to gradually lift the restrictions. These countries are: - Albania - Andorra - Armenia - Australia - Azerbaijan - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Brunei Darussalam - Bulgaria - Canada - Croatia - Cyprus - Hong Kong - Ireland - Israel - Japan - Jordan - Kosovo - Lebanon - Macao - Moldova - Monaco - Montenegro - New Zealand - North Macedonia - Qatar - Romania - San Marino - Saudi Arabia - Serbia - Singapore - South Korea - Taiwan - Ukraine - United States of America - Vatican City State FOPH previously announced that all travellers who are fully vaccinated and have recovered from COVID-19 will no longer need to follow self-isolation and testing rules when arriving from India, United Kingdom and Nepal. These countries were removed from Switzerland's list.

What are the rules for travelers allowed to enter Switzerland?

FOPH highlighted the fact that citizens of these countries have different rules depending on how they travel to Switzerland. Any arrivals from any country that is allowed to enter Switzerland by vehicle, bus, train or plane from these countries are exempted from any pandemic-related restrictions, provided they have a valid vaccination certificate, a negative COVID-19 result or a certificate that the virus has been recovered. To reach Switzerland by air, passengers must fill out an entry form. Children are also subject to this requirement. According to Swiss authorities, to make a vaccination certificate valid and for the holder of the certificate to be considered fully vaccinated all travelers must prove they have been given the vaccine in the following conditions: - The European Medicines Agency (EMA), has approved the use of the vaccine - The vaccine has been approved for use under the World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Use Listing The recovery certificate is valid for 180 days after it is received. It is valid starting at the 11th day following a positive COVID-19 result. For those who are unable to present a positive COVID-19 test, the PCR results should be received within 72 hours of entry. The rapid antigen test should be performed 48 hours prior to arrival. Is it possible that you are not fully vaccinated, or you cannot prove that you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. The FOPH statement states that you must present evidence of a negative or rapid antigen test, not older than 72 hours, if you plan to enter Switzerland by air. Children below 16 years old are exempted from the testing requirements.

Switzerland's Vaccination Passport

After the EU Commission recognized the Swiss COVID-19 vaccination passport as an equivalent to EU issued vaccine passports, Switzerland became the first country to connect to the EU Digital COVID-19 certificate gateway. This means that holders of Swiss certificates will be able to travel within the European Union, while still being subject to the same rules as holders of the EU Digital COVID-19 certificate. The Commissioner for Justice Didiereynders welcomed the recognition of the Swiss certificate. He stated that this would allow EU citizens as well as Swiss nationals to travel more safely and more freely in the summer. To facilitate travel within the EU, the EU Commission has created the EU Digital COVID-19 Passport. It is characterized by the following: - A single-page document - Available in paper or digital format - No cost - This publication is available in English and national languages - Secure and safe document - Valid in all EU Countries Read the full article

Visa Travel requirements and Entry Rules for Poland during COVID-19 (Update August 27, 2021)

Poland has kept the most severe restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease. All unnecessary international travel are still being highly advised against and the country is stillkeeping the travel restrictions, Visarequirements.eu reports. As Poland is currently trying to control the pandemic, it is not possible for tourists to travel to Poland at the moment.

COVID-19 Situation & Vaccination Rate in Poland

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Poland has 2,9 Mio cases of COVID-19 infections as of August 27. There have been 200 new cases in the past 24 hours. The country has also reported 75k deaths from Coronavirus-related illnesses since the outbreak of the pandemic. Concerning vaccination rates, data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has shown that at most 57% of the country's population have been fully immunized, while 59% have received the first dose.

What is Open in Poland?

Like other European countries, the majority of public places in Poland are open to all. Museums and art galleries are open to visitors, but there is a maximum of one visitor per 15m2. Movie theatres in both indoor and outdoor settings are also returning to their original activities. They can only function with a 75% capacity. Cafes, bars, restaurants, and other establishments are allowed to resume business under strict sanitary conditions, with no more that 75% occupancy. Hotel, gyms, and fitness clubs are also open.

What are the rules for arriving from countries outside of the EU and Schengen Area?

Poland has decided not the use the common European Union risk area classification and worked on creating its own list. Travellers from the 26 EU Member states, the Schengen  Area and Turkey are allowed to enter Poland without restrictions because of the low infection rates of those countries. Here is a complete list of countries allowed to enter Poland: - Austria - Belgium - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hungary - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Latvia - Malta - Netherlands - Norway - Portugal - Romania - Slovakia - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Turkey Since the two countries reached a special deal, Turkey is included in this list. Travelling to Pland by air instructs visitors, from any of the above mentioned countries, to complete a Traveller Card. To be allowed restriction-free entry, all travelers from these countries must also have the EU Digital COVID-19 certificate. Travellers must show the following:  - proof of vaccination - proof that they have recovered from the virus - a negative COVID-19 result. Poland has also decided to recognize, the vaccines vaccines that have been approved by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) as valid proof of immunity against the Coronavirus disease. Therefore, only the following vaccines are valid proof of vaccination: - AstraZeneca - Johnson & Johnson - Moderna - Pfizer/BioNTech It has been observed that proof of vaccination is valid for 14 days following the last dose. Poland recognizes EMA-Approved COVID-19 Vaccines Only All persons entering from Turkey or EU/Schengen Area countries are allowed to enter the country without restriction if they present a certificate proving that they have been free from the virus for at least six months. For those who intend to present a negative COVID-19 result, it is important that both rapid antigen and PCR tests be performed within 48 hours of entry. These documents can be accepted in English or Polish if they can be presented electronically or on paper. Polish authorities announced that children younger than 12 years old can travel to Poland with their guardians who have been vaccinated or tested for the virus. They will not be subject to quarantine and testing. Travellers arriving from Turkey or the EU/Schengen area countries mentioned above are subject to a ten day quarantine. If the COVID-19 test is negative, however, they may be allowed to leave the quarantine area if they have taken a COVID-19 exam within 48 hours of entering Poland.

What are the rules for arrivals from third countries?

The following countries are currently allowed to enter Poland: - Georgia - Japan - Canada - New Zealand - Thailand - South Korea - Tunisia - Australia - Israel - United States - United Kingdom - Northern Ireland No matter what means of transport they use to get to Poland, any foreigner arriving from another country that has not been vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19 is subject to a ten day quarantine. It has been noted that quarantine can be ended sooner if the COVID-19 test results are negative eight days after arrival. "A test performed - at the 8th day at earliest, starting from the day they crossed the border - with a positive result releases travellers who have been quarantined from confinement." stated the Polish authorities. The same noted that third-country nationals who began their journey in an EU/Schengen area country as well as those transiting through Poland are exempt from the quarantine requirement, provided they leave within 24 hours. The quarantine obligation is not applicable to plane passengers arriving from outside the Schengen/EU region. They must stay for 24 hours in Poland and have a ticket. The statement from Re-open EU states that departure must occur within 24 hours of arrival in Poland ,". Other groups that perform important duties or essential activities in Poland are also permitted to enter the country.

Poland's Vaccination Passport

Poland is already connected with the EUDCC gateway. This means that Poland issues and accepts an EU Digital COVID-19 certificate. All Polish citizens and residents from other countries can freely travel within Europe and Poland without following any restrictions. The EU Digital COVID-19 Passport was created by the European Commission to facilitate travel within the EU. It is distinguished by the following main features: - Available in digital or paper format - One-page document - This publication is available in English and national languages - Secure and safe - No cost - Widely recognized in the EU

These are the things you need to know before visiting other EU countries

Most EU countries have strict restrictions at the moment. The following guide will help you plan your summer trip to other EU countries: - The Summer in Spain - A Quick and Efficient Guideline Before You Book a Trip - Visiting Greece Amid the Pandemic: What Every Traveller Needs to Know - Everything You Need to Know Before Travelling to France Amid COVID-19 - Rules for Travelling to the Netherland From August & On Read the full article

Visa Travel requirements and Entry Rules for Spain during COVID-19 (Update August 18, 2021)

NOTE: This article was first published June 8. The article has been updated continuously with the most recent updates since June 7. In accordance with the most recent Spanish updates, the last modifications to the article were made on August 18, 2021. To anyone dreaming of endless summers of maillorca, late-night of ibiza, fresh dishes of barcelona, or wandering in Madrid, such dreams can now become true as Spain had opened its borders to welcome vaccinated tourists since June 7. Spain is one of many European countries that have been severely affected by COVID-19. Since the outbreak of the pandemic , the country has seen a significant increase in deaths and cases. Spain was able to reopen for summer 2020 after undergoing one of the strictest lockdowns in spring 2020. The country was still under emergency in November and remains so until May 10, 2021. Spain has not established a COVID-19 Passport yet, but the country is technically ready to connect to the EU Digital COVID Passport Gateway, Visarequirements.eu reports. Spain might have to relax some of its restrictions as the rates of vaccination are increasing and cases of infection dropping every day. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of visiting Spain in the summer.

Spain COVID-19 Situation

Spain, like other European countries has been badly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. As of August 18, the country had 4,7 millions COVID-19-related cases and 80k deaths. According to some reports, January 2021 was the most severe month of the Spanish pandemic since the previous summer. The highest number of Coronavirus infections in Spain since the outbreak of the pandemic was recorded on February 8, 2021. A month later, the infection rates had declined, but they rose again in April. 85% of Spanish citizens have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of August 18. 71% are fully vaccinated.

What is Open to Tourists in Spain?

Although Spain has lifted its state of emergency, some COVID-19-related measures remain in place to protect public health. Visitors can already visit museums, monuments, galleries, and other cultural spaces. Despite this, many spaces have seen a reduction in their capacity and have prioritized remote ticket purchase due to COVID-19. The Prado Museum was reopened to public in June 2020. All visitors were advised to book tickets at least 24 hours prior to their visit. Tourists can also visit the Alcazar Seville and Royal Palace of Madrid. There is now a limit on the number of people allowed to visit at once. Everyone must wear a mask. Visitors will be able attend small concerts and performances at the theatre during their time in Spain. Bars and restaurants are also open. In order to ensure public safety, they have adjusted their services to comply with the regulations.

Spain Travel from the EU and Schengen Area Countries

As long as they are not infected, travelers from the majority of European Union and Schengen area countries can enter Spain without quarantine. Travellers from high-risk countries or regions must present a certificate proving that they have been immunized against the disease.

The Spanish authorities consider the following countries high-risk: - Belgium - Cyprus - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - Greece - Iceland - Ireland - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Netherlands - Portugal - Sweden As listed below, certain regions in eight other EU and Schengen countries may also be considered high-risk. - Austria: the city of Salzburg, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and also Vienna - Bulgaria : the region of Central Severen, Severoiztochen, Yugoiztochen, Yugozapaden, and Central Yuzhen - Croatia : Grad Zagreb and Jadranska Hrvatska - France : 16 regions in total - Germany Berlin, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein - Italy : 18 regions - Norway : 8 regions - Slovenia : Zahodna Slovenija The Spanish government has previously announced, that all vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and World Health Organization (WHO) would be recognised. Those are: - Comirnaty – by Pfizer/BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH. - Vaxzevria – by AstraZeneca - AstraZeneca/SK Bio, by SK Bioscience Co. Ltd. - AstraZeneca Vaccine (Covishield), by the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. - Janssen - by the Cilag International NV. - Spikevax; mRNA-1273, by Moderna Biotech - Vero Cell – by Sinopharm/Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd. - Sinovac-CoronaVac (Vero Cell), by Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.

Who can travel to Spain from third countries?

Tourists from third-country countries may also travel to Spain provided they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and have a valid document that proves that the last dose was given at least 14 days prior. Travellers from these third countries, in addition to a vaccination certificate, can also enter the country if they have a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 and negative test results. - Albania - Armenia - Australia - Azerbaijan - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Brunei - Canada - China - Hong Kong SAR - Israel - Japan - Jordan - Kosovo - Lebanon - Macau SAR - Montenegro - New Zealand - Qatar - Republic of Moldova - Republic of North Macedonia - Saudi Arabia - Serbia - Singapore - South Korea - Taiwan - Ukraine - United States of America If they have a valid COVID-19 certificate and proof of recovery, foreign travelers can also travel with a vaccine certificate. - Resident and long-term visa holders from EU and Schengen Area countries can travel to the country. - Health professionals who return to work after going to/return from exercise - To perform air transport activities, you will need to have the right personnel for transport, maritime and aeronautical. - In their duties, the staff of diplomatic, consular and international military, civil protection, and members of humanitarian organizations - Students who have the appropriate documentation and are studying in an EU/Schengen country must possess it. - High-qualified workers whose work is essential for Spain's economy cannot be delayed or done remotely. - People who travel for family reasons - For humanitarian or force majeure reasons, those who travel

Restricted Entry for Arrivals from Several Countries

Spain has strict rules that prohibit certain countries from entering the country in order to control the Coronavirus outbreak and reduce the importation of Coronavirus cases from other countries. Travellers from South Africa, Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia are all eligible to enter Spain.

Spain Entry Requirements For Those Permitted to Enter The Country

Travellers to Spain must complete a Health Control form. This can be filled out electronically. Once the form is completed, a QR code is generated. This code should then be presented to the Spanish health authorities upon arrival. The form may also be available in paper format if necessary. It is important to note that each person and every trip should have its own form. According to the European Center for Disease Control guidelines travellers who arrive in Spain from high risk countries for essential purposes must have a negative COVID-19 result within 72 hours of their arrival. You can request documentation to prove that you have not been affected by the virus while in Spain. The document containing the negative test result should contain information about the holder, including their name, passport number or identity card number, date of test, issuing body and type of test. The test can be recognized in Spanish, English or French. Travellers who arrive in Spain are subject to health checks, including temperature checks and visual examinations. All persons traveling to the Canary Islands must also present a negative test within 72 hours of departure. Children under six years of age, passengers and people who transport goods, as well as cross-border workers and residents living within 30 km of the border with Spain are exempted from the testing requirements. Read the full article

Visa Travel requirements and Entry Rules for Greece during COVID-19

NOTE: This article was published originally on June 21. The article has been updated continuously with the most recent updates since then. In accordance with the most recent updates by the Greek authorities, the last modifications to the article were made July 12. If you are looking for stunning views, a beachside escape, ancient monuments or delicious mediterranean foot, now it is possible with Greece's opening its borders to visitors. Greece is now open to tourists after a lockdown, but they will need to be self-isolated upon their arrival. This was made clear in April by the Greek government when it lifted the quarantine requirements for EU Member States and other third countries. The authorities of Greece, regardless of the COVID-19 epidemic, have repeatedly called for safe reopening the tourism and travel sector to avoid further financial losses and to revive the industry by summer. The country has continued to place strict entry restrictions on other countries because of the pandemic.

Situation in Greece with COVID-19

Like other European countries, Greece was severely affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The country was able to control the situation by imposing national lockdown measures. At the time of writing, Greece had identified 450 thousends COVID-19 infections cases. At least 4,8 millions COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the country. This means that approximately 57% of the population has received at least one dose, while 47% have been fully vaccinated. Vaccines are available in Greece from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

Who is allowed to travel to Greece this summer?

In an effort to recover the tourism and travel sectors from the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Greece has made its doors open to all visitors to Greece since May 14. At the moment, Greece allows all visitors from Schengen Area and European Union countries to enter without restriction. Greece is open to travellers from all countries in the EU/Schengen Area, as well as countries that have reported low COVID-19 infection rates. Consequently, visitors from these third countries can enter Greece. - 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 - Rwanda - Saudi Arabia - Serbia - Singapore - South Korea - Thailand - United Arab Emirates - Ukraine *For Russia, passengers must have a negative PCR molecular result from a laboratory within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test result within 48 hours, regardless of whether they are vaccinated. It was also announced that, starting today, July 8th, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Brunei would be added to the third-country list that is allowed to enter Greece without quarantine. Recently, Greece authorities announced that Russian passengers traveling to Greece will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 result and to take another test on arrival. Montenegro citizens must present a valid vaccination certificate and a negative result of the COVID-19 test. These results should not exceed 72 hours. It is not permitted to enter Greece from any country other than the EU/Schengen area or any third country not already mentioned. After being banned for over a year, Greece opened its borders to allow Americans to travel to Greece. The same rules will apply to US citizens who travel from the US. Since several months, Greece has been increasing the ban on entry for nationals from third countries.

Greece's Entry Restrictions

Everyone must complete the "Passenger Locator Form" before entering Greece. This form should present detailed information about passenger's departure locations, previous stays in other nations, and the address of their stay in Greece. Every person entering Greece must submit a negative result on the COVID-19 test within 72 hours. Additionally, travelers from the above-mentioned countries and those from EU/Schengen Area countries are permitted to enter Greece provided they have one of these acceptable documents. A certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 To be allowed entry, at least 14 days must have passed since the last dose of the vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are approved for Greece. Novavax, Johnson & Johnson and Sinovac Biotech have been approved. Cansino Biologics has been approved. Recognized vaccination certificates should have been issued by an authority in English, French, German, Italian Spanish, Russian, or German. The traveller's name and COVID-19 vaccine dose must be included on the vaccination certificate. Tourists are not required to be vaccinated before they can enter Greece. A vaccination certificate is a great help during your arrival. The Government clarified that a vaccination certificate or an antibody certificate is not considered a passport. A negative COVID-19 result is proof:The test must not take place more than 72 hours before entry to Greece. Testing is not mandatory for children under six years of age. A certificate proving that the COVID-19 was successfully rehabilitated in the nine previous monthsThe recovery certificate must be issued by a public agency or certified laboratory. A positive PCR test can be provided by travelers, provided it was performed at least two months prior to arrival. It should not have been done later than nine months. Each of the above mentioned certificates must include the key identification information. This includes the full name of the holder, which must match that on the passport or other recognized travel document. Foreigners may also provide a Digital COVID-19 Passport to be permitted entry to the country, either in paper or electronic form, Visarequirements.eu reports. No matter what certificate a traveller has upon arriving, they could be subject to random health screening drawn from a targeted sample system. This means that they will need to go through a rapid antigen test. If someone refuses, authorities can reject entry to the country. If the random test results are positive, then travellers and their companions will be placed in quarantine hotels. They will need to be kept in quarantine for at least ten consecutive days for further health checks. The expenses will be paid by the Greek authorities.

You can enter Greece by land, air, or sea.

Non-essential land borders are permitted through the Evzones border crossing point in North Macedonia, and through Promachonas and Ormenio border crossing points out of Bulgaria. It is possible to travel by sea across Greece. Foreign vessels can also arrive at Patras and Igoumenitsa harbours. The ports of Patra and Igoumenitsa allow entry to Greece by sea, while connections to Turkey and Albania are temporarily limited. For those who intend to use public transport during their stay in Greece they must wear a mask whenever possible. All international airports allow passengers to enter Greece. Non-EU/Schengen Area citizens should fly direct to Greece to avoid any stopover requirements.

What are the Best Things to Do in Greece?

Visitors are allowed to visit archaeological sites in Greece. However, there is a maximum of 20 people at a time. Everyone must wear a mask during archaeological visits and adhere to the physical distance measures. Bars, restaurants, and cafes are also open. Service is only available in outdoor areas. The maximum number of people allowed at a table is six. Waiting for a table requires that you keep your mask on. Theatres, concerts, and other performances are permitted, but with a maximum of 75 percent in open spaces. The authorities remind those who wish to spend time on the beach that they are limited to 80 people for the 1000 m2 area. Except for families, two people can use the same umbrella. Public transport will have a capacity of 65 percent, while tour and sightseeing buses will have an 85 percent capacity. At the moment, Greece has a nationwide curfew that runs from 1:30 AM to 5 AM. This means that tourists are allowed to stay outside after midnight. Greece will abolish the curfew completely in July if the infection rates remain stable.

Passport to the EU Digital COVID-19 Passport for Greece

After passing the technical tests, Greece joined the EU gateway and began issuing the first EU COVID-19 passports. At the end of May, the country presented the first EU Digital COVID-19 Passport. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece, stressed that the system would be operational in the country by the July 1 deadline that Brussels had set. This has proven to be true. Mitsotakis also called on other EU countries to open their borders for the summer season during Athens' launch of the passport. This was to aid tourism and travel recover from the financial losses caused by the pandemic. In an effort to ensure safe travel within the EU, the European Union established the EU COVID-19 Immunization Passport.

Travel insurance for Greece is a must when traveling during the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is strongly recommended that anyone who plans to travel to Greece, or to any other country in the summer buy an extended travel insurance plan that covers pandemic and epidemic situations. Insurance ensures that if a trip is cancelled because of COVID-19, all money spent on reservations will be refunded. AXA Assistance, MondialCare and Europ Assistance offer very affordable medical travel insurance for Greece. Read the full article

EU lifts restrictions for 14 countries on non-essential travel

About 30 June 2020 that the Council adopted a recommendation about the slow lifting of the temporary limitations on non-essential traveling into the EU. This recommendation included a first list of states for which member countries should begin lifting the travel restrictions in the external boundaries. The record is reviewed every fourteen days and, as the situation may be upgraded. On 20 May, the Council adopted an amending recommendation to react to the continuing vaccination campaigns by introducing particular waivers for educated men and easing the standards to lift limitations for third states. At exactly the exact same time, the alterations take into consideration the probable dangers posed by new versions by establishing an emergency brake mechanism to swiftly respond to the development of a version of concern or interest in another nation. The Council recommendation isn't a legally binding instrument. The government of the member countries remain responsible for executing the content of this recommendation. They could, in total transparency, lift just progressively traveling limitations towards states recorded. A Member State shouldn't choose to lift the travel restrictions for non-listed third states earlier this has been determined in a coordinated fashion. After a review below the recommendation about the slow raising of the temporary limitations on non-essential travel to the EU, the Council updated the listing of states, special administrative areas and other entities and territorial government for which travel restrictions should be raised. As stated in the Council recommendation, this listing may continue to be assessed every 2 months and, as the situation may be upgraded. Depending on the standards and requirements set out in the recommendation, as from 18 June 2021 member nations must slowly raise the travel restrictions in the outside boundaries for residents of the following third states: Africa: Rwanda America: United States of America Europe: Albania Republic of North Macedonia Serbia Asia: China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity Israel Japan Lebanon Singapore South Korea Thailand Oceania: Australia New Zealand The status of reciprocity for all these specific administrative areas has been raised. Below the class of entities and territorial government which aren't recognised as conditions by a minumum of one member nation, travel limitations for Taiwan should also be slowly lifted. The standards to find out the third countries where the present travel restriction ought to be raised were upgraded on 20 May 2021. They insure the epidemiological situation and total response to COVID-19, in addition to the dependability of the available data and information resources. Reciprocity also needs to be taken into consideration on a case by case basis. This recommendation also applies to other Schengen countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland). Read the full article