Travel to Spain: Everything you need to know

Fancy a sangria in Seville? A stroll down Las Ramblas in Barcelona? Spain has been open to tourism for a few months now, however, it maintains strict travel rules, and it’s high risk lists, may see you postponing that beach escape to Mallorca.

We take a look at the latest travel rules to Spain.

Travel to Spain From Risk EU/EEA Countries

As of Monday the 30th of August, the following EU/EEA/Schengen countries have been put on the high risk list:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland (Helsinki-Uusimaa, Etelä-Suomi, Länsi-Suomi and Pohjois- ja ItäSuomi)
  • France (Corse, Guadeloupe, Guyane, La Réunion, Martinique, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-FrancheComté, Bretagne, Centre — Val de Loire, Grand Est, Hauts-de-France, Ile-deFrance, Normandie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire)
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy (Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Marche, Sardegna, Sicilia, Toscana, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia, Piemonte, Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano/Bozen, Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Puglia, Umbria, Valle d’Aosta/Vallée d’Aoste and Veneto)
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Romania (Bucureşti-Ilfov)
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • The Netherlands

Travellers from these countries must provide a proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative PCR test in order to enter Spain. In addition, travellers from these countries as well as the safe countries, must provide a passenger locator form.

Travel to Spain from Third Countries

Cathedral and tower in Seville
Dusk over the Cathedral of St Mary of the See in Seville, Spain

Non-essential travel to Spain from Third party countries is not permitted unless you meet one of the exemptions, or you are travelling from a country that is considered epidemiologically safe. Currently, the following countries are regions are the only ones on this list:

  • Albania
  • Albania
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • China
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Montenegro
  • New Zealand
  • Qatar
  • Republic of Moldova
  • Republic of North Macedonia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • United States of America
  • Ukraine
  • SAR of Hong Kong
  • SAR of Macao
  • Kosovo
  • Taiwan

Fully vaccinated travellers and their accompanying minors (under 12) are exempt from the travel ban, but must still ensure that they meet all the necessary entry requirements. The vaccines must be recognized by Spanish authorities and travel cannot take place less than 14 days after the second dose.

All travellers must complete a passenger locator form before departure.

What to Expect in Spain

Spain’s regions are governed autonomously, which means you may experience different regulations across the country. Many regions have dropped nightly curfew rules, and no longer require masks to be worn in outside environments provided a distance of 1.5metres is maintained. Masks must be worn indoors and on public transport.

Bars, restaurants and cafes are open across Spain, but it is advisable to check in advance, as bookings may fill up, closing times may change due to curfews, and many restaurants have a table capacity limit.

Museums, and other attractions are open, however in some regions these operate at specific capacities so always check in advance.

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Dodgy Travel Data can Cost you Thousands, & your Holiday!

Dodgy travel data could be costing passengers thousands, in time and money.

This past weekend, disturbing accounts of passengers’ experiences at Dublin International Airport made the headlines in Irish Newspapers.

Irate passengers quoted “long queues”, “delays” and “laborious forms to fill in” as reasons for the delays. Some passengers had to pay over €100 to reschedule flights and a “a lot of understandably anxious people” have taken to social media to voice their frustrations.

The truth is, all you have to do is visit 3 government websites, 1 airline website, call your travel agent, get a test, pay for fast results, review the vaccine validity windows, get the approved masks, find the passenger locator forms, fill out the passenger locator forms and do that all again when you get back, except from a different country. Not so simple.

Flight arrival board at an airport
Confusing travel data is causing chaos for travellers and the industry

A recurring theme


This isn’t the first bad airport experience story in the last 18 months. From Birmingham to Dubai, thousands have been turned away from check-in desks. Many more have paid for tests that weren’t valid and an unknown number have had to pay for quarantines and tests they never needed. Some have had multiple vaccines, not knowing that their current schedule wouldn’t be accepted in their destination. Airports have the thankless task of enforcing document compliance on behalf of airlines and it is starting to hurt their customers.

Our network in the airports business has told us that many passengers arrive with missing or incomplete documents like passenger locator forms. Sometimes, their tests are too old to fly or they’ve taken the wrong test completely. Some have thought their children didn’t need a test when they did, and some passengers have had children tested who never needed to be tested in the first place. In some cases, airport staff have given the wrong information to passengers, which has taken hours to resolve, causing queue buildups and further frustrations.

In many cases the root cause is that passengers simply don’t have a single point of reference for their travel requirements. Government websites aren’t always reliable and restrictions come and go faster than a toupee in a hurricane. Accurate and up-to-date travel data, that anticipates both the passenger’s and the government’s requirements is the key to solving this problem.

Take a deep breath

At SafeScore, we have built a simple, customer-facing widget for airlines and airports to add to their apps and websites. Everything from child testing ages to quarantine requirements, and vaccine validity is clearly, and easily available. We’ve even provided the passenger locator forms too. We’ve purpose-built the tool, allowing you to show exactly what a passenger needs before travelling and what they will need on return.

Informed passengers move through airports faster, get to the lounge quicker and help raise net promoter scores. Passengers need airport and airline support, now more than ever. Airlines and airports need satisfied and happy customers now more than ever. SafeScore can provide this support, with just 3 clicks.

Contact us to find out how.

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Ireland Drops Mandatory Quarantine for 23 Countries

The Republic of Ireland has maintained mandatory hotel quarantine requirements for some months. Over the past weekend, however, these restricitions have dropped for arrivals from a large number of countries.

We take a look at Ireland’s latest travel rules per continent, below.

What is mandatory quarantine?

Arrivals from what are considered to be ‘high risk’ countries (designated states) are only allowed to enter Ireland if they provide proof of a reservation in a government selected quarantine hotel.

These reservations must be booked in advance, and apply anyone who has been in any high risk country in the preceding 14 days. The same rules apply to travellers who have transited through these countries, even if they stayed airside. If you are arriving from a designated state, you can end your quarantine early if you receive a negative test result on Day 10.

Find out more about booking hotel quarantine here.

What has changed?

The following countries have been removed from the designated state list effective Friday, 27th August. Mandatory hotel quarantine is therefore no longer an entry requirement.

Africa

  • Botswana
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Eswatini
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zimbabwe

Asia

  • Bangladesh
  • India
  • Kazakhstan
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Pakistan

Europe

  • Georgia
  • Russia

Oceania

  • Fiji

North America

  • Cuba

South America

  • Paraguay
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uruguay

Mandatory Quarantine List

The list of designated states has been dramatically shortened. The last countries on the list are:

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

There are several categories for exemption from the quarantine requirement.

The government has announced that the number of hotels in the system will be reduced from 8, to 3, but the mandatory quarantine programme will remain as long as is necessary.

Current Rules on entry and in Ireland

23 countries have been released from Ireland's mandatory quarantine requirements, which means more visitors to sites like the Cliffs of Moher
Ireland is re-opening to more visitors – with restrictions in place

Travellers to Ireland must complete the Passenger Locator Form before their trip. Passengers must present proof of either, full vaccination, or recovery, or, a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. Children below the age of 12 do not need to provide any of the above.

Bars, restaurants and attractions are open. Indoor dining services have specific regulations in place for those older than 18. In order to enter a venue, you must show proof of vaccination, or a recovery certificate dated within 6 months. Businesses have a right to refuse service if one of these is not presented. A maximum of 6 people aged 13 or older are permitted at a table, and masks must be worn when not at your table.

Face masks must be worn in public transport, shops, and other premises.

The Irish government has announced that its plans to reduce restrictions and Covid-19 rules in the coming 2 months.

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Vaccinated South Africans can Visit These 5 EU Countries

South Africa has faced stringent travel restrictions from a large part of the rest of the world for a number of months. Now, restrictions are easing for fully vaccinated South Africans. We take a look at where South Africans can travel to if they’ve had the jab.

Austria

Recently, Austria removed South Africa from it’s virus variant list. Subsequently, South Africans who have been fully vaccinated can enter the country for any reason, and don’t need to quarantine.

Non-vaccinated travellers are required to obtain pre-travel clearance, submit negative tests, and self isolate on arrival.

Read more about travelling to Austria here.

France

France has dropped travel restrictions for all vaccinated visitors. Non-vaccinated minors travelling with vaccinated adults also don’t face restrictions. Non-vaccinated children over the age of 12 will need a negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before arrival. Travellers who have been in South Africa in the last 14 days and are not vaccinated, can only travel to France for pressing reasons, undergo two tests, and will need to quarantine under supervision for 14 days.

Restaurants, bars, and attractions are open, although a health pass is needed in order to access these public spaces. Internal travel through France is allowed, and also requires a health pass for long-distance trips. The health pass contains either, proof of vaccination, recovery, or a PCR test taken within the previous 48 hours.

Masks must be worn on public transport, and indoor public spaces, but aren’t needed where a health pass is required. If you are outside, masks are only required if social distancing isn’t possible.

Children under 12 do not need a health pass.

>> Vaccinations for Travel: Who Accepts What?

Germany

Travellers from South Africa who have received their full dose more than 14 days prior to travel are now allowed to visit Germany. This form must be completed before you travel to the country. On arrival you must present proof of your vaccination. Non-vaccinated travellers must have an urgent need to travel to Germany, and need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

Restaurants, bars, cafes, and attractions are open in Germany, although, like France, they can only be access with a health pass. This applies to everyone over the age of 6. Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces, public transport, and busy outdoor spaces. Masks must fulfill the requirements of FFP2 or KN95/N95.

Vaccinated South Africans can now walk the cobbled streets of Ibiza without facing quarantine
Vaccinated South Africans can soak up the sun in Spain without facing quarantine

Spain

In order to enter Spain, travellers must present a vaccination certificate, which demonstrates that the full dose was not received less than 14 days prior to arrival. Non-vaccinated travellers need to quarantine for 10 days, and meet specific criteria such as EU residency, long term visa holders, or diplomats. Children under 12 are exempt.

All establishments and businesses have re-opened in Spain, and follow safety protocols. Masks are required in indoor public spaces and in public transport. Masks don’t need to be worn outdoors provided the 1.5 metre social distancing rule is followed. Visitors are advised to book tickets to attractions, and tables in bars and restaurants in advance as venues venues have capacity limits.

Switzerland

Travellers to Switzerland from South Africa can enter the country with a recognized vaccination certificate. Non-vaccinated travellers must provide a negative PCR test result and quarantine for 10 days, a negative test result can be submitted on day 7 for release. Please note, some cantons (regions) in Switzerland have different quarantine requirements so it is advised to check your final destination’s rules.

Masks are mandatory in public spaces, except outdoors. Bars, restaurants, dance halls, and water parks are open – access to larger venues requires a Covid certificate.

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Travel Restriction Changes Across Europe: What’s New?

We take a look at some key travel restriction changes for travellers in and around Europe.

Tighter Travel Restriction Changes

Cyprus

Cyprus has moved Germany and Croatia to its orange, ‘medium risk’ list. This means that travellers from these countries will now need to present a negative PCR test (No older than 72 hours) and have another test on arrival. Currently on the green list, and not subject to any restrictions are:

Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Jordan, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has placed the following countries on its extremely high risk list: Brazil, Colombia, Mozambique, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Tanzania (including Zanzibar and Pemba islands). Travel to these countries is strongly discouraged by authorities. This measure is in place until the 30th of September.

Lithuania

Lithuania has tightened restrictions for travellers from: Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Germany. Arrivals from these countries must provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, or an antigen test no older than 48. They will be tested again on arrival, and will need to self-isolate for 10 days with a test to be released earlier. These restrictions do not apply to fully vaccinated travellers. Malta and Latvia have been moved the the yellow list. Arrivals from these countries need to provide testing as above, and another test between 3 and 5 days after their arrival. No self-isolation is required.

Norway

Noway's travel restriction changes means visitors from Germany face more rules
The Norwegian fjords will be trickier to visit from Germany and Latvia

Norway has imposed stricter travel restrictions on arrivals from Germany and Latvia by adding them to the Orange list. This means that travellers from these countries need to present a negative PCR test, be tested again on arrival and enter a 10 day quarantine. The following countries are on Norway’s Green list:

Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and specific regions in Finland.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has added Bulgaria, Norway and the Jadranska Hrvatska region of Croatia to its high risk list. This means arrivals from these countries must present either a vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or negative PCR test in order to enter the Netherlands.

Germany

Germany has made several travel restriction changes. Brazil and Uruguay are no longer considered virus variant areas, which means travellers from these countries can enter Germany, although with restrictions. Brazil is now in the high risk categories along with the other new additions of:

Ireland (the Border and West regions), Greece (Crete and South Aegean), Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Dominica.

See Also: Germany Eases Restriction for 9 African Countries

Travel restrictions change rapidly, so travellers are advised to check for changes to travel rules before their trip.

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Airlines Ban Fabric Masks – What Types are Allowed?

There are so many question we have before we travel, and here’s the latest: What Types of Masks are Allowed on Planes? Using a fabric mask could lead you to being turned away from your flight.

Since February, German national, Lufthansa, has had a strict mask mandate in place. Fabric masks, scarves, and ‘everyday masks’ are no longer allowed. Instead passengers would only be permitted if they wore masks that were either surgical, were an FFP2 mask, or a KN95/N95 model.

Now, more airlines have joined Lufthansa with stricter mask mandates.

Which Airlines Accept Which Masks

On the 16th of August, Finnair’s new mask rules came into play. Now, only FFP2, KN95 and N95 or FFP3 respirator masks without valves will be accepted for travel. The airline reiterated that masks must be worn at all times, and can only be removed briefly for eating and drinking.

Air France has also made surgical masks mandatory on all its flights. FFP masks are also permitted, but cloth masks are not. Additionally, masks must be worn both inside and outside of the terminals.

Air Croatia has advised passengers that they will only accept surgical masks and filtering masks (FFP2, KN95 and N95). Filtering masks with valves, and cloth masks will not be allowed.

Swissair requires all their passengers to wear surgical grade masks if they are over the age of 12. Once again, the FFP2, KN95, or N95 masks are also accepted.

LATAM airlines in South America requires passengers to wear either three layered surgical masks, or KN95 or N95 masks on their domestic flights.

As more and more airlines move to specifications on mask mandates, it’s better to play it safe when travelling and invest in some surgical masks. Across the world, more and more airlines, even if not requiring a specific type of mask, are banning fabric masks, scarves, bandanas, and balaclavas.

So, don’t get caught with your mask down – double check your airline’s requirements before travelling!

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Locator Forms: What are they and how do you find them?

If you’ve heard us saying it once, you’ve heard us saying it many times – inconsistent international travel regulations are confusing for travellers and present unnecessary hurdles to the recovery of travel. And now Passenger Locator Forms are doing their bit to further muddy the waters.

Last week we published a piece on how our CEO was nearly forced to pay 2,000 in quarantine fees, because the airports had the incorrect information. This week we heard of yet another instance of how poorly communicated and confusing travel information is putting a spoke in the wheels of travel recovery, and preventing passengers from flying.

One of SafeScore’s subscribers spoke to us about how confusion over locator forms caused a delay on her flight of over an hour. Transiting through a key EU hub, she experienced chaos and endless queues because other passengers simply weren’t prepared with the correct documents.

Time is money, airlines are fined for delays, business travellers lose work hours, and travel is stressful enough as it is.

So, what are locator forms, where do you find them, and who needs you to fill them in?

What are Locator Forms?

Passenger locator forms (PLFs), capture your personal details in case of a positive Covid-19 case on a journey. Normally these forms require you to provide the following information:

  • Full name and passport details
  • Contact details, including phone number and email address
  • Travel details, including flight numbers, dates, and times
  • Your address in the country you’re travelling to

Each country has different protocols for their PLFs, and some may ask you to upload PCR test results, or vaccination documents as well. The requirements for forms for minors varies per country – we would suggest checking with your destination. We also strongly suggest travelling with both a printed and a digital copy of your form.

Airports are busy places, fill in the Locator Forms in advance to ensure a smooth process
Skip busy queues in the airport, come prepared.

Where can I find Locator Forms?

In the current travel climate, it is safer to assume that all countries require locator forms. Even if it isn’t the case, at least you’ve saved yourself the extra worry!

If your journey has been booked via a travel agent, then they should direct you to the correct form requirements. Even if they do so, we advise double checking with an official website in your destination to ensure that you have the correct paperwork.

If you are booking your journey yourself, most airlines should direct you to the relevant passenger locator form at some point in the booking process. This is particularly true if you’re flying with your destination’s national carrier (for example, flying British Airways to London, Heathrow). If you don’t see anything about a PLF in this process, then take a look at the airline’s Covid-19 page for more information.

A good example of how to access the PLF page via the airline website can be seen here on British Airways’ Covid-19 page.

If you’ve had no luck with these options, then you can usually also find the forms via government sites – we’ve included some links to PLFs for some European destinations below.

>> Austria Lifts Quarantine for the UK, South Africa, and others

Passenger Exit Forms

A few countries also require passengers to complete exit forms on departure. These should also be found on your airline website, but if not, we would advise checking in advance.

Passengers have been bumped for not carrying Locator Forms - like this flight, make sure you get to land in your destination
Reach your destination smoothly with the correct documentation

Some Key Links to Locator Forms

Each country has different entry protocols, and often, different locator forms. That being said though, here are some links for travellers to key destinations in Europe.

The EU: The European Digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) has been designed to facilitate travel throughout the EU. It is currently used by Italy, Malta, and Slovenia.

United Kingdom: All travellers to the UK are required to fill in their details via the government website. The Passenger Locator Form can be found here.

Ireland: Ireland’s PLF can be found here. More details on requirements can be found on government’s webpage here.

Austria: If you are arriving from a virus variant country, then you will be required to register online via the Pre-Travel Clearance Portal. Non-vaccinated travellers from a country not on either the safe list or the virus variant list must also register via the portal. Children under 12 do not need to register.

Belgium: If you are travelling to Belgium for more than 48 hours then you must complete the Passenger Locator Form here. This form must be completed at least 48 hours before your arrival in Belgium.

Cyprus: The CyprusFlightPass PLF can be found here.

France: France requires all passengers entering or leaving the country submit a Certificate of International Travel found here.

Germany: If you spent time in a high-risk country in the 14 days prior to your journey Germany then you are required to register online via the Ministry of Health’s website. The Digital Registration for Entry can be found here.

The Netherlands: The Netherlands requires all travellers arriving by air to complete the Health Declaration form and to carry it with them on their trip. It is available as PDF via the government site, and some airlines may have a digital version.

Portugal: Portugal’s Passenger Locator Card can be found here.

Switzerland: All arrivals by air must complete the Entry Form found on the site for the Federal Office of Public Health.

Spain: All travellers Spain must complete the form found on Spain’s Travel Health website 48 hours before their trip begins. Children under 12 aren’t required to register.

Turkey: All travellers to Turkey must complete this form at least 72 hours before arriving in the country: Form for Entry to Turkey.

Don’t be caught out at the last minute – double check all your documents in advance!

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Travel to Cyprus – Who can and who can’t?

Think crumbling ancient Greek architecture, pristine beaches, and captivating hilltop villages – it’s no wonder that many tourists plan to travel to Cyprus.

Although the island has been open for tourism for a number of months, it has still retained its traffic light system. So, before you book your holiday to this jewel in the Med, make sure that you meet the specific requirements.

>> Outdoor Travel – Our Top Picks

Please Note: All travellers to Cyprus, regardless of their vaccination, or country status, must register online with the CyprusFlightPass within 48 hours of their departure.

The categorization of the below countries is effective from the 19th of August 2021.

If you travel to Cyprus, expect sparkling seas, and blue flag beaches

Who can Travel to Cyprus – The Green List

Arrivals on the ‘low risk’, green list can travel to Cyprus without facing any restrictions or testing. These countries are:

  • European Union member states: Germany, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania,
    Slovakia, Czech Republic
  • Third countries: Australia, Jordan, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore

The Orange List – Testing Needed

Travellers arriving from countries on the medium risk ‘orange’ list will need to provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. These are:

  • European Union member states: Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Latvia,
    Luxembourg, Slovenia, Finland
  • Small states: Vatican City
  • Schengen members: Lichtenstein, Norway
  • Third countries: North Macedonia, Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, China,
    Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Bahrein, Saudi Arabia

Arrivals who are Cypriot nationals or citizens, maybe undergo additional medical screening on arrival.

The Red List

Travellers on the red list are only permitted to enter Cyprus for essential reasons. These travellers must have a negative PCR test 72 hours before travelling and will be tested again on arrival. The second test and the subsequent self-isolation until a negative test result is at the traveller’s own expense. These countries are:

  • European Union member states: Belgium, France, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Spain,
    Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden
  • Small states: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino
  • Schengen members: Switzerland, Iceland
  • Third countries: Azerbaijan, Egypt, Albania, Armenia, Georgia, United Arab
    Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, Kuwait, Belarus,
    Lebanon, Montenegro, Moldova, Brunei, South Korea, Ukraine, Russia, Serbia

Grey List Countries

Any country not listed above is on Cyprus’ grey list. This means that visitors cannot travel to Cyprus without special permission and must quarantine for 14 days.

Exceptions to Travel Restrictions

Any person who has received a full dose of an accepted vaccine can travel to Cyprus without facing any testing or quarantine rules. Vaccines that are currently recognized by Cyprus authorities are: Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Janssen, Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Sinovac.

>> Vaccines for Travel: Who Accepts What?

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The Greek Islands: Travel Requirements

Those looking for some Hellenic island-hopping will continue to face specific entry requirements when returning to the Greek mainland. Authorities have announced an extension on the testing requirements for domestic travel as the vaccine rollout has been slower than anticipated.

Travellers returning to the mainland from an island must have a vaccination certificate, proof of recovery, or a negative PCR test or antigen test result. The details are as follows:

  • Vaccinated Travellers: Have received the full dose of an accepted vaccine no sooner than 14 days before travel. The certificate must be in either Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian. Travellers must carry both printed and digital versions of their certificate with them. Greece accepts the highest number of vaccine types in the EU.
  • Recovered Travellers: Travellers who recovered from Covid-19 at least 30 days before travel can submit a recovery certificate. A recovery certificate is valid for 180 days.
  • Testing: Negative PCR tests no older than 72 hours, or negative antigen tests no older than 48 hours will be accepted.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from travel restrictions.

>> Vaccinations for Travel: Who Accepts What?

Greece’s Restrictions-Free List

A beautiful view over the sea is a great way to see Greece, but make sure you know the island hopping travel requirements
Make sure you know the travel requirements when island hopping through Greece

Visitors from the following countries and principalities can visit Greece without facing quarantine or self-isolation requirements:

  • All European Union countries
  • EU++ countries – Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican, the Principality of Monaco
  • USA
  • UK
  • Albania
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrein
  • Belarus
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • China
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Moldova
  • Montenegro
  • New Zealand
  • North Macedonia
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Turkey
  • UAE
  • Ukraine

What to Expect

Restaurants are open, and offer outdoor seating

Masks must be worn in all public spaces, as well as in public transport.

Restaurants, cafes and bars are open, however seating is only available outside and limited to 6 per table. Archaeological sites are open, and allow 20 visitors at one time. If you want to catch a show while in Greece, it’s advised to book in advance, as theatre and concert capacity is capped at 75%.

Greece is known for sparkling white beaches and turquoise seas. Get to your lounger early though, as only 80 people are allowed on 1000m2 of beach. Plus, with the exceptions of families, only 2 people can share an umbrella.

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Austria Eases Restrictions for the UK, South Africa and others

Pastries by the Danube, and refreshing hikes through the Alps, Austria should be on everyone’s bucket list. And, the country has recently lifted quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers arriving from more countries.

The government has announced that fully vaccinated arrivals from the following countries no longer need to undergo quarantine:

  • Botswana
  • India
  • Nepal
  • Russia
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • Zambia

The news comes after it was announced that these countries would no longer be listed as ‘virus variant’ locations.

Prior to the easing of restrictions, only non-essential travel to Austria from these countries was allowed. This meant that only travel for business or medical reasons was permitted, and required a 10-day quarantine on arrival.

In order to skip quarantine, travellers must have received a full dose of one of the following vaccines:

  • BioNTech/Pfizer
  • AstraZeneca
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Moderna
  • Sinovac
  • Sinopharm
  • Covishield

The Austrian government accepts mixed vaccines. So, a traveller is still considered fully vaccinated even if they have received a combination of two of the above vaccines.

>>Vaccines for Travel: Who Accepts What?

Belvedere Palace, in Vienna, is open to visitors

Other Entry Requirements

If a traveller is arriving from one of Austria’s ‘safe’ countries where there is a lower incidence of Covid-19, then they will not have to undergo quarantine. If they are not vaccinated then they must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours – an antigen test will not be accepted.

Alternatively, if the traveller have recovered from Covid-19 in the last 90 days, then a proof of recovery certificate can be submitted.

Travellers from countries not on the ‘safe’ or ‘virus variant’ list and who are not vaccinated, need to register online to get pre-travel clearance. These travellers must present a negative PCR test, or recovery document and undergo 10-days self isolation.

Once in Austria

There is no curfew in Austria and hotels, restaurants, and attractions are open. A negative Covid-19 result, vaccination, or recovery certificate is needed when checking-in or visiting places such as museums. Masks must be worn on public transport and in public spaces.

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