Brussels (Brussels Morning) With the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus, several European countries are tightening their entry rules again – including an entry ban for unvaccinated people. Here is a quick overview of the recent changes in the travel guidelines in Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
It’s important to note that ‘fully vaccinated’ in this article is defined as having received an EMA-approved vaccine either:
- 7 days after receiving the second dose, for vaccines with two doses of vaccine
- 28 days after receiving the vaccine, for a vaccine with one dose
- 7 days after receiving the first vaccination dose if recovery from COVID-19 infection can be proven in the last 6 months.
Germany
As of August 2021, all international travelers coming to Germany must be able to show a negative Covid test report when re-entering Germany. Fully vaccinated as well as those who have recovered or who tested negative recently are exempt from the quarantine obligation after re-entering Germany.
Anyone who arrives unvaccinated from a high-risk area must immediately go into quarantine for 10 days, from where they can be tested after the fifth day. Vaccinated and convalescents are exempt upon presentation of a certificate. Online registration at the health department for returnees from high-risk areas and mutation is mandatory in any case.
The only exception is those returning from a virus variant area. In this case, all returnees – regardless of their vaccination status – are required to test and quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival.
France
People who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can enter France regardless of the French classification of the country of origin in the category “Green”, “Red” or “Orange” without quarantine.
For unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and above, if they are coming from countries listed in the Green category, a Covid negative report of no more than 72 hours before the commencement of the journey. In the case of countries marked in the Red and Orange category, this period varies from less than 24 hours to 72 hours for different countries and travelling is only applicable under specific conditions with a necessary cause for travel.
It’s worth noting that for EU citizens from outside France, internal borders will continue to be controlled until the end of October 2021.
Italy
For tourists coming from other EU states and several other European countries, entry to Italy is possible without the obligation to quarantine. However, certain high-risk regions within the country impose travel restrictions.
For all the other countries, a negative test report of no more than 48 hours from the time of travel is compulsory. Alternatively, fully-vaccinated people at least 14 days before the date of travel or people with recent proof of recovery are also allowed to travel. No quarantine obligations are required upon entry.
For the remaining countries, proof of cause must be presented upon arrival in addition to the requirements mentioned above.
Spain
With cases growing at an alarming rate, Spain has expanded its list of high-risk countries. As of August 22, this list now includes several regions of Germany, France and Italy as well.
In an attempt to curb new infections, France is asking travellers from high-risk countries to show a vaccine certificate upon their arrival. For travellers in exceptional situations who do not have a vaccine certificate, a negative PCR report of no more than 72 hours from the time of travel or a recovery certificate of 180 days or less is required.
