With the introduction of the COVID-19 passports for those vaccinated, as well as for those who have recently recovered from the virus, and even for those who test negative for COVID-19 before an event/activity, travellers worldwide have had high hopes they can finally go back to visiting the countries in their “to visit” list.
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Yet, for those who aren’t vaccinated and those who haven’t been infected with COVID-19, travelling has turned out to be quite challenging, and in particular, more expensive.
See more: Covid 19 cyprus safe pass
Travelling to the EU Member States is no different. Those countries in the block that have reopened the borders for fellow EU citizens, and even third-country citizens, all require these travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with one of the vaccines approved for travel in their territory.
Aside from those vaccinated, travellers with proof of previous infection and those holding COVID-19 tests conform to each EU country’s rules are also permitted to enter several parts of Europe.
Yet, in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus in their territory, the reopened countries are now imposing the requirement to hold a COVID-19 passport, which is called differently throughout Europe, including Safe Pass, Health Pass, Coronapas, etc., even to enter indoor public spaces like bars, hotels, and restaurants.
So far, daypg.com reports that the following countries are now obliging their residents, as well as travellers, to carry their COVID-19 passport in order to be eligible to enter these indoor public spaces:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Spain
Below, find a short explanation of how the COVID-19 vaccination passports are used in each of these countries:
Austria
Travellers from a higher number of countries can enter Austria for the first time in almost one year and a half, including for non-essential purposes as tourism, given that they can show either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination/past infection upon entry.
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However, starting from August 15, only fully vaccinated persons, those who can prove they were infected recently with CVOID-19, as well as those who can present negative COVID-19 test results, will be eligible to enter places like restaurants, hotels, events, etc.
Face masks are required on public transport and in other public spaces.
>> Travelling to Austria This Summer Amid COVID-19 – Quick & Efficient Guideline Before Booking a Trip
Belgium
Starting from August 13, all those in Belgium, including tourists, who wish to attend events with more than 1,500 people, like live outdoor concerts and festivals, can apply for the Covid Safe Ticket.
The ticket is a document that enables the holder to attend such events without having to wear a mask or respect the 1.5 meters distance. Whereas later on, from September 1, the pass will expand to large indoor events.
Eligible to obtain such a document are the following categories:
- Those who have been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more
- Those who have been infected with the Coronavirus within the last six months
- Those who have had a PCR test taken with a negative result (the test is valid on the day it is performed and the following two days)
- Those who have had a rapid antigen test performed (the test is valid on the day it is performed and the following day)
>> Rules for Travelling to Belgium During Summer 2021
Cyprus
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Since July 9, Cyprus has imposed the requirement of the so-called Safe Pass for citizens 12 and older, as well as for incoming travellers, when entering different places and attending several types of events.
Among others, the Safe Pass should be presented by employees and customers entering an establishment, including restaurants and bars.
To obtain the Safe Pass, one should either be fully vaccinated for a period of three weeks at the time of applying, been infected with COVID-109 within the last six months, or present a negative PCR or rapid test with a 72-hour validity period.
Denmark
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Denmark was the first EU country to create a document for enabling vaccinated travellers, called the Coronapas.
The Coronapas is an app which the holder can use to prove he/she has been vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19, or tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 96 hours for PCR test and 72 hours for rapid antigen test (RAT).
The app grants quick and easy admission to the holders in places like restaurants, museums, zoos, cinemas, amusement parks, bathing and play areas and cultural venues.
France
France has recently introduced the so-called health pass, which enables people to attend public events with over 1,000 participants.
From August 9, the health pass will become compulsory to visit a cafe, board a plane or travel on an inter-city train.
The pass will be issued to people fully vaccinated with COVID-19 and those who have recovered within the last six months. Those with PCR or antigen with a negative result within the last 48 hours can also obtain the pass.
>> Travelling to France This Summer Amid COVID-19 – Everything You Need to Know
Germany
Though Germany still hasn’t launched a requirement similar to those in the countries listed above, the German Chancellor’s chief of staff, Helge Braun, has recently warned that unvaccinated people may be barred from entering indoor venues like restaurants, movie theatres and sports stadiums.
“Vaccinated people will definitely have more freedoms than unvaccinated people,” he said.
>> Who Can Travel to Germany This Summer & What Are the Rules
Ireland
Ireland currently permits entry into restaurants and pubs across the country for those that are able to prove they are fully vaccinated against Coronavirus or have recovered from the illness within the past six months. Children under 12 are exempt.
“Only people who are fully vaccinated, or who have proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past six months, will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in the Republic of Ireland,” Ireland’s official tourism website explains.
Italy
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Starting from August 6, Italy will introduce the Green Pass, which its holders will have to use in order to be eligible to attend cinemas, theatres, exhibitions, museums, sporting events, private parties, festivals, trade fairs, swimming pools, and gyms
The ‘Green Pass’, which is an extension of the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate, will be required from everyone over the age of 12 in order to be permitted access to certain activities and places, like the ones mentioned above.
The document will be issued to all those who have received at least the first dose of the Coronavirus vaccine, those who have recently recovered from the disease, and to those who present a negative test taken within 48 hours.
>> Travelling to Italy This Summer Amid COVID: What You Need to Know Before Booking a Trip
Luxembourg
EU’s smallest country by territory, Luxembourg, has a similar rule in place. Since June 10, the country has introduced an app called CovidCheck, which makes it easier for vaccinated travellers to access restaurants, attend events and travel abroad.
After the introduction of this app, Luxembourg has lifted all social distancing measures in bars and restaurants and at sports venues.
People who have been infected with the virus within the last six months can download a certificate from the daypg.com online portal from July 13.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, on the other hand, does not have an official rule that enables travellers immunized against COVID-19 to attend public spaces. Yet, the country permits only businesses that are reopened for vaccinated persons only to operate at their full capacity.
>> Travelling to Netherlands Amid COVID-19: Everything You Need to Know
Portugal
Travellers in Portugal, as well as the residents of the country, are required to present proof of vaccination, or negative COVID-19 test results, in order to enjoy their Friday evenings and weekends at indoor places. Proof of recovery from the virus and test results are also accepted.
“In the whole continental territory, at check-in or for access to hotel and local accommodation establishments, the EU Digital COVID Certificate or a negative test will be required,” the official website for tourism of the Portugal government explains.
>> A Complete Guide to Travelling to Portugal This Summer Amid COVID-19
Slovenia
In Slovenia, all persons who wish to attend catering establishments, hotels, apartments, camps, cultural and sports events, public gatherings and events with more than 100 participants, trade fairs, etc., will have to present COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination or recovery.
Spain
While Spain as a country has refused to impose a requirement of health certificates for revitalizing social life, the Galicia region is now the first territory in the country that required its residents to provide such a certificate to gain access to indoor cafés, bars and restaurants.
>> Travelling to Spain for Summer 2021: Here’s What You Need to Know
