Covid-19 travel rules that apply from 9 June 2022

As the summer holidays draw nearer, many people in Switzerland are planning holidays in their favourite destinations. But there has recently been a surge of Covid-19 hospital admissions in some European countries, and your holiday plans may be affected by some restrictions.

Switzerland has currently lifted all Corona restrictions, but a number of neighbouring countries and other favourite destinations still have some restrictions in place, so it’s important to be aware of the entry requirements and measures in place in these countries, and to check for any Corona restrictions before travelling.

The following is an overview of the Covid-19 rules that apply as of 9 June 2022.

Italy:No entry restrictions apply from 1 June, and no Covid certificates have to be presented. FFP2 masks are still compulsory in public transport, hospitals and care facilities, as well as cinemas, theatres and concert halls, until at least 15 June. The use of masks is highly recommended for indoor environments and crowded areas. Restaurants, cinemas and so on are all open for everyone.

France: A valid Covid certificate or a negative PCR or antigen test, not older than 72 or 48 hours respectively, is required for entry. The last dose of the complete vaccination must not be older than nine months. Children under the age of twelve are exempt from this requirement. Masks are still required in health facilities, otherwise, it has largely been lifted, including on aircraft. Restaurants, cinemas, etc. are open for everyone.

Spain: Proof of vaccination or a negative test result is no longer required for entry from EU or Schengen partner countries. A mask must be worn on public transport, in aeroplanes, hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes. Different rules may apply regionally, however, so it is still advisable to carry a Covid certificate with you and to check the regulations in the specific holiday region.

Portugal: Travellers above the age of twelve who are entering by air or sea must present a valid Covid certificate or a negative PCR (valid for 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (valid for 24 hours). Children under the age of 12 do not need to present a certificate or test. This rule also applies to the Azores, but not to Madeira. Masks are worn on public transport and in health facilities.

Germany: Covid 19 travel restrictions have been lifted for travellers from EU countries and associated Schengen countries. At a national level, shops, restaurants and other establishments no longer have access restrictions. Masks are still mandatory in health facilities, on aircraft and on public transport. Different rules may apply in the individual federal states.

Austria: No entry restrictions apply. The FFP2 mask requirement has largely been lifted, and only applies in health and care facilities. The capital Vienna is an exception: masks continue to be worn on public transport and in pharmacies there.

Greece: There are no more corona-specific entry regulations from 1^st of May. Masks are still required in health care facilities and in public transport (metro, bus, tram, taxi). No mask is required on trains, planes and long-distance buses. Restaurants, cinemas, museums and bars are open without restrictions.

Turkey: There are no longer any Corona entry restrictions from 1^st of June. Random fever tests may still be carried out at the airport, which could result in further health checks. Masks are now only worn in the health sector.

United Kingdom: There are no longer any entry restrictions in all four regions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are also no restrictions on access to restaurants and other establishments, and there is no mask requirement. The government suggests that the best ways to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 are being vaccinated, wearing face masks and following other measures.

USA: There are no local restrictions in the USA. Proof of full vaccination, in addition to the ESTA form and a passenger certificate, must be provided upon entry, however. Travellers no longer have to show a negative corona virus test from 12 June. Masks remain compulsory on aircraft.
 

Information sourced from the SRF Swiss News website