Because the highly contagious Corona virus variant Omikron is spreading faster and faster, new entry rules have been in effect in many European countries since this weekend. Since Switzerland already requires a negative PCR test from every holidaymaker upon entry, this now also applies to many other countries within the EU.
So far, a vaccination or recovery certificate exempted travelers from all test obligations within the EU. This is still only the case in Belgium, Denmark, France, Croatia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia and Spain. Anyone who has not been vaccinated and has not recovered needs a PCR test that is not older than 72 hours or a rapid antigen test that is not older than 24 hours for these countries.
In many other EU countries, compulsory testing is being introduced for everyone.
Vaccination certificate for entry does not matter! The obligation to test applies here to everyone
In Finland Unvaccinated, convalescent or vaccinated travelers must submit a rapid PCR or antigen test no older than 24 hours by December 21st. The vaccination card or proof of recovery no longer plays a role.
Greece and Portugal also make vaccination and recovery records obsolete. Much more important is the negative PCR and antigen rapid test when entering the country. The proof of vaccination and recovery is only required when filling out the entry protocol.
for Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a much tougher measure. All vaccinated and recovered holidaymakers must, in addition to the rapid test or PCR test, also carry out a second PCR test upon arrival. Until the result is available, travelers must be in quarantine. Unvaccinated people have to be quarantined for ten days after the second on-site PCR test. Free testing by (third) PCR or rapid test is possible after five days at the earliest.
In Ireland The same applies as in Greece and Portugal: proof of vaccination and recovery are irrelevant. PCR and rapid antigen tests play a more important role. But anyone who has at least been vaccinated or recovered does not have to be in quarantine. Unvaccinated and non-convalescents have to be quarantined for five days.
Malta requires an additional vaccination from those who have recovered. Otherwise, they are considered unvaccinated and must present a PCR test upon entry and quarantine for 14 days.
In Austria The following applies: Holidaymakers need proof of vaccination and recovery and an additional PCR test that is not older than 72 hours. Anyone who received the booster vaccination will be exempted from it. Unvaccinated and non-convalescents have to be quarantined on site for ten days.
the Switzerland requires a rapid PCR or antigen test from all holidaymakers. Anyone who has not been vaccinated and has not recovered needs a second test by the seventh day at the latest. This can be submitted on the fourth day of entry.
Vaccination and recovery certificates on vacation are more important than ever!
Holidaymakers should know, however: the vaccination and recovery certificate does not play a role when leaving in many places, but it is absolutely necessary when entering Germany. Without evidence, travelers coming from high-risk areas are threatened with quarantine. In addition, they are often unable to sit in the restaurant or check into the hotel without any problems in the holiday area without a vaccination or convalescence.
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