According to the wishes of the European Union, the digital vaccination certificate should remain valid within the EU until at least the end of June 2023, but the first countries are simplifying entry and exit. All they ask of holidaymakers is their identity card. There are only restrictions in public life.
Many EU countries justify their opening steps with very high vaccination numbers and milder disease progression in omicron infections.
Anyone who wants to soak up the sun in Spain, for example, no longer needs a mask outdoors. The obligation to wear a face mask outdoors is no longer applicable with immediate effect. The corona numbers are falling, so the measures are being relaxed.
Holidaymakers can now enjoy a bit of normality on Mallorca. The obligation to wear masks outdoors will be lifted, and from Saturday no more evidence will have to be worn in the restaurant, café, bar or gym. However, this does not apply to the entire country. The restrictions are only lifted where the number of infections is low, the vaccination rate is high and the hospitalization rate is relaxed. According to the regional government, this is the case in the Balearic Islands.
Basically, holidaymakers should know: On the mainland, 3G is still mostly used in public life. Unvaccinated people need a rapid antigen test that is updated daily to sit in a restaurant, bar or café.
Which countries are relaxing, what do holidaymakers have to consider?
In Scandinavia, most of the measures have already been lifted. For entry to Sweden German holidaymakers no longer need proof of vaccinations, tests or proof of recovery. There are also no corona protection measures on site, such as a mask requirement or 3G regulation.
for Denmark 3G is still valid upon entry. 3G applies on site and masks are compulsory at the doctor, in clinics and hospitals. Anyone who needs medication must wear a mask in the pharmacy. Otherwise, the mask requirement only applies at the airport or at the train stations in the country. There are hardly any restrictions in the café, restaurant, cinema or supermarket.
Norway only the 3G rule is holding up on entry. On site, there is only the recommendation that unvaccinated risk groups adhere to “precautionary measures” and, for example, comply with distance rules.
In Finland 3G continues to apply upon entry. On site, all protective regulations for restaurants, cafés and bars are to be abolished on February 14 and all restrictions on culture, sports and events are to be lifted.
Also England cancels the Corona rules. For vacationers, the quick test on the second day of arrival is then no longer necessary. There is no mask requirement in pubs, restaurants, local transport, shops and museums in public life.
France loosens in small stages. Working from home is now only recommended and no longer imposed, and upper limits have been removed for some sporting and cultural events. In a few days, the clubs should also open again. For the time being, however, 2G will continue to apply to visiting restaurants, bars and cinemas as well as long-distance travel. The mask requirement in the interior is gone.
Belgium wants to open discotheques and clubs again soon. The curfew for restaurants and pubs is to be abolished and more guests are likely to be admitted to indoor cultural events again.
the Netherlands want to decide next week whether restaurants are allowed to open longer than 10 p.m. and whether theaters and sports arenas are allowed to receive more spectators. In addition, the pressure is growing to abolish the Corona passport. So far, when visiting restaurants, cultural and sports facilities, you have to prove that you have been vaccinated, recovered or tested.
In the Switzerland all restrictions could be relaxed from February 16th. The quarantine requirement for contact persons was recently lifted. Indoors, such as when visiting a restaurant, the 2G rule and the obligation to wear a mask still apply.
Austria the 2G rule in retail and in museums will be overturned from Saturday. In addition, a visit to the hairdresser with a negative test is possible again. In addition, the upper limit for visitors at events will be tilted. Anyone who has been vaccinated and recovered can go back to the football stadium, for example. From February 19th, not only those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered, but also those who have tested negative will be allowed back into the restaurant. The 3G rule then also applies in the hotel.
Lithuania has suspended the use of corona certificates in the country. To visit restaurants, shops or cultural events, a so-called “green pass” is no longer required for those who have been vaccinated or have recovered. In Estonia and Latvia there are similar considerations.
Which countries will probably not relax until March?
In Italy Some loosening should apply in the next few weeks. The state of emergency applies until March 31. Corona vaccination has been compulsory for people over 50 since January. 3G applies in many shops – with the exception of supermarkets and pharmacies. From Friday, people in large parts of the country will no longer have to wear masks outside if they can keep the minimum distance. The mask requirement remains indoors. Consideration is being given to admitting more people to sporting events again. The football stadiums could then occupy up to 75 percent of their seats.
Czech Republic does not loosen. Upon entry, tourists are still subject to a mandatory PCR test, from which only those who have been boosted are exempt. Unvaccinated individuals must take a second test upon arrival. The FFP2 mask requirement indoors will be retained. The 2G rule will soon be abolished for restaurants and retail.
In Croatia 3G rules apply for tourist entry and for visiting restaurants, but also for employees of public institutions. Because of the low vaccination rate, the authorities are currently not considering any easing.
Romania sticks to the 3G rule until March 8th. It applies in hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions, cafés, museums and retailers that are not part of everyday needs. Masks are compulsory in public areas. Anyone who tests positive on vacation in Romania must be in quarantine and only then can they go home.
Bulgaria discusses relaxation of the corona protection measures possibly in March. The focus is on the omission of corona certificates in gastronomy and shopping.
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