If you want to travel within the European Union, you now only have to present proof of vaccination, test or proof of recovery. Those who have not been vaccinated only need a rapid antigen test. A PCR test is still accepted, but is not absolutely necessary.
No more quarantine for children and unvaccinated adults
There are no longer any high-risk areas. This eliminates many restrictions.
Unvaccinated children and unvaccinated adults no longer need to be quarantined. You can be free tested upon arrival. This also applies to unvaccinated adults. When entering Germany, the 3G rule applies. Vacationers need either a negative rapid antigen test, valid proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. The following deadlines apply:
- The current rapid antigen test must be current. As a rule, it must not be older than 24 hours. For a few EU countries, 48 hours apply.
- When traveling within the EU, the recovery certificate is valid for 180 days from the positive test.
- The EU has set expiration dates for primary vaccination only (i.e. two vaccinations or vaccination with recovery or recovery followed by recovery vaccination). The basic immunization expires within the Member States after a maximum of nine months (270 days). Some countries also set shorter deadlines. Exceptions apply to France, Austria, Greece (each for seven months), Italy (six months) and Cyprus (213 days).
Also read: Free tool – Recovered and vaccinated people can see when their immune status expires
The booster vaccination has no expiry date.
Important entry documents are gradually being abolished
Until now, travelers had to fill out an entry declaration for many EU countries. With the document, authorities were able to identify chains of infection and contact those affected more quickly. In addition to personal data, travelers also had to state where they would be staying during their vacation.
The European Commission had recommended that the member countries simplify entry overall. The digital vaccination certificate should remain the most important document. For this reason, many countries waive the mandatory entry registration.
Denmark, Finland and Sweden had already done it and got rid of the entry form. Greece will follow from March 15th. Travelers no longer need the so-called PLF (Personal Location Form) upon entry. Cyprus is apparently also planning to abolish the CyprusFlightPass – by the end of the month.
Spain will continue to keep the Personal Location Card, but there is already speculation about a possible end shortly before the Easter holidays.
Italy wants to end all corona measures by March 31st. This also includes the entry registration introduced in May 2021.
Belgium, France, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia have not yet announced that their entry registration will be abolished. However, more and more corona loosening is also applying in these countries.
What do travelers need to know now for the Easter holiday?
Many EU countries are lifting all corona restrictions. As a result, travelers in the holiday area only have to adhere to the distance rules and the obligation to wear a mask indoors.
The prices are going up! Due to the current situation, many holidaymakers book at the last minute. This makes it difficult for tour operators to plan well, and when demand increases, prices automatically increase. Flights, hotels and rental cars are particularly expensive.
At Easter, a family with a child quickly has to pay more than 1,500 euros for flight and hotel for a package tour to the popular holiday regions of Mallorca, Crete or Malta within the EU. City trips within Germany, which you can reach by train or bus, for example, are cheaper. But the same applies here: Hotel prices are currently increasing.
Are you going on vacation? Pay attention to this check list!
In the best case, be at the check-in counter 2.5 hours before departure.
If possible, use the “Online Check-In” function. This can save travelers some time. This service is offered by all major airlines. At the earliest, 24 hours before departure, holidaymakers can check in from home, see their seat and book additional services. These include reserving special luggage or ordering food packages.
At the airport, you will then go directly to the drop-off counter. Corona evidence is then checked there and the suitcases are weighed.
Find out in good time about the necessary documents that you need before departure.
Absolutely important are:
- ID card or passport and
- Vaccination certificate or proof of recovery or negative result of a corona test.
For some destinations, a contact form will continue to apply until the end of March. The document is known as the “Passenger Locator Form” (PLF). There, travelers must indicate where they will be staying and how they and their families can be contacted by the regional authorities in an emergency.
You should always have all documents to hand. Ideally, you should use your smartphone for this. You can store your corona proof in the CovPass app. how it works exactly show the colleagues from “CHIP.de” in the helpful video.
By checking your email, you can view contact details and other immigration forms (PLF) on your smartphone. It is better to send the PDFs via WhatsApp or to save them directly on the smartphone via Google Drive (Android) or Apple (iCloud).