Holidays in Europe: What you currently have to bear in mind when entering the country

The coronavirus crisis situation has eased somewhat in recent weeks and months and , the holiday can be designed at least somewhat simply. Nevertheless, in the various Countries in Europe strict entry requirements still apply. 

Here we have a current overview of the entry into European countries!

Advantages for vaccinated and recovered

Many countries now waive the testing or quarantine requirement for people who have been vaccinated and have had the virus - depending on the vacation destination, even when returning to their home country. People are considered vaccinated, whose second corona vaccination is at least 14 days oldFor the recovered status, the corona infection must have occurred at least 28 days ago. Medical evidence can be used as proof, e.g. via the digital vaccination certificate.

Digital vaccination certificate for Europe

The Digital vaccination certificate is a voluntary extension to the yellow international vaccination card and has been recognized throughout Europe since 1 July. From now on, all vaccination-related information can be e.g. in the "green pass" app be deposited. Proof of the vaccination is via QR code in authorized hospitals, vaccination centers, pharmacies and doctors' surgeries and can be scanned and saved locally on the respective smartphone. All those who have already been vaccinated can have a corresponding form created at a later date. Even if you have already scanned the QR code, you should ideally keep it so that you can use it again if you change your cell phone, for example.

Entry requirements in Europe

These are the current regulations for entering popular holiday destinations within Europe: 

• Spain: Since August 29, Spain is no longer considered a high-risk area. When entering the country, a test or proof of vaccination or recovery is required. In addition, vacationers must register up to 24 hours before register onlineup to 24 hours before entering the country. Furthermore, random on-site rapid testing is possible. 
• Italy: Proof of a negative test, vaccination or recovery is mandatory. Vacationers in Italy must also register before entering the country. register online. 
• Greece: Proof of a negative PCR or antigen test; no testing requirement for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Anyone going on vacation in Greece must also register 24 hours before register online. 
• Turkey: Mandatory testing for non-vaccinated persons (negative PCR or antigen test); no mandatory testing for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Online Registration: 72 hours before entry. 
• Germany: Mandatory testing only when attending events, in restaurants or for stays in hotels. Testing is not compulsory for people who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered. 
• France: Proof of a negative PCR or antigen test; no testing requirement for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Digital registration necessary upon entry. 
• Portugal: Proof of a negative PCR or antigen test; no testing requirement for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Beforehand you must register online. 
• Poland: Proof of a negative PCR or antigen test; no testing requirement for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Digital registration necessary upon entry. 
• Bulgaria: Rapid test is sufficient; no mandatory testing for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. No digital registration necessary. 
• Croatia: Proof of a negative PCR or antigen test; no testing requirement for fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Digital registration necessary upon entry. 
• Netherlands: No obligation to test. Registration only necessary for air travel. 

*Attention: Since the situation can change at any time - also due to the Delta variant - you should get all information regarding your entry beforehand at the State Department where they are constantly updated. Also on site, despite vaccinated or recovered status, you should always be careful and still follow the safety rules. 

Return journey to Austria

Many European countries are currently no longer classified as risk areas by the State Department is currently no longer classified as a risk area. This means that you no longer have to go into quarantine on your return journey. Entry is permitted with a 3G certificate (vaccinated, tested or recovered). If you do not have a 3G certificate, you must register using the electronic form at https://entry.ptc.gv.at/ . In addition, a test must be performed within 24 hours.

States or areas with low epidemiological risk are currently:

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Principality of Liechtenstein, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Czech Republic, Hungary, Vatican City, United States of America, Vietnam and Cyprus.

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Slightly different rules apply to Germany. Here, for example, the platform comparison.org summarises the current provisions in a clear and concise manner.