For the third time since the start of the Corona pandemic, many vacationers are wondering what rules apply when entering and staying in the country. We go through six of the most popular European destinations and describe in each case what proof - at least as of now - must be provided upon entry and what rules apply for protection against infection in the country.

To start with: In Germany, the incidence is currently rising significantly, but in Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey, there are currently no special entry regulations. Partly a mask obligation or 2 and/or 3G rule applies. For the return journey to Germany no proof is necessary at present. The situation would be different for a return journey from a virus variant area, although no state is currently designated as a virus variant area.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in the country of travel is subject to local quarantine regulations.

These are the Corona rules in Italy

As of June 1, 2022, COVID-19-related entry restrictions no longer apply in Italy. In the country, the 2G rule only applies when entering healthcare facilities such as hospitals. It is recommended to carry a digital proof of vaccination, for example, in the Corona Warning app. The WHO yellow vaccination card is not accepted everywhere.

Until June 15, a comparatively strict requirement to wear FFP2 masks was in effect for people six years and older. The masks had to be worn during local and long-distance travel, at cultural and sporting events, and indoors. Eating and drinking was prohibited in these places.

These are the Corona rules in Turkey

As in Italy, there are currently no COVID-related entry restrictions in Turkey. Only in health facilities is the wearing of a mouth-nose protection mandatory.

These are the Corona rules in Spain

There are currently no entry restrictions related to Corona here, as long as travelers come from the EU or Schengen area.

Throughout the country, mouth and nose coverings must be worn on public transportation, in health care facilities, and in nursing homes and homes for the elderly. As in Italy, this rule applies to people over the age of six. However, it's best to find out about the regulations in each destination region of Spain before traveling. This is because the 17 regions that make up Spain can impose their own restrictions.

These are the Corona rules in Portugal: distinction between the mainland and Madeira and the Azores.

Corona numbers have recently risen significantly again in Portugal. Those entering mainland Portugal require a PCR test or antigen test. If entering the country by air or sea, the test must have been taken no more than 72 hours (PCR) or 24 hours (antigen) before the start of the journey. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

For air travelers, the body temperature is measured. If it is higher than 38 degrees Celsius, further examinations should be expected. Quarantine may be ordered in this case.

On the mainland, masks are mandatory only in public transport and medical facilities. It is possible that the body temperature will be measured before entering a means of transport or a public building.

Different rules apply on the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores.

Entry restrictions do not exist for Madeira - unlike the testing requirement on the mainland. However, a wide-ranging 3G rule is in effect for sports and cultural facilities, barbershops, restaurants, bars and discos. People six years of age and older need proof of vaccination (a booster is not required for this), a certificate of recovered status, or a negative rapid test. This test is valid for one week and is subject to a fee.

When entering the Azores, a digital EU-COVID certificate must prove that the respective person is vaccinated, recovered or tested negative. Alternatively, a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours before departure) or a negative rapid test (not older than 24 hours before departure) must be presented. Children under 12 years of age are exempt.

For inter-island travel, at least currently, no tests are mandatory. However, five risk classifications with different measures apply in the Azores. They may vary from island to island and are listed here.

These are the corona rules in France

Entry differs for fully vaccinated people and people without full vaccination protection or proof - although "full" protection does not require booster vaccination if entering France

Fully vaccinated people only need their proof to enter the country. Other travelers must present a negative PCR test (performed no more than 72 hours before travel) or a negative rapid test (performed no more than 48 hours before travel). Alternatively, a recovery from COVID-19 can be demonstrated that occurred at least eleven days and no more than six months ago.

Those who enter the country by land, stay in the country for less than 24 hours, and stay within 30 kilometers of their home do not need to be tested. Those traveling on business may also be exempt from testing.

Unvaccinated children 12 years and older need a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours) or a negative rapid test (no older than 48 hours) to enter France.

People over the age of six must wear a face mask in France if they visit healthcare facilities. The 3G rule also applies there. People are only considered to have been vaccinated with a booster if the second vaccination was given more than four months ago, or more than one month ago in the case of Johnson&Johnson.

These are the Corona regulations in Greece

As of May 1, 2022, Greece no longer has restrictions on entry with regard to COVID-19. Wearing a mouth-to-nose covering is mandatory for persons four years of age and older in health care facilities as well as on urban public transport.

Image by Gerd Altmann