ETOA - Public information & Resources

Downloadable travel restrictions database: COVID-19 border protocols travelling for tourism in Europe and in destination measures    

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18 January 2022 | To use facilities in France where a ‘Pass Sanitaire‘ is required, adults over the age of 18 and one month require a vaccine certificate with a booster dose or less than 7 months for 2 dose / 2 months for Janssen since completion of primary series. From 15 February, the period of validity of the vaccination certificate without a booster dose will reduce to 4 months for 2 dose vaccines. Further information here.

18 January 2022 | Latest announcement by Dutch government on lifting some domestic restrictions in the Netherlands. Hospitality remains closed (full list here). Next review will take place on 25 January.

14 January 2022 | The latest version of our travel restrictions database is published above.

10 January 2022 | Testing requirements entering the UK from outside the Common Travel Area have changed for fully vaccinated from approved countries (all countries of the UK are adopting the same criteria) and children under 18 from any country. Pre-arrival antigen/PCR and post arrival PCR tests are no longer required but a post arrival antigen (lateral flow) test is still required for fully vaccinated including recovered on or before end of day 2 post arrival. For further information please see government links in columns E and F in our database above.

23 December 2021 | The latest version of our travel restrictions database is published above.

21 December 2021 | European Commission adopts binding acceptance period on EU member states of 9 months (270 days) for primary vaccination series, applicable from 1 February 2022 for intra-EU travel. Member states still have discretion to set different validity period on acceptance of vaccine EU DCC to enter facilities in-destination.

16 December 2021 | France has announced changes affecting travel from the UK that will take effect from 18 December. All tourism visitors (including EU citizens resident in the UK except French citizens) will be unable to enter France from the UK including transiting France by land. EU citizens returning home from visiting the UK will be permitted. For information on Eurostar services from UK to Belgium/Netherlands see here.

15 December 2021 | Italy has announced changes to border entry requirements that will take effect from 16 December until 31 January 2022. All arrivals from EU/EFTA states (list C) will require a negative PCR/Antigen test and only fully vaccinated (EMA/Covishield) will be exempt from quarantine. Requirements for travel from non-EU countries permitted entry for tourism (list D) remain unchanged although the countries on list D has been slightly amended (more countries from South America added but Singapore removed).

14 December 2021 | From 15 December all visitors arriving into Poland from outside the Schengen Area (and EU non-Schengen) will require a pre-arrival negative PCR/Antigen test taken up to 24 hours prior to flight departure.

9 December 2021 | France has published changes to their border entry requirements whereby all visitors from any country may be subject to random PCR/Antigen test on arrival. This is in addition to the pre-arrival PCR/Antigen test required for all visitors arriving from non-EU countries (except EFTA). Previous policy exempted recovered visitors from testing upon presenting a certificate of recovery dated more than 11 days and less than 6 months prior to the date of arrival, but this exemption is no longer mentioned. Furthermore, only EMA approved vaccines are stated as accepted whereas previously Covishield and other WHO approved vaccines plus a Pfizer/Moderna booster dose were accepted. These vaccines are still stated as accepted when obtaining a Pass Sanitaire to use in-destination (if the vaccine certificate issued by non-EU country is not connected to EU DCC gateway).

8 December 2021 | Belgium has changed their border entry requirements affecting fully vaccinated visitors staying for more than 48 hours arriving from all non-EU countries (where Belgium accepts vaccine certification) except from EFTA states, EU white list countries where designated green/orange by Belgium and South African countries. The new requirements (unless recovered within 180 days) are pre-arrival Antigen/PCR test and post arrival PCR on day 1 and 7 and quarantine until receive negative result of day 1 PCR test. Previously, pre-arrival test exempted from post arrival testing and quarantine.

6 December 2021 | UK Government has announced a pre-arrival negative antigen/PCR test will be required from 7 December for fully vaccinated visitors and children age 12+ entering England from outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are following the same policy. It is our understanding, this could also apply to visitors transiting England (confirmation will be published here). These measures are to be reviewed on 20 December ahead of a wider review during January 2022.

From 7 December 2021 entry requirements for fully vaccinated visitors (from approved countries) and children will be:
Pre-arrival rapid antigen (also known as lateral flow)/PCR test age 12+ taken within 2 days of departure (mode of transport arriving into the UK – plane, ferry, train)
Post-arrival PCR test age 5+ taken on or before end of day 2 (arrival day is classed as 0)

Post arrival test is required to be booked prior to arrival as order number needs to be shown on UK Passenger Locator form.

Further information: Arriving into England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales

3 December 2021 | Further to 1 December post, a pre-arrival negative antigen/PCR test for all tourism visitors (including vaccinated) will be required from 4 December arriving in to France from outside the EU (excluding EFTA states). Information on the test time period can be found here. It is to be confirmed whether recovered travellers will be exempt in line with current policy upon presenting a certificate of recovery dated more than 11 days and less than 6 months prior to the date of arrival.

1 December 2021 | ETOA and Tourism Manifesto partners call for a traveller-centred approach for border restrictions, and more co-ordination within EU. Latest position paper here.

1 December 2021 | The Irish Government has announced from 3 December all tourism visitors arriving in to Ireland from outside Northern Ireland are required to show a pre-arrival negative test. Vaccinated persons with accepted certification can show an antigen or PCR test certificate from a professional provider (except arriving from a scheduled state). Further information here.

1 December 2021 | The French Government has announced in a media briefing that all tourism visitors arriving in to France from outside the EU will require a negative test (for vaccinated persons within 48 hours). The French Foreign Ministry has yet to update their page on start date and type of test required. Current and previous policy suggests the test can either be an antigen or PCR test.

30 November 2021 | Further to 12 November post below, a booster dose is required by visitors to continue to be able to use a vaccine certificate to enter France and use facilities in-destination where a ‘Pass Sanitaire‘ is required (after 7 months expired for 2 dose vaccines and 2 months expired for single dose Janssen vaccine). This comes into effect from 15 December for persons aged 65 and over and from 15 January for persons aged 18 to 64 administered with a two dose vaccine; and from 15 December for all persons administered with single dose Janssen vaccine.

26 November 2021 | The Portuguese government has announced new measures from 1 December for mainland Portugal. The measures include:

• all persons require a negative antigen/PCR test arriving by air from any country
• certification to stay in commercial accommodation and enter restaurants will be re-introduced. EU DCC vaccine/recovery certification and non-EU vaccine/recovery certification connected to the EU DCC gateway (such as the UK) can be used instead of a test. If vaccine certification is not accepted a negative antigen/PCR test is required.
• all persons require a negative antigen/PCR test to enter bars/nightclubs and specified large events

25 November 2021 | The European Commission has published proposed recommendations to member states (including EFTA states) on travel restrictions within the EU/EFTA and travel to EU/EFTA. The recommendations are intended to take effect on 10 January 2022 following adoption (and any amendment) by the European Council. While the recommendations are non-binding, the hope is that they will be widely adopted. Key recommendations, based on ECDC data, include a limit of 9 months between final dose of vaccine (from primary vaccination series) and acceptance of certificate. A time limit has not been set for the booster vaccine dose.

Travel within the EU/EFTA

The key EU recommendations to member states are:

• Member States should not accept vaccination certificates issued following the completion of the primary vaccination series if more than 9 months have passed since the administration of the dose indicated therein. This would take effect from 10 January 2022. Please note Austria and France have already announced changes (most other member states currently have vaccine validity period of 12 months). Further information on vaccine validity period can be found in columns E and F in our travel restrictions database above.
• Vaccinated and recovered persons should not be subject to any travel restrictions (testing or quarantine) originating from all EU/EFTA states. ‘Recovered’ means less than 180 days have passed between a visitor’s positive test and their arrival at border presenting evidence of this test. Children under 12 should not be required to undergo quarantine (children under 6 also exempt from testing).

Travel to EU/EFTA from non-EU countries

The key EU recommendations to member states are:

• From 1 March 2022, the EU white list of countries from which all travellers should be permitted will be discontinued. After this time, only vaccinated and ‘recovered’ tourism visitors (except EU citizens and family members) from any country should be permitted entry. Children if not vaccinated/recovered should also be permitted but the recommendation states that member states could require additional testing after arrival, or quarantine for children between 6 and 17.
• From 10 January 2022, member states should also accept WHO approved vaccines (in addition to EMA approved vaccines), if they do not already. However, a negative pre-arrival PCR test should also be required by persons vaccinated by a WHO approved vaccine not approved by EMA. To date, some EU/EFTA states currently accept WHO approved vaccines without a test requirement (see columns N and O in our travel restrictions database).
• A member state can decide to accept a vaccine certificate from any country but should in any case accept certificates connected to the EU DCC gateway. For ‘recovered’ tourism visitors, recovery certificate accepted should only be from a country connected to the EU DCC gateway.
• Member States should not accept vaccination certificates issued following the completion of the primary vaccination series if more than 9 months have passed since the administration of the dose indicated therein. This would take effect from 10 January 2022. Please note Austria and France have already announced changes (most other member states currently have vaccine validity period of 12 months). Further information on vaccine validity period can be found in columns E and F in our travel restrictions database.

25 November 2021 | All countries of the UK are currently adopting the same border entry requirements for fully vaccinated travellers from specified countries with WHO approved vaccines as well as children under 18 from any country. No pre-arrival test is required but a lateral flow/PCR test is required to be booked in advance to be shown on UK passenger locator form to be taken on or before day 2 post arrival. Post arrival test requirements are expected to be next reviewed in January.

22 November 2021 | Joint statement issued by European travel sector on the urgent need for a more coordinated approach to travel restrictions available here.

12 November 2021 | From 6 December 2021 Austria will reduce the period of validity of 2 dose vaccines without a booster dose from 360 days to 270 days and single dose Janssen vaccine will only be valid until 3 January 2022 without a booster. Further information here. We are not currently aware of vaccine validity being less than 12 months in other EU/EFTA/UK countries (with the exception of France for certain persons see 12 November below) but please check the government/NTO weblinks in our travel restrictions database above for the latest information.

12 November 2021 | The French government has announced that from 15 December 2021 persons aged 65 and over who have been fully vaccinated for more than 6 months or have received the Janssen vaccine require a booster for their Pass Sanitaire to remain valid to use in-destination. While the address was aimed at residents in France, it potentially also affects non-residents visiting France from obtaining/using their Pass Sanitaire/EU DCC in-destination. We will communicate further information once known.

11 November 2021 | The latest version of our travel restrictions database is published above. Updates for each country can be found in column D including for Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

9 November 2021 | The French Government has updated the process of converting non-EU vaccine certification (where not connected to the EU DCC gateway) into a Pass Sanitaire to use in-destination. Whereas previously free and applied online, the cost of converting vaccine certification will now cost up to €36 per person and obtainable from select pharmacies when in France. Further information on the new process including location of pharmacies can be found here.

28 October 2021 | From 29 October, the UK will be connected to the EU DCC gateway. The likely consequence of this decision is:

UK nationals fully vaccinated should be permitted to enter all EU and EFTA states (at time of writing) as UK vaccine certificate should become acceptable for entry into Luxembourg (start date to be confirmed). For entry into Hungary by air a PCR test may no longer be required.

In-destination UK vaccine certificate may now be accepted to enter facilities and attend events where certification required in:

• Hungary
• The Netherlands (currently daily test required)
• Portugal (currently daily test may be required)
• Switzerland (currently conversion into a Swiss Covid Certificate required)

Our travel restrictions database above will be updated once these changes are confirmed.

25 October 2021 | Italy has updated border entry requirements in effect from 25 October until 15 December 2021. Non-EU countries on List D has been updated where entering for tourism is permitted. Entry requirements travelling from Canada, USA and the UK remain the same. Further information here.

19 October 2021 | Ireland has announced that vaccinated/recovered certification will still be required to enter indoor hospitality beyond 22 October. EU DCC and non-EU certification accepted on arrival into Ireland can be used. From 22 October, indoor hospitality will be permitted to return to normal trading hours and increase the number of persons seated at a table. Further information here.

19 October 2021 | Switzerland has launched the online application process for persons travelling from non-EU countries to receive the Swiss Covid Certificate to enter facilities such as restaurants, museums and events (further information on where certification is required). Non-EU certification issued by countries not connected to EU DCC gateway will no longer be accepted from 25 October 2021. Persons with an EU DCC do not need to apply. Administration fee to receive the Swiss Covid Certificate is CHF 30. Once received, the Swiss Covid Certificate is only valid in Switzerland and not elsewhere in countries connected to the EU DCC gateway (unless Swiss citizen).

7 October 2021 | The UK Government has updated their red list of countries arriving into England (reducing to 7 countries) and increased the number of countries from where vaccine certification is accepted. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will follow these changes which take effect across the UK from Monday 11 October. Fully vaccinated travellers from these approved countries are not required to quarantine on arrival or present a pre-arrival test (one post arrival PCR test on or before day 2 is still required). Further information here.

28 September 2021 | Ireland has removed ‘Designated States’ from their international travel policy and thus travellers who are fully vaccinated/recovered particularly from South America are now able to travel to Ireland without testing or quarantine (where certification accepted). Further information here on certification accepted, namely EMA approved/Covishield and certificate in Irish or English (official translation accepted). The same certification is accepted to enter indoor hospitality (currently planned to be lifted on 22 October).

24 September 2021 | Northern Ireland and Scotland have both announced they will follow the UK Government’s new system for international travel from 4th October (see 20 September update) which includes the removal of the pre-departure test requirement for approved fully vaccinated travellers. A further update is expected from the Northern Ireland Executive on whether to align with the UK and Scottish Governments on replacing the post arrival PCR test with lateral flow test from the end of October. The Welsh Government are currently considering whether to follow the new system and any changes to testing requirements.

20 September 2021 | The Dutch Government has announced that from 22 September fully vaccinated travellers from very high risk areas such as the UK or USA will no longer be required to self quarantine on arrival into the Netherlands. A pre-arrival negative antigen or PCR test (within 24 hours for former and 48 hours for latter) is still required.

20 September 2021 | The UK Government has announced a new system for international travel arriving into England from outside the Common Travel Area to take effect from 4th October. Only fully vaccinated travellers from countries on UK Government approved list will be permitted entry without quarantine (includes children under 18 from the approved countries). This includes travellers resident in the UK, EU/EFTA states with EMA approved vaccine, USA and Canada. A pre-departure test will no longer be applicable for the approved fully vaccinated travellers from 4th October and at the end of October (date to be announced) the post arrival PCR test requirement will be replaced by a private lateral flow test. Further information here.

6 September 2021 | Belgium has updated their country colour classification list. The USA is red (same as the UK). Vaccine certification from the USA is accepted and thus fully vaccinated travellers from the USA are still permitted for tourism but are now subject to post arrival testing for stays greater than 48 hours. A PCR test is required on days 1 and 7 after arrival and self quarantine until the result of day 1 test. A pre-arrival test can not be used to exempt from quarantine, however travellers who can show proof of a positive PCR test within 180 days of arrival are exempt from testing and quarantine. Further information on post arrival testing can be found here. Non-vaccinated travellers from the USA are no longer permitted for tourism (EU citizens resident in the USA subject to quarantine of at least 7 days).

3 September 2021 | The Netherlands has announced that from 4 September 2021 fully vaccinated travellers from the USA, while still permitted entry to the Netherlands will be subject to self quarantine on arrival as the USA will be designated ‘very high risk’ (same as the UK). Exemptions list to mandatory quarantine requirement include transiting or stays in the Netherlands less than 12 hours.

The Netherlands review their risk lists on a weekly basis. If a non-EU country is moved from very high risk to high risk, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be subject to self quarantine.

31 August 2021 |  The European Council has removed the USA and 5 other countries from their white list following their latest fortnightly review. The white list is a recommended list to EU member and EFTA states that restrictions on non-essential travel, including tourism, should be lifted for all travellers. Member states have discretion on whether to follow the recommendation. Please note, the European Council also recommends that fully vaccinated travellers from countries not on the EU white list should be permitted (unless from a country identified as having a variant of concern). Our travel restrictions database above is currently being reviewed and updated to reflect any changes by member states which will become known during the next few days.

31 August 2021 | Ireland has announced plans to lift more in-destination restrictions during September and October 2021. Further information can be found here.

31 August 2021 | Italy has updated their border protocols whereby travellers from the UK or transiting the UK will no longer need to quarantine for 5 days on presentation of a vaccine certificate (EMA approved in Italian, English, French or Spain) and negative antigen/PCR test (within 48 hours) on arrival. The provisions are currently in force until 25 October 2021. Further information can be found here.

 

Travel to the EU and EFTA

EU recommendation updated for member states and EFTA states on lifting travel restrictions for tourism from non-EU countries (further information in European Union section). The ‘White list’ criteria has been amended increasing the threshold from 25 to 75 for the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 in the last 14 days. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers from non-White list countries are also recommended to be allowed for tourism (except when a temporary emergency brake has been applied due to variants of concern). Please note, not all EU member states are adopting this recommendation in full and final decision on border entry remains a matter of national competence. Furthermore, in some member states fully vaccinated travellers may still be subject to testing requirements.

Please contact policy@etoa.org for questions and assistance navigating the content.

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• For an overview of domestic and cross-border travel allowed/restricted and services open in destination:
  Re-Open EU for EU27 and EFTA countries
  United Kingdom
  UNWTO/IATA Destination Tracker for countries worldwide
  Sherpa for countries worldwide
  Government webpages should also be monitored as the final decision on border entry and issuing travel advisories/warnings remain matters of national competence (EEA, Switzerland, UK and some long haul source markets for Europe can be found below).
  
• Information on the Package Travel Directive can be found in the European Union section.
• Trade association and business operational guidelines to take into account specific circumstances can be found in our Operational Guidelines page (links to overall government health guidelines below) 
• ETOA’s webinar programme can be found in our Coronavirus Hub.
• For opinion and research please see our Insight hub.

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ETOA is working hard to ensure European tourism receives the attention it needs during the crisis, to support our members day-to-day, to share information and resources, and to work towards a strong recovery. This page is updated as destinations and government bodies issue new information.

We recognise that the immediate priority is commercial survival so that travel and tourism can play a vital part in the recovery, adding jobs to the economy faster than any other sector. That requires urgent and continued government help. Next, business needs information so it can plan and prioritise effectively.

Tourism in Europe will survive and thrive, and it may be very different. Recovery will take place with renewed respect for how interdependent our world has become. How we look after and share what we most value – communities, cities, countryside and culture – will drive policy, and stimulate new products and services.

Policy makers and the private sector must collaborate to build a resilient and sustainable future for the industry. ETOA and its members will be at the heart of it.

What are we doing?

PR and Lobbying at EU and national level for urgent financial support

• • • Cash-flow is King: flexibility needed to help business cope
    • Crisis support must be simple to access and delivered quickly
    • Initiatives to stimulate recovery must be well-targeted to deliver maximum impact
    • ETOA is regularly asked for comment and expert insight

Industry engagement

• • • We hold frequent meetings via video-conference with representative groups of members in various destinations and contact members direct.
    • We maintain dialogue with policy makers, DMOs and key attractions, including those holding large pre-payments.
    • We aggregate actual business impact and current priorities per market to support targeted lobbying activity.
    • We stay in close touch with our network in origin markets, monitoring for signs of recovery and consumer trends.

Information and resources

• • • We are available for guidance and support. If we don’t have the answer we may know someone who does. Please email coronavirus@etoa.org to request a call-back.
    • We have a programme of webinars focusing on crisis impact, support and recovery plans for origin markets and destinations.
    • We contribute member insight and market intelligence to a range of webinars and policy meetings with industry stakeholders and other institutions.
    • We monitor official information and resources and publish links to government financial support, travel restrictions and health information (see below).

Disclaimer: While best efforts have been made to verify the accuracy of the information, the information displayed on this page should be used as guidance only.