Europe is accelerating steps to roll back coronavirus and many countries in has already lifted or eased the covid restrictions. Below is a list of the recent changes in covid measures published by euronews.com early this month.
Albania
Measures to contain COVID-19 remain in effect, including night-time curfews from 11pm to 6am, and mandatory face masks indoors and on public transport.
All land borders are open and there is no restricted movement around the country.
All foreign nationals over the age of six must have one of the following: proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival, a rapid antigen test taken less than 48 hours before arrival or evidence that you have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.
Andorra
Access to Andorra requires passing through either Spain or France, so check their travel restrictions, too, before planning your trip.
Travel to and from the country is open, but masks are still required in indoor spaces. Andorra also asks that social distancing be respected.
Travelers who intend to stay in Andorra for more than three nights need to present a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR or lateral flow test result, or proof that they have recovered from COVID-19.
Austria
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
One of three documents is required to enter the country - a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, a vaccine certificate or proof of past infection.
However, only proof of vaccination or past infection will be accepted to enter any type of accommodation, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, theatres and to use cable cars or ski lifts. A negative COVID-19 test will not be sufficient.
If you are travelling from a country not on Austria’s safelist you will need to complete a pre-travel clearance form. You can find the full list of safe countries and regions here.
The current curfew for restaurants is midnight.
Bars and clubs re-opened on 5 March.
All domestic COVID-19 restrictions were lifted on March 5.
Belarus
All travel to Belarus should be avoided, due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
It's still possible to travel to Belarus by air under certain restrictions, but land travel for leisure is currently banned.
At the moment, most countries are considered high risk but fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt from restrictions.
All public spaces and tourist destinations are open with some restrictions in place.
Foreign arrivals who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to do a PCR test 72 hours before entry. This rule still holds for those above six who are not vaccinated.
Masks are compulsory on public transport.
Belgium
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Belgian authorities relaxed domestic COVID-19 restrictions on 7 March. No one will have to present a valid COVID Certificate when accessing bars, restaurants, and cafes anymore.
Everyone entering the country must fill in a Passenger Locator Form, except if you are staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours.
The rules for testing and quarantine vary depending on where you are travelling from, where you have been in the last 14 days and your vaccination status. The official government website is the best source of information on Belgium's rules.
Masks are no longer required outdoors but remain compulsory in indoor spaces such as shops, places of worship and public transport.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina are open to tourists as long as they can present a negative PCR result, issued no less than 48 hours before travel, or proof of vaccination.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and cafes are open, along with most other businesses.
People must wear masks in outdoor and indoor public spaces and on public transport.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina border police are publishing regular updates about foreign travel here.
Bulgaria
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test. Many EU countries are now on Bulgaria's red list, however with further requirements for entry.
Bulgaria is operating a colour-coded system for international travel.
A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel is necessary for entry.
The country has introduced a 'dark red' category with more stringent requirements for entry.
There are no restrictions on travel between cities, and police-operated checkpoints have ceased. The leisure and entertainment sector is either on lockdown or operating at reduced capacity.
Croatia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
EU citizens can now enter Croatia restriction-free, as of 9 April.
Travelers from the UK and elsewhere must present one of the following to enter: a COVID vaccination certificate, showing you’ve had a booster or second dose no longer than 270 days ago; a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arriving; an antigen test 24 hours before arriving; or proof of recovery between 11-180 days prior to travel. Alternatively you can pay for a test on arrival and self-isolate until you get a negative result.
Croatia has also dispensed with most of its domestic measures. Face masks are no longer required indoors, and normal service has resumed at hospitality venues and public events.
Cyprus
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Cyprus no longer requires fully vaccinated Travelers to take a pre-departure test.
Unvaccinated Travelers from the red category, which includes the majority of EU Member States, are required to undergo double testing requirements in order to enter Cyprus.
All Travelers aged 12 and over must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Cyprus, which must be paid for by the passenger. If the test is positive, tourists must remain in isolation and will receive instructions from the Cypriot Ministry of Health.
Tourists may be asked to take another rapid COVID test 72 hours after arrival. This will be free of charge to all passengers who show their boarding card. People who have received their booster jab are exempt from this test.
Cyprus is also operating a 'SafePass' to access public spaces, where face masks must be worn.
A Cyprus Flight Pass must be obtained by all arrivals, along with a negative PCR test for grey and red list arrivals.
From 11 April, Cyprus' 'SafePass' will be needed for access to restaurants and for those entering health care units, homes for the elderly, and medical centres. It will also be needed for health workers.
From 18 April, the country's red, orange and green lists will be removed, and vaccinated Travelers will no longer be required to hold a CyprusFlightPass.
People who have not been vaccinated, or not completed their booster shots, will still need to present a negative PCR test (taken within the past 72 hours) or a lateral flow test (taken within the past 24 hours.)
Czech Republic
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
The Czech Republic dropped all entry rules on 9 April, ending the colour-coded system it had previously been using to assess countries’ risk levels.
EU and non-EU Travelers alike no longer need to show proof of COVID vaccination, tests or recovery. So there are no additional rules for non-vaccinated people to follow.
Denmark
Denmark has dropped all travel restrictions on international tourists. Since 29 March, even unvaccinated people no longer need to show a pre-arrival test.
Rules may be re-introduced at short notice for high risk countries. The government sys it has a 'handbrake' it can activate if concerning variants emerge.
All domestic COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Masks are no longer be a legal requirement and you will not need to show an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) to enter restaurants, museums and bars.
Estonia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
A 10-day quarantine period will be applied if you are arriving from an EU/EEA country with an infection rate higher than 150 cases per 100,000 of the population in the last 14 days.
Travel documents and medical symptoms are checked at the borders.
Finland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Finland has scrapped pre-arrival testing for fully vaccinated visitors from outside of the EU and Schengen travel area.
Visitors from non-EU and Schengen countries will have to present proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months. These restrictions have been extended until 8 May.
The Finnish Border Guard gives advice on cross-border traffic by phone and email. The service is available in Finnish, Swedish and English on weekdays between 8.00 and 16.00 at +358 295 420 100. Questions can also be sent by email to
France
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
France no longer requires fully vaccinated Travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test from 12 February.
Non-vaccinated visitors from the EU need to present a negative test taken 24 hours before travel. Unvaccinated visitors from countries on France's 'orange list' will still need to give a compelling reason to travel to the country.
France has now lifted the COVID passport requirements for access to most venues and events. So, since 14 March,
places like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, stadiums and exhibitions can be accessed without proof of vaccination.
Germany
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Germany is operating a 'green pass' for entry into public spaces.
UK tourists who are fully vaccinated can enter Germany for any reason and only need to show their Digital COVID pass. Unvaccinated tourists must present a negative COVID test.
Travelers entering the country need to fill out a digital registration form before they travel and must have proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test. Full details here.
Since 3 March, all countries were removed from its high-risk list.
The move means that Travelers , regardless of their country of origin, can now enter Germany without being subject to additional entry rules, such as pre-entry testing and quarantine requirements
German regions have some authority to set their own restrictions leading to new restrictions being put in place since mid-November. It is best to research where you are going to find out what restrictions are in place at the time, as they can change at short notice.
Greece
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Vaccinated visitors no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter Greece, or complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Unvaccinated Travelers still require a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours.
This is set to change on 2 May, when Greece is suspending all remaining travel restrictions, as well as domestic measures including indoor mask wearing. Currently, you must show a vaccine certificate to enter public spaces like cafes, restaurants and museums.
Hungary
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Social distancing rules are no longer in force, but people must wear face masks in hospitals and 'social institutions'. They must be worn on public transport too.
Curfews are no longer in place. Shops and service providers are now open as normal.
Iceland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
As of 25 February, Iceland has dropped all domestic and border restrictions. This means that no restrictions will be enforced at the border and all passengers will be able to enter Iceland whether they are vaccinated or not.
Ireland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travelers who plan to enter Ireland are no longer subject to entry requirements after the authorities decided to abolish all the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19.
Though mandatory mask wearing was scrapped in February, the Irish government advises that masks continue to be worn on public transport.
Italy
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Italy
dropped its 'state of emergency' at the end of March, but the government decided to extend travel restrictions until 30 April. Fully-vaccinated tourists only need to present proof of vaccination; otherwise a negative COVID test is required. See our longer article on Italy's entry rules here.
Masks will reportedly no longer be required in indoor venues or on public transport from 1 May.
Both residents and visitors to Italy require a 'super green pass' to enter hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, use public transport and the majority of indoor venues. This super green pass is only available to people who are fully vaccinated, unlike previously when proof of a negative test was sufficient. Italian citizens and residents can obtain green passes in many ways, but for visitors, a vaccination certificate from your home country will be accepted in its place.
Kosovo
All arrivals to Kosovo are required to demonstrate that they have either received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccination or proof of two doses and a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
Medical staff are present at border crossings and you may be subject to a health check, especially if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
These countries are marked as red or orange on the official ECDC map here.
Latvia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
All Travelers are now welcome in Latvia, regardless of vaccination status, and with no need to take a COVID test.
The Ministry of Transport has said that restrictions will apply to those travelling from high-risk areas; but there are currently no countries on this list.
Liechtenstein
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
For the most part, the tourism industry is operating and the usual COVID-19 measures such as wearing face masks and social distancing apply in public spaces.
Liechtenstein follows Switzerland's travel advice, so information about travel in either country can be found here.
Lithuania
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travelers from the EU, UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino no longer need a test to enter Lithuania, regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. Passengers from these countries no longer need to fill in a passenger form either.
As of 23 February, Lithuania has removed its traffic light system for categorizing countries. PCR tests for unvaccinated third-country nationals are still required however.
Foreign nationals from third countries not listed above must complete an online registration form no earlier than 24 hours before they begin their journey.
Luxembourg
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Third-country nationals are not allowed to travel to Luxembourg for non-essential reasons - and this rule will remain in place until 30 June. The term 'third-country nationals' means citizens from outside the European Union/Schengen area, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican.
Luxembourg is operating a 'green pass' for access to public spaces.
There is no requirement to quarantine when entering Luxembourg. However, if you do not have evidence of a negative test or submit to a rapid antigen test at the airport (which costs €10), you will need to self-isolate for 14 days or until you can show a negative test.
Malta
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test
All passengers must complete a passenger locator form before travelling to Malta.
Malta is operating a traffic light system that determines which restrictions people are subject to based on the country of their departure. There are still no countries on the green list.
Fully vaccinated Travelers need only show their vaccine certificate to enter Malta.
The rules for unvaccinated Travelers eased on 12 April, allowing them entry with either a valid PCR test or proof of recovery from the virus. The PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, and the recovery certificate can be no older than 180 days. Previously, unvaccinated tourists had to test on arrival and quarantine.
Travelling from countries on the 'dark' red list is only possible upon authorisation from the public health authorities.
Moldova
Moldova lifted its travel restrictions on 16 March, meaning no COVID certificate, test or other documentation is required to enter the country.
Regular updates on travel restrictions, which depend on where you're travelling from, come from the border police website here.
Monaco
Monaco is open for tourists and is following the EU traffic light system to determine restrictions for arrivals.
Visitors have to present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival. In the absence of a negative test, a quarantine will be enforced.
Montenegro
Evidence of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to travel, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or proof of full vaccination with an EU approved vaccine is needed for entry into Montenegro.
Arrivals to Montenegro with none of the above will need to isolate for 14 days.
Netherlands
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
The Netherlands abolished COVID entry rules for all Travelers from 23 March.
Face masks are no longer mandatory in most public settings or trains, but still required on planes and in airports.
Full details for requirements for those in transit are available here.
North Macedonia
The borders are open in North Macedonia.
Bars, restaurants and cafes are open for business with social distancing and extra hygiene measures in place.
Other businesses including shops and hairdressers are open.
Norway
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Norway has removed all mandatory testing requirements at its borders.
Everyone travelling to the country must still fill out an online registration form prior to arrival.
Masks are compulsory in public spaces for everyone over the age of 12 unless you are exempt.
Poland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Poland scrapped all entry rules for both EU and non-EU Travelers on 28 March.
Face masks are now only required in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Portugal
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travel from non-EU/EEA countries (excluding the UK and some others) is only allowed for essential purposes.
It is mandatory to prove full vaccination status to enter restaurants, tourist venues and accommodation.
Face masks must be worn in public and social distancing and extra hygiene measures are in force in all public settings.
Similar measures have been adopted in the archipelago regions of Azores and Madeira.
Travelers to Madeira are no longer required to present COVID-19 travel documents as the archipelago abolishes its entry measures.
Romania
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
All travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 no longer apply when entering Romania, as of 9 March. That means Travelers reaching Romania are exempted from providing a pre-departure test, on-arrival or post-arrival test or proof of vaccination.
Romania also has removed the Passenger Locator Form requirement.
Hotels, guesthouses and other tourist accommodations are open and subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Museums, cultural sites and tourist attractions are open along with restaurants, cafes and clubs.
Locals and visitors must wear a mask when in indoor public spaces, as well as while in crowded outdoor gatherings.
Russia
Travel to Russia is not advised due to the lack of available flight options to return to Europe, and the increased volatility in the Russian economy.
On 24 February 2022 Russia launched a large scale invasion of Ukraine which is ongoing.
All arrivals into Russia will be temperature checked and will be required to provide a negative PCR test result dated within 48 hours prior to arrival. This applies regardless of vaccination status.
All foreign passengers must complete a travel form before arriving in Russia. These are usually handed out by cabin crew on arriving flights.
Testing and quarantine requirements vary depending on where you depart from with entry from some countries currently not allowed so be sure to check before you leave.
Bars, restaurants and tourist attractions are now open.
More information about Russia's COVID-19 response here.
San Marino
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
If you are accessing San Marino through Italy, you’ll need to check Italy’s travel advice before you set off.
Restaurants, bars, cafes and other leisure facilities are open with social distancing measures and face mask requirements in place. Gatherings - defined as groups of over 10 people where social distancing cannot be maintained - are still strictly forbidden.
You can check the Re-open EU website for more information.
Serbia
All arrivals to Serbia must provide a negative PCR test performed no more than 48 hours before departure to be allowed entry a vaccine certificate or certificate of recovery from the virus. Without these, you may be subject to a 10-day quarantine.
Travelers arriving from high-risk countries also have to self-isolate and take mandatory tests within 24 hours and after 7 days of arrival. They will also need to register with Serbia's e-Health portal.
Restaurants, cafes and bars are allowed to serve customers in their outdoor spaces and indoors at reduced capacity.
Slovakia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Travelers from the UK are now permitted entry as long as they are fully vaccinated.
Travelers will also need to register their arrival via an online form.
Slovenia
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Slovenia has dropped all domestic and border restrictions. This means that no restrictions will be enforced at the border and all passengers will be able to enter whether they are vaccinated or not.
Spain
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Antigen tests are now accepted instead of PCRs for Travelers from countries on the list of risk zones - including France and Germany - while no tests are required for low-incidence areas.
Travelers from the UK must show proof of being fully vaccinated. This means you must have received the second dose at least 14 days before arrival. Children under 12 years old are exempt when travelling with an adult. This rule applies to the whole of Spain, including the Canary Islands and the Balearics.
If your last vaccination was more than 270 days ago you will also need a booster to enter the country or you will be considered unvaccinated.
Sweden
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Sweden finally dropped all entry rules on non-EU Travelers from 1 April.
This means that Travelers will no longer have to present vaccination and test certificates when entering the country.
Some temporary recommendations for non-vaccinated people are still in place, including avoided crowded indoor environments.
Switzerland
Connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Vaccinated and recovered Travelers are no longer be required to take a pre-travel PCR test.
Vaccinated arrivals from outside the Schengen area will be refused entry unless they are coming for work or exceptional reasons.
Unvaccinated Travelers who qualify to enter will still have to take a test prior to visiting the country but won't have to take post-arrival tests.
The rules are different if you are transiting through Switzerland. Check here for full details.
All arrivals need to complete an entry form.
Switzerland has a larger permitted list of countries than most European countries. It is updated regularly here.
Turkey
Most Travelers to Turkey aged 12 years and above must have proof of a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival, an antigen test within 48 hours, or be fully jabbed.
All arrivals will be subject to a medical check for symptoms of COVID, including temperature checks, and may be asked to take random PCR testing on arrival.
You will also need to complete an online form for entry into Turkey within 72 hours before departure, and for any children aged over six.
Public and hospitality services are open.
Face masks are no longer needed outdoors or indoors, provided there is adequate air circulation and social distancing.
Turkish Airlines have published a country-by-country breakdown of flight restrictions to Turkey.
United Kingdom
From 18 March, the UK abolished all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions for arrivals from other countries. That means Travelers are no longer obliged to fill in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) or present a negative result upon their arrival in Britain.
Face masks are no longer mandatory in UK venues, though some locations and forms of public transport may still ask you to wear them.
Unvaccinated Travelers are also exempt from pre-departure tests.
