European Nations Are Revising Their Entry Regulations Again

We've all grown accustomed to a world where travel guidelines frequently shift. These changes have become somewhat predictable as we navigate through pandemic surges and retreats. For instance, after several European nations imposed stricter travel rules in December due to a surge in COVID cases driven by the Omicron variant, many are now easing those restrictions or adjusting them to include a booster requirement.

The latest updates come as the European Union aims to simplify travel among member states by aligning entry requirements with an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or testing status, rather than their travel origins or destinations. If successful, this approach could lead to more consistent and enduring rules, moving away from the constant fluctuations driven by the pandemic.

On Tuesday, the European Commission endorsed a recommendation that would rely on a travel certificate showing COVID-19 vaccination. This vaccination status would remain valid for nine months following the last dose of the initial series, after which a booster would be necessary to keep the status active. Additionally, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days or an antigen test from the previous day would allow entry, as would a recovery certificate no older than six months.

However, each European country retains the authority to determine its own requirements, and it remains unclear if a coordinated approach to pandemic travel policies will be effectively implemented. Over the two years since the pandemic began, we have yet to observe consistent regulations across European nations.

Recently, various European nations have once again revised their entry regulations, and as we've seen before, the rules are quite varied—some countries have become more lenient, while others have tightened their restrictions. Here’s a quick overview of some of the recent changes in Europe.

New Booster Requirements in European Nations

Following the European Commission's decision in December to recognize COVID-19 vaccination status as valid for up to nine months after the initial vaccine series, and with the ongoing booster campaigns, more countries are expected to implement booster shot requirements for travelers. Here are a few examples.

Austria

Travelers from the United States can enter Austria without quarantine, provided they pre-register and show a CDC-issued vaccination certificate along with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. Those who have received a booster shot are exempt from needing to present a COVID test, as are individuals who are fully vaccinated and have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 180 days. Unvaccinated U.S. travelers may still enter Austria but must pre-register, provide a negative COVID test upon arrival (a PCR test from within 72 hours), and undergo a five-day quarantine, followed by another negative PCR test, as outlined by the Austrian government.

Spain

As of February 1, vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can enter Spain, but those who were vaccinated more than 270 days before their arrival will be required to provide proof of a booster shot. All travelers must complete a Health Control form before arriving in Spain.

Countries Easing Entry Restrictions

Ireland

Earlier this year, Ireland eliminated the need for a pre-departure COVID test for vaccinated travelers. Fully vaccinated individuals now only need to complete a Passenger Locator Form before leaving and provide either proof of vaccination or evidence of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months. However, starting February 1, 2022, vaccination certificates will be considered valid only if they are within 270 days or if travelers can show proof of a booster shot. Unvaccinated individuals must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours prior to their arrival in Ireland.

Norway

As of January 26, Norway has lifted its quarantine requirements for incoming international travelers. All U.S. travelers aged 16 and above, regardless of vaccination status, can now enter Norway by completing an entry registration form within 72 hours before arrival, presenting a negative COVID test (either PCR or antigen) taken within 24 hours of their flight, and taking a free COVID-19 rapid antigen test at the airport upon arrival. Children under 16 are exempt from testing before arrival but will be required to take a test upon arrival, unless it would be excessively difficult for them to do so, according to the Norwegian government.

United Kingdom

Starting February 11, the United Kingdom will eliminate its COVID-19 travel testing requirement for travelers who are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated individuals will now only need to complete a passenger locator form within 72 hours before their arrival in the U.K. (up from the previous 48 hours), providing details on their vaccination status, travel history, and contact information. To qualify as fully vaccinated, travelers must have received all required doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their arrival.

Moreover, unvaccinated travelers will no longer face quarantine requirements. Instead, they must present two COVID test results (either PCR or antigen)—one obtained within two days before their travel to the U.K. and another taken shortly after arrival, which must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. All travelers under 18 will follow the same guidelines as fully vaccinated individuals, regardless of their vaccination status.

Countries that have made entry a bit more challenging

France

According to its latest update (as of January 22), the French government has categorized the United States as a “red list” country. This designation means unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. cannot enter France without a valid essential reason. Fully vaccinated travelers, however, can enter by providing a health declaration form along with a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before their flight to France. Previously, the U.S. was classified as “orange” or “amber,” allowing fully vaccinated travelers to skip the negative test requirement.

Unvaccinated minors traveling from the U.S. are permitted entry into France, but those aged 12 and older must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to their flight.

Furthermore, starting January 24, France's Pass Sanitaire (Health Pass) transitioned to a Pass Vaccinal (Vaccine Pass), which is necessary for entry into various venues including museums, cafés, restaurants, public transport, and entertainment sites. Visitors can obtain the vaccine pass at pharmacies across the country by proving they are fully vaccinated. (As of this month, proof of a negative COVID test is no longer sufficient due to new legislation mandating vaccination for the pass.)

Greece

Starting January 24, all travelers aged five and older, regardless of their origin or vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival (or a rapid test conducted within 24 hours) to enter Greece. Previously, vaccinated travelers were exempt from this testing requirement.