At present, covid certificates are not required in most countries of the European Union. You can also fly without them, including to Mexico, Jordan, or Israel. However, there are countries – incl. France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, still require confirmation of vaccination, past illnesses, or a negative test result.
Among the popular holiday destinations, tourists can choose several countries outside the EU, which can be visited without vaccinations and tests. In addition to those listed, these include, among others, Albania, the Dominican Republic, the Maldives, and Vietnam.
Travel within the EU has so far been associated with the need to present certificates of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test result for the presence of coronavirus. Many countries have refused to check the covid certificate when crossing their borders. Currently, all EU citizens are allowed to enter the following countries without any restrictions due to COVID-19: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Hungary, as well as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, which have already recognized the EU certificates.
From June 1, at least for the summer period, Germany will also join this group.
This is where certificates come in handy
When entering France, vaccinated travelers do not require a negative test according to European regulations (the EU certificate is valid for 9 months after the primary vaccination). Unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative PCR test result no later than 72 hours before travel, or an antigen test no more than 48 hours ago, or a certificate of recovery (a positive test result taken no less than eleven days and no more than six months before travel). Children under 12 are exempt from these restrictions.
When traveling to Italy, EU tourists must provide proof of full vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. An antigen test must be performed within 48 hours of arrival and a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. All children under the age of 6 are exempt from screening, as well as five days of isolation, unless their parents undergo it, in the absence of vaccinations, evidence of recovery, or testing. Children over 6 years of age follow the same rules as adults.
To enter Portugal and Spain, all arrivals must present a certificate of vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a negative test result. This can be a PCR test is done 72 hours before departure, or a rapid antigen test 24 hours before departure. These rules apply to all persons over 12 years of age. When entering Portuguese Madeira, there are no rules related to coronavirus.
In some countries, face masks are still required at airports and aircraft.
When entering Cyprus, travelers over 12 years of age who are not fully vaccinated or who have not recently been ill with COVID-19 must undergo a PCR test 72 hours before boarding or a rapid antigen test 24 hours before departure. Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are exempt from receiving test results. Travelers from the EU may enter Malta provided that they provide proof of full vaccination, a negative PCR test result within the last 72 hours or an antigen test within the last 24 hours, or a certificate of recovery within the last 180 days. Children under 12 are exempt from these rules.
Tourists over 12 years old traveling to Turkey must provide proof of vaccination or illness (from 28 days to 6 months before travel), or a negative PCR test result taken 72 hours ago, or an antigen test taken 48 hours ago.
By the decision of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), from May 16, passengers flying to the EU are not required to wear masks at airports or onboard aircraft. However, the following countries have chosen to ignore this guidance and still require face coverings: Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, and Italy.