When you travel this summer, don’t forget to pack a pair of face masks just in case. As it turned out, in several countries, including tourist ones, the mask regime has not disappeared.
As of June 2022, there is virtually no nationwide ban on wearing masks in public places, but some cities or even regions have taken matters into their own hands by maintaining mask-wearing rules for specific places or events. Moreover, the restrictions apply not only to residents but also to tourists. Most often we are talking about public transport and airports, as well as cultural sites such as museums and theaters.
For example, the EU leadership has officially abolished the requirement to wear masks on public transport, but several countries still require the wearing of protective equipment, including on airplanes, under the threat of fines.
For example, masks are required on flights to many popular European destinations, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Please be aware that if a mask is required during the flight, it may also be mandatory on other forms of public transport within these countries.
In Greece, masks are required to be worn in taxis and some other forms of public transport, including ferries, but they are not required on planes, trains, or buses throughout the country.
Outside of Europe, regulations dictate that passengers wear masks on flights within Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In all these countries, masks are also required at the airport.
The mask regime will have to be observed at the airports of Mexico and Costa Rica.
Within different countries, individual cities introduce their own rules from time to time. Before the trip, we recommend that you find out if there are any special prohibitions or restrictions in a particular city or province.
Various cultural sites, including museums visited by tourists, also impose individual mask requirements for visitors. Masks are required in museums in Mexico and some cities in Germany.
The Broadway Theater District has a mandatory mask-wearing policy in effect until the end of this month, after which officials will decide whether to continue or cancel it altogether.
In Mexico, in Puerto Vallarta, masks remain mandatory in public places.
In Italy, masks must be worn in certain indoor areas until at least mid-June, including theatres, cinemas, concert halls, and sports facilities.
In the Virgin Islands, masks remain mandatory indoors and on public transportation.
In Malaysia, face masks are not mandatory in outdoor public places, but everyone is required to wear them indoors.
In Nepal, face masks are required both indoors and outdoors.
We conclude that there are currently no countries that have established general requirements for masks applicable to enclosed spaces.
However, certain establishments, including restaurants, shops, schools, sports arenas, bars, nightclubs, gyms, etc., may require visitors to wear a mask if the owners so desire. So take a pair of masks with you on your trip. Just in case.
And the last. Although we do not think about the bad, for example, that we will have to be in a medical facility during a trip, even in a pharmacy, they will most likely be asked to wear a mask there.