August EU Travel Restrictions, Covid-19 Test Requirements, Quarantine By Country

As summer season kicks into high gear across the EU and the U.K., the threat of the Delta variant is ever present, with many EU countries reintroducing curfews, quarantines and testing requirements.

On the plus side, travel rules have become increasing competent across the bloc–EU countries are using similar processes at border control and also domestically. Every country is using the EU Digital COVID Certificate to enter and many are requiring ‘green passes’ to enter cultural venues, restaurants and bars, which require proof of negative Covid-19 health status.

On the flip side, a further layer of complexity has been added to people’s ability to navigate travel restrictions–there are now different rules in place for vaccinated/ unvaccinated travelers, countries are on different traffic light lists (from country to country), and tourists must ascertain how to obtain green passes to eat out and participate in cultural events.

The biggest positive is that more EU countries are opening to fully-vaccinated travelers and from 2 August, this also includes the U.K., (now open to U.S. and EU travelers)–both of which have put increasing pressure on the Biden administration to reciprocate and open U.S. borders soon.

Austria—operating tighter travel restrictions

Austria is using the EU Digital Covid Certificate to allow unrestricted travel across the EU and Schengen area countries and is also operating a green pass for access to public spaces–its hotels and restaurants are open.

From 3 August, it has tightened travel requirements from anyone arriving from the Netherlands, Spain or Cyprus–these people now need a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

There are also tighter restrictions for arrivals from areas where there a virus variants, where people must arrive with a negative PCR test and quarantine for ten days: Botswana, Brazil, Eswatini, India, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, the U.K., Uruguay, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Belgium—more EU countries considered high risk

Belgium joined its national Covid-19 vaccination passport to the EU-wide system on June 16 through the CovidSafeBE application and over 11 million certificates have been downloaded, according to the figures provided by Digital Flanders and CovidSafeBE. Restaurants and bars are open.

Belgium color-codes countries to determine travel restrictions as per ECDC recommendations and most of the EU and Schengen area are currently green, as well as some third-party countries: Albania, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, North Macedonia, Serbia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The following EU areas are labelled orange at present: Austria (Vienna, Salzburg), Denmark (Zealand, North Jutland, Southern Denmark, Greenland), Estonia, Greece (North Aegean, Central Greece, Eastern Macedonia, Thrace), Finland (Helsinki-Uusimaa, South Finland, West Finland), France (Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy, Nord-Pas de Calais, Picardy, Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine, Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Centre – Val de Loire, Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Polynésie français, Saint-Barthélémy), Iceland, Ireland, Italy (Veneto, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Campania, Calabria, Autonomous Province of Trento, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Marche), Croatia (Adriatic), Norway (Northern Norway, Western Norway), Netherlands (Sint Maarten, Bonaire), Portugal (Madeira), San Morino, Sweden (all with the exception of Upper Norrland, Middle Norrland, East Middle Sweden, South Sweden, West Sweden, North Middle Sweden, which are green), Switzerland (Lake Genova Region, Zürich, Central Switzerland, Ticino, Northwestern Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland, Espace Mittelland, Bern, Freiburg, Solothurn, Neuchâtel, Jura), Czech Republic (Prague) and Vatican City.

Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the U.S. are also currently labelled orange.

The following parts of Europe are currently labelled red and ‘high risk’: Andorra, Cyprus, Denmark (Capital Region of Denmark, Central Jutland, Faroer), Greece (Attica, Crete, South Aegean, Epirus, Thessaly, Ionian Islands, Central Macedonia, Western Macedonia, Western Greece, Peloponnese), France (Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Corse-du-Sud, Guadeloupe, Ile-de-France, Aquitaine, Limousin, Poitou-Charentes, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées, Auvergne, Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), Ireland (Northern and Western, Southern, Eastern and Midland), Italy (Sardinia, Sicily), Luxembourg, Monaco, Malta, Netherlands (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Flevoland, Utrecht, North Holland, South Holland, Zeeland, North Brabant, Limburg), Portugal (North, Algarve, Center (PT), Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Alentejo, Autonomous Region of the Azores), and Spain (Aragon, Catalonia, Cantabria, La Rioja, Andalusia, Canary Islands, Valencian Community, Asturias, Basque Country, Navarre, Communidad de Madrid, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Baleares, Murcia, Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, Melilla, Ceuta).

All other countries around the world are currently red.

Travelers arriving from green or orange zones do not need to quarantine or take a further mandatory test for Covid-19.

Travelers from within the EU, arriving from a red zone, need to have a negative PCR Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours before arrival–vaccinated EU arrivals do not need to get tested or quarantine.

Travelers from outside the EU, arriving from a red zone: vaccinated travelers must get tested on day one or two and stay in quarantine until they have a negative result. Unvaccinated travelers must arrive with a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, must quarantine for ten days and test on day one and day seven of their trip.

If people must travel, they must fill in a a “Public Health Passenger Locator Form” 48 hours before arrival.

Bulgaria—now using ECDC traffic light system

Bulgaria is now following the ECDC’s traffic light system of countries which are low, medium and high risk and EU/Schengen residents can use the EU Digital Covid Certificate.

Green list arrivals can enter freely but must go into a ten-day quarantine or have proof of a negative PCR test result if they don’t show their Covid Certificate–Austria, Germany, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Finland, Croatia, Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, France, Norway, San Marino, Monaco, the Vatican City State, Switzerland and Czechia.

Red EU countries are currently Cyprus, Spain and the U.K., and arrivals must have proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and can only enter in “exceptional circumstances”.

All other EU countries are considered orange and arrivals can enter with Covid certificates without quarantine but may be subject to random antigen Covid tests.

From outside the EU, everyone is required to take a PCR test 72 hours before arrival and for the result to be negative.

Croatia—quarantine for red EU countries

Croatia is following the ECDC’s traffic light system and the EU Digital Covid Certificate for access into the country and currently, anyone who is not arriving from a red or dark red EU/Schengen country can enter with their certificate or proof that they have been vaccinated, are negative or have had Covid-19.

Arrivals from red or dark red EU/Schengen area regions or countries considered high risk must self-isolate for ten days but can test out with proof of a negative test taken in Croatia.

Anyone else arriving for tourism can enter if they can show proof of paid accommodation for the entirety of their stay upon arrival and also one of the following: proof of vaccination, proof that they have had Covid-19, proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival at the Croatian border or go straight into a ten day quarantine.

People traveling on a Digital Nomad visa are exempt from any entry requirements.

All travelers must complete the Enter Croatia web form before arrival. 

Cyprus—many green countries now orange and red

Cyprus’ borders are open to anyone who has been vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine and also the Sputnik (Gam-COVID-Vac) or the Sinopharm (BBIBP COVID-19) vaccine.

For all unvaccinated travelers, Cyprus has three categories of countries–green, orange and red–with distinct rules surrounding quarantine and testing requirements. All passengers must fill in a Cyprus Health Pass upon arrival.

There are now 25 countries on the green list, the most epidemiologically sound where no quarantine is needed nor a negative Covid-19 test: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.

The orange list, from which people must arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, has roughly the same number of countries as July but there are many new additions and subtractions: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Macao, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the U.S.

Arrivals from the red list can only enter with a negative Covid-19 test result and they must take another upon arrival: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Brunei, Darussalam, Denmark, Egypt, Georgia, Ireland, Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Spain, Ukraine, the UAE and the U.K.–if the PCR test result upon arrival is positive, passengers must quarantine.

Anyone else is on the grey list which is still mostly sealed off, except for specific special cases.

Czech Republic—children now to take PCR tests

Anyone can enter if they can show proof of vaccination or having had Covid-19.

For the unvaccinated, travel requirements follow the ECDC’s traffic light system, where arrivals are grouped into traffic light colours, with red being the most at risk. Only travelers arriving from anywhere in the EU or green zones are allowed to enter for non-essential reasons, i.e. as tourists.

Travelers from green areas (low risk) can enter the Czech Republic without restrictions and unvaccinated people must have proof of a negative RAT or PCR test either before or after arrival. As of 30 July 2021 these are: Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Hong Kong, Croatia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Canada, Qatar, Korea, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Latvia, Macao, Hungary, Norway, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Germany, Poland, Austria, San Marino, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Taiwan, the U.S. and Vatican City.

Anyone arriving from a yellow area (medium risk) must fill in the arrival form and be in possession of a negative Covid-19 test result (antigen or PCR) but once again, vaccinated travelers are exempt. As of 30 July these countries are: Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Switzerland and Madeira–a much smaller list than in July.

The criteria for arrivals from red and dark red zones is the same, but in addition, people must enter quarantine and take a second PCR test on arrival. There are currently many more places in this category: Andorra, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, Greece, Spain and the Canary and Balearic Islands.

All other EU and non-EU countries are currently categorised as dark red, so they must follow rules for red zones, and would need to use PCR tests not antigen, before and after departure.

From Saturday 31 July 2021, children arriving into the country aged 6-12 will need to take a PCR test within five days of arrival.

Denmark—two traffic light systems in place

As of 31 July, the following EU regions and countries were categorised as being green: Austria, Belgium (Région Wallonne), Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France (Centre – Val De Loire, Bourgogne – Franche Comté Normandie, Hauts-De-France, Mayotte), Germany, Greece (Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki), Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

There are currently no EU countries labelled as red and all other EU countries/regions are currently yellow.

For countries outside the EU, the traffic light system classifies countries as yellow, orange or red (there is no green category). As of 24 July, yellow countries were: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bosnia-​Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, the U.S. and Qatar.

As of 31 July, the following countries and regions are classified as red: Argentina, Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Eswatini, Fiji, Iraq, Iran, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Namibia, Panama, Rusland, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In the U.K., England, Northern Ireland and Scotland are also classified as red.

All other countries are classified as orange.

For unvaccinated travelers–only travelers from red regions/countries must take a Covid-19 test before arrival into Denmark, but only arrivals from green countries don’t have to take a Covid-19 test after arriving. Arrivals from orange and red areas must self-isolate upon arrival and non-Danish people from these countries must have a worthy reason for travel.

Anyone who can show proof of vaccination from a European Medicines Agency-approved vaccine or proof of having had Covid-19 can bypass all testing and quarantine requirements, unless they are coming from a red country/zone. This is in line with the EU Digital Covid Certificate requirements, put in place by every EU country.

Estonia—quarantine from some EU countries

As reported by Time Out, “travelers from anywhere in the world” can arrive in Estonia and bypass quarantine, if they have had one of the Covid-19 vaccination jabs. The vaccine must have been administered in the past year (travelers are also exempt if they have had Covid-19).

For the unvaccinated, anyone from a country where the infection rate is lower than 75 daily cases per 100,000 people in the last 14 days can enter without testing or quarantine. Currently this applies to Lithuania, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Austria, Norway, Croatia, Sweden, Slovenia, Latvia, Czechia, Germany, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, and the Holy See in the EU. From outside Europe this applies to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Singapore, Ukraine, Canada, North Macedonia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Brunei Darussalam, Australia and New Zealand.

For the unvaccinated, anyone arriving from a yellow EU area, where the infection rate is between 75 and 200 daily cases per 100,000 people, people must arrive with a negative PCR test result or be tested at the border. This list currently includes Iceland, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland and Italy.

For unvaccinated people arriving from red-list countries, they must arrive with a negative PCR test result (or be tested at the border) and they must quarantine for 10 days. They can shorten this period if they arrive with a negative test and also receive a negative test on day 6. The list is updated every week.

Red list countries are currently Cyprus, the U.K., Spain, Netherlands, Andorra, Malta, Portugal, Monaco, Greece, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, and Denmark. From outside the EU this includes the U.S., Israel, Montenegro, Lebanon, Armenia and Jordan.

Finland—all vaccinated now allowed

On 22 June, Finland joined the EU-wide system and is using EU Digital COVID Certificates and since 21 June, anyone from EU/Schengen area countries who is vaccinated or who has had Covid-19 or needs to travel for work reasons could enter. On 26 July, Finland extended this to all vaccinated people, regardless of nationality.

As per website instructions, the certificate needs to be in either English, Finnish or Swedish but they will allow certified translations to be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU digital Covid certificate.

If travelers are not vaccinated, there are very strict travel measures still in place and travel should only be for Finnish residents, EU residents in transit or for “exceptional reasons.”

France—Pass Sanitaire in use to eat out

From 1 August, everyone who wants to eat or drink in a restaurant or bar or attend a cultural event, such as the cinema, will have to prove they do not have Covid-19 (either through vaccination or a negative test) using an application on their phone–the Pass Sanitaire (health pass).

Anyone who is vaccinated can arrive into the country with proof–minors do not need to be vaccinated but children over the age of 12 must have a certificate showing negative Covid PCR results.

Everyone must also sign a sworn declaration that they have no symptoms and have not–to their knowledge–been in contact with anyone who has in the past 14 days.

For unvaccinated travelers, there are three color codes with different rules that apply.

Green countries are those in the European Union, Andorra, the Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland, as well as Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia, Brunei, Canada, Comoros Islands, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, the U.S. and Vanuatu.

From a green country, everyone aged over 12 must present a negative Covid-19 PCR or RAT test result not taken more than 72 hours before boarding. However, rules have been updated recently to reduce this time to 24 hours for people traveling from Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Spain, the Netherlands or Portugal.

Red list countries are Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, and Tunisia. Travelers must have an essential reason for travel, arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (RAT or PCR), be tested upon arrival and enter quarantine, which will be overseen by security forces.

All other countries are considered orange. Arrivals from orange countries must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative RAT test taken within 48 hours upon arrival. (This has been reduced to 24 hours for all U.K. arrivals, for both sorts of tests). Arrivals might be subject to random testing and everyone must pledge to self-isolate for 7 days.

Germany—quarantine from high-risk areas

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter and those who are not would need proof of testing negative via a PCR test in the 72 hours before arrival or 48 hours for a RAT test. Everyone must fill out a Digital Registration Form.

However, a ten to fourteen-day quarantine is currently in place for people traveling from or through what the country deems a ‘high-risk’ or ‘variants of concern’ area–the latest list dated 2 August provides details on current areas of concern.

Germany is also using a green pass for access to public areas.

Greece—open to many countries without quarantine

Greece’s summer season is well underway and the country has open borders, without the need to quarantine, to the following countries: EU & Schengen Area countries, the U.S., the U.K, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenergro, Serbia, the UAE, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, the Russian Federation, North Macedonia, Canada, Belarus, Bahrein, Brunei, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Saudi Arabia. Non-EU citizens are advised to travel on direct flights.

All passengers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and if they don’t have proof of vaccination, they must have taken a Covid-19 PCR test and received a negative result no more than 72 hours before departure, a negative RAT test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or proof of having had Covid-19 in the past 30-180 days. Arrivals may also be subject to random testing.

Accepted vaccines are Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, and Sinopharm.

Hungary—neighboring land borders open

Hungary has only opened its borders to surrounding countries, i.e. to anyone coming from Croatia, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia or Slovenia. It has also invited people living in bordering regions to get vaccinated in the country if they so wish. Arrivals from neighbor Ukraine are still subject to restrictions as are those people arriving by air.

People who can credibly attest that they are entering for legitimate business reasons, and have letters from their company to prove it, can do so without quarantine. Ticket holders of major sporting events such as during 21-22 August for the FIA World Touring Car Cup can enter with a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Iceland—every visitor must have negative test result

Since 18 March, travelers arriving from anywhere in the world have been allowed to enter if they can show proof of having been vaccinated (obviously twice, with a two-dose vaccine) or having had Covid-19. These vaccinated passengers will still need to arrive with proof of a negative result (PCR or RAT) as of 27 July. Quarantine and testing upon arrival is no longer required although everyone is encouraged to test again after arrival.

For the unvaccinated, travelers will need to arrive with a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers will then need to test upon arrival, enter a five-day quarantine and then test to exit.

For the unvaccinated, anyone from EEA/EFTA countries (EU member states plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are welcome, plus several third party country residents, such as those in proven relationships with Icelandic individuals, for over six months. Currently, residents from the following third party countries are allowed to visit: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macao (SAR), Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.S.

Ireland—cautiously open, especially to vaccinated

Ireland is tentatively open–it was one of the last EU countries to open to international tourists on 19 July and all arrivals must fill out a Passenger Locator Form before entry into Ireland. Where possible, arrivals should use the EU Digital Covid Certificate. 

People from inside the EU+ area can travel without quarantine or testing if they can show evidence of having had Covid-19 or having been vaccinated against it. Unvaccinated people visiting Ireland from inside the EU/Schengen area can enter with proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

From outside the EU+ area, the country is dividing non-EU countries into those where the emergency brake has been applied–to react quickly to new and emerging variants of Covid-19–and where they have not.

For arrivals from countries where the emergency brake has not been applied, vaccinated travelers or those who have had Covid-19, will not need to test or quarantine. Unvaccinated non-EU travelers from non-emergency brake countries will need to show results for PCR testing taken within 72 hours before arrival, and quarantine for 14 days (people can ‘test out’ after day 5 with a negative result).

Vaccinated individuals (or those who have had Covid-19 in the past 180 days) from non-EU countries, where the emergency brake has been applied, need to arrive with a negative PCR test result, enter self-isolation and ‘test out’ after day five.

Unvaccinated individuals from non-EU countries where the emergency brake has been applied, must show proof of a negative PCR test result, quarantine in a government-mandated hotel for ten days and only leave upon proof of a negative result.

The list of EU emergency brake countries is updated constantly.

Italy—Covid-19 ‘green pass’ obligatory from 6 August

All of Italy is still categorised white, which is the lowest level of alert for Covid-19 but some regions are close to turning yellow once more, meaning face masks may be made mandatory again.

From August 6, Italy will also be operating a mandatory green pass, meaning a negative test result or vaccination certificate will be required to enter restaurants, bar and other public spaces. This includes foreign tourists.

Travelers are welcome from Schengen/EU countries, called List C countries–arrivals must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test (both PCR or RAT are acceptable) with a validity of 48 hours or a vaccination certificate or proof of having had Covid-19.

Travelers from high-risk countries cannot visit except for essential reasons and arrivals from the U.K. must quarantine for 5 days. Visitors from Canada and the U.S. are allowed, if they can prove vaccination.

Proof of vaccination can be done by using an EU Digital Covid Certificate or the U.S. Embassy in Italy states that Americans can show their white vaccination card provided by the CDC as proof.

Latvia—operating a green pass in public

All arrivals must fill in an electronic form 48 hours before arriving in the country and the country is using a green pass to access restaurants, bars and other spaces.

On 16 June, Latvia opened its borders to anyone who has been vaccinated from the EU/Schengen area, without a need for testing or quarantine upon arrival.

For the unvaccinated, anyone arriving from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the U.K. must test before arrival and self-isolate.

For everyone else, anyone arriving from an EU country where the 14-day cumulative indicator is higher than 75, must go into a 10-day quarantine, which currently affects many EU countries, as per ECDC recommendations, and they must test upon arrival too. The quarantine applies to arrivals from non-EUDCC (EU Digital Covid Certificate) countries too, even if people test negative.

Lithuania—EU residents able to visit

Travel is extremely limited into and around the country although EU/Schengen area residents are allowed to enter. They must show evidence of a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival or test upon entry into Lithuania and they must enter a ten-day quarantine, with the ability to ‘test out’ on day seven.

Luxembourg—open to EU+ countries

Luxembourg is allowing EU/Schengen area visitors as well as third-party nationals which have been approved at the EU level–Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity at EU level), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Moldova, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine and the U.S.

All arrivals must show a vaccination certificate, proof of having had Covid-19 or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to enter the country (either PCR within 72 hours or antigen within 48 hours)–in line with the EU Digital Covid Certificate.

Currently, other third-party country residents are banned until at least 30 September 2021. Luxembourg is also following other EU countries and instigating a green pass for access to cultural events and restaurants.

Malta—only vaccinated can enter without quarantine

Malta is operating a system of green, amber, red and dark red lists with different rules for travelers. However, as of August 4, there are no green or amber list countries. (One month ago, most of the EU was in this category but they have now been moved to the red lists).

Arrivals from countries which are on the red list are only allowed to visit if they have a vaccination certificate, age 12 or over.

This list incorporates: Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Italy, France, Slovakia, Switzerland, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, China (including Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong), Vatican City, Israel, Singapore, Slovenia, Japan, Gibraltar, Portugal, Romania, Lebanon, the UAE, Turkey, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Sweden, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bhutan, Fiji, Jamaica, Georgia, Faroe Islands, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Vietnam, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Serbia, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, the U.K., and Ukraine.

The following U.S. states also on the red list: Washington, Oregon, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Dakota, Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, Maine, South Dakota, Michigan, Illinois, Delaware, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Jersey, Minnesota, Connecticut, Alaska, New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Vermont, California, Idaho, Kentucky, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Virgin Islands, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Alabama, Colorado, Guam, Indiana, Montana and Kansas.

Every other country/region in the world is classified as dark red, and permission to enter Malta must be obtained from the Maltese Public Health Authorities by sending an email to [email protected] with ‘’CONSIDER [Name of Country/State]’’ in the subject line. Arrivals must also have a negative PCR test, enter a 14-day quarantine and take another test on day 11/12.

The Netherlands—many EU countries move to high risk on 8 August

The government has a list of safe countries–up to 8 August, there is no need for a negative Covid-19 test result or quarantine. After 8 August, anyone arriving from a safe list country, must show proof of vaccination, having had Covid-19 or a negative test result, and of course, this can be using the EU Digital Covid Certificate. Quarantine is not required and everyone must fill in a Health Declaration Form.

Inside the EU, safe list countries encompass Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy (including Sicily), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal (only the Azores and Madeira), Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Some of these countries are moving to high risk on 8 August from when the full list will be: Belgium, Denmark, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy (including Sicily), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal (until 8 August: only the Azores and Madeira, from 8 August onwards: the whole country), Spain and Switzerland. These arrivals still follow the same rules as those on the EU safe list.

Outside the EU, safe list countries are Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China (the EU travel ban applies until China lifts entry restrictions on European travellers), China’s Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong and Macau, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Svalbard, Taiwan, Ukraine, the U.S. and Vatican City.

Very high-risk countries outside the EU are considered to be: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, the U.K., Uruguay and Venezuela. From these countries, where variants are a cause for concern, there is an EU-entry ban (with few exceptions), a mandatory quarantine, and the need for a negative Covid-19 test result and Health Declaration Form.

Norway—EUDCC holders welcome

Norway has opened its borders to travelers from the EU/Schengen area if they are fully vaccinated or have had Covid-19. These travelers must have a verifiable EU Digital Covid Certificate (EUDCC). Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 can travel with their parents and won’t need to quarantine on their own.

Norway is operating a color-coded travel restriction map for everyone else–and quarantine applies to some countries. Norway has a very helpful tool to explain who is required to do what.

All arrivals must fill out an online travel form before arriving in the country.

Poland—vaccinated don’t need to quarantine

Borders are open for EU and EFTA nationals and anyone arriving won’t need to self-isolate for 10 days if they have a negative Covid-19 test result with them, taken no more than 48 hours before (either antigen or PCR).

Everyone arriving from outside the EU/Schengen area must quarantine for ten days but they can ‘test out’ after day seven of self-isolation–this move was put in place to limit the risk of the Delta variant.

Anyone who can prove vaccination by a European-approved vaccine, can also enter freely without quarantine. Children under the age of 12, arriving with vaccinated adults can also enter freely.

Everyone who arrives must fill in a Traveler Location Card.

Portugal—curfew back across 45 municipalities

Due to the spread of the Delta variant, Portugal has reimposed a curfew from 11 pm to 5 am in 45 municipalities, as reported by EuroNews.

Flights from EU/Schengen areas and the EU’s safe list of countries are allowed to enter: European Union, Schengen Associated countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland), Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, South Korea, the U.S., Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Northern Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Ukraine and special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

As per the government’s instructions, all passengers over 12 years should have an EU Digital Covid Certificate or must be in possession of a negative RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a Rapid Antigen Test taken within 48 hours.

Romania—state of alert extended to 31 August

The Romanian government has extended its state of Covid alert until 31 August 2021.

If travelers have been vaccinated at least ten days before arrival, they do not need to quarantine, nor if they have had Covid-19 during the past 90 days.

As of 1 August, people coming from red countries are allowed to enter but must quarantine for 14 days if they are not vaccinated, even with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result: Andorra, Argentina, Bahamas, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Fiji, Georgia, Great Britain, Gibraltar, Greece, India, Irak, Iran, Ireland, Jersey Island, Kazakstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Man Island, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, The Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A negative Covid-19 test result will allow travelers to be released from self-isolation after day ten.

There is another list of yellow countries, from which travelers can arrive with proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test and not have to quarantine: Aruba, Belgium, Denmark, Eswatini, Faroe Islands, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Russia, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, the UAE, the U.S., and Zimbabwe.

For travelers coming from countries not mentioned on either the red or yellow list, there are no restrictions to entry.

Anyone arriving must fill in a Romania Entry Declaration.

Slovakia—vaccinated exempt from quarantine

Every traveler needs to register using an online form and a new quarantine has been brought in for all arrivals into the country, although fully vaccinated people are exempt. The quarantine is for 14 days but people can ‘test out’ after day five with a negative result.

Slovenia—rules now the same for everyone

Slovenia is no longer using color-coded lists to determine travel restrictions and the same rules apply to all arrivals from 15 July onwards. Anyone arriving must have one of the following:

• an EU Digital Covid Certificate;
• proof of vaccination;
• a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours;
• a negative antigen test, no older than 48 hours; or
• proof of having had Covid-19 in the past 6 months.

If anyone doesn’t have one of these documents, they must go into a period of self-isolation for 10 days but can ‘test out’ after day five (children under 15 are exempt from quarantine).

All arrivals must fill in a travel form.

Spain—vaccinated can visit

Due to rising infection rates of the Delta variant across the country, renewed measures have been put in place domestically, such as mask wearing and regional curfews.

As of 17 July, Spain is open to vaccinated travelers, EU residents and anyone from an EU safe-list country.

Sweden—quarantine from most countries outside EU

Vaccinated travelers, EU/EEA residents and travelers from countries on the EU safe list do not need to enter into a seven-day quarantine. All other countries must self-isolate and take a Covid-19 test on day one and day five.

There are still some internal restrictions on the capacity limits for restaurants and bars, which are likely to stay in place throughout September.

Switzerland—nightclubs open through green pass

As of 26 July, nightclubs are reopen, as are restaurants, bars and most cultural activities, accessible through the use of a green pass, as in many other EU countries.

As of 28 June, all travelers arriving from Schengen area countries are allowed to enter Switzerland without the need for quarantine. Additionally, vaccinated people are not also subject to entry restrictions.

Only people who haven’t yet been vaccinated or who have had a vaccine not authorised by the EMA (European Medecines Agency) need to arrive with a negative PCR Covid-19 test result. 

There are also restrictions from countries with worrying variants of Covid-19–although as of 4 August, there are currently zero countries on this list. It is still obligatory to fill in a passenger locator form if arriving by air.

U.K.–now open to vaccinated EU and U.S. travelers

The U.K. government has been operating its own traffic light system of travel restrictions for overseas trips with different travel restrictions depending on the color of the country and if someone is vaccinated. Everyone must complete a Passenger Locator Form, before arriving in the country.

People can travel to and from green list and green watchlist countries with a negative PCR test before travel and another one on day two inside the U.K. Green ‘watch list’ countries are green ones that are slightly more risky, in that the U.K. government might add quarantine to these arrivals if the epidemiological situation gets worse.

There is a wider ‘amber’ list of countries where people can travel, but they also need a negative Covid-19 test before departure and they will need to self-isolate for ten days upon arriving/return to the U.K. These people need to take a PCR test on days 2 and 8. They can still use the test and release scheme to ‘test out’ of quarantine on day 5, as reported by The Guardian. This list currently includes most of the traditional EU holiday destinations and the U.S.

All other countries are on the red, high-risk list, where all arrivals must quarantine in government-appointed hotels for ten days.

Since 2 August, vaccinated people can travel to the U.K. from the U.S. and the EU without the need to quarantine.

Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are currently operating different internal measures on mask wearing, social distancing and venue capacity.