Corona rules on vacation – what travelers need to know

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Many have their summer vacation behind them, but for many, the (foreign) vacation is still to come. What those affected need to know now.

At the beginning of August, France became the (almost) last European country to lift covid-related entry rules – only in Monaco is 3G proof still mandatory. Thus, for the first time in over two years, travel is possible again as it was before the pandemic. Protective measures have also been largely lifted or relaxed across Europe. “However, many differences in the corona measures apply locally. It is advisable to find out about the currently valid regulations before traveling,” explains ÖAMTC tourism expert Florian Rußmann.

Neither travel registration nor showing 3G proof is required when traveling in Europe. Slovakia and the Czech Republic were among the first countries in Europe to lift all travel restrictions back in March and April, respectively.

For now, Germany does not require proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result when entering the country. “For entry or return to Austria, proof of 3G has no longer been required since mid-May,” explains Rußmann.

In many European countries, a mask requirement applies only to isolated cases or public transport. The FFP2 mask should not be missing in the luggage despite relaxed rules. In Greece, FFP2 masks must be worn in all public transportation and designated areas on excursion ships and ferries.

“In the popular vacation countries of Italy and Spain, wearing an FFP2 mask is still mandatory in public transport, hospitals, and care facilities. In Italy, wearing a mask is recommended for indoor events or places where the minimum distance cannot be maintained,” Russmann knows.

In Croatia and Slovenia, too, wearing a mask is merely recommended. In Germany, masks are still mandatory for air and long-distance public transport. “Even if according to EU regulations the mask obligation in airplanes is omitted, the obligation to carry a mask applies with flights in and to Germany,” so the expert of the mobility club.

There are also different regulations if one is tested positive for Covid-19 during the vacation. In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, as in Austria, neither isolation nor quarantine is imposed after a positive test result.

“In our neighboring countries, Germany and Slovakia, five-day isolation is mandatory for Corona-positive individuals. If you test positive and have symptoms, you also have to be in isolation for five days in Greece – without symptoms, it is only recommended,” explains the tourism expert.

Stricter rules have the Czech Republic, where seven-day isolation is prescribed, and France: With a positive test, completely vaccinated persons must go for seven days into isolation (free testing is possible after five days). Unvaccinated persons must enter isolation for ten days (free testing is possible after seven days).

If quarantine or isolation is pronounced while on vacation, one is subject to the regulations of the respective country. This may not be interrupted without the approval of the competent health authority – otherwise, fines may be imposed.