Escape the dreary autumn weather again and take a vacation in the sun or the mountains. But if you want to travel, you still have to expect restrictions due to Corona – keyword 2G or 3G. What is true where?
Berlin – The corona pandemic still has a firm grip on the world. An overview of the current rules in popular holiday countries.
Denmark
Whether it’s an autumn vacation in a holiday home on the North Sea coast or a city trip to Copenhagen: For some time now, nothing has stood in the way of a trip to Denmark. There are no longer any 3G or 2G regulations in the country. However, holidaymakers from Germany must have proof that they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative when entering the country. There have been no restrictions within Denmark for a month and a half, and the Danes also hung up the mask a long time ago. Although the number of new infections has risen sharply recently, there are still no signals from the Danish government to tighten the measures again.
France
In France, restaurants, cultural establishments, leisure facilities and sports facilities are open. For entry, however, proof of vaccination, test or recovery is required, also for the outdoor areas (3G). Such proof is also a prerequisite for trips by coach or long-distance train. Children from the age of twelve and two months must also show proof. Anyone who comes to France unvaccinated and not recovered has to be prepared for additional costs, because corona tests – if not ordered – are no longer free since mid-October. A PCR test costs at least 43.89 euros and an antigen test costs at least 22 euros.
Entry from Europe is possible with proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid test; proof must also be provided for the return journey to Germany. The number of infections in France has recently increased slightly after having previously fallen for weeks. The seven-day incidence was recently just over 50.
Greece / Cyprus
If you want to travel to Greece, you have to register on the website travel.gov.gr. Among other things, it must be stated there where you will be staying. You will then receive a QR code with which you can enter. All travelers must either have a recent negative rapid test or be fully vaccinated. This also applies to children from the age of twelve. Cyprus ranks Germany in the red, i.e. severely affected, category. For all those who have not been vaccinated or recovered, this means that they have to take a test both before and after entering the country and have to pay for it themselves. In addition, the “Cyprus Flight Pass” must be applied for on a website (“cyprusflightpass.gov.cy”) at least 48 hours prior to entry and must always be carried with you during your vacation.
Great Britain
While there are almost no corona rules in the largest part of England, Scotland and Wales are a bit stricter. A mask is still required in local public transport or in shops, and 3G rules are also in force for discos, nightclubs and larger events. Those who are not vaccinated can also show a negative rapid corona test. Costs must be borne by yourself – as is the case with the mandatory quick test, which must be booked before entering the UK and taken no later than the second day after arrival. The 3G rule also applies when returning to Germany.
Italy
The corona numbers are rising slightly again in Italy, but according to the health authorities, there is no reason to worry. More than 86 percent of people over the age of twelve have been vaccinated at least once, Italy is approaching normal. A prerequisite for almost all activities in public space is the “Green Pass”, i.e. proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test. Children under the age of twelve do not yet need to have a passport.
Tourists need the passport – the EU certificate common in Germany applies – for museums, cinemas, sports facilities, discos and restaurants, for example. Long-distance trains, cable cars and ferries also require the pass. When entering the country, an online registration must be completed for all adults and children aged six and over and proof of vaccination, convalescence or a Covid test must be provided.
Canada
Anyone who wants to travel to Canada as a tourist must be fully vaccinated. In addition, a negative PCR test from the 72 hours before the flight or a positive test result that is at least 14 days old must be presented. Visitors have to register with an app. Evidence of vaccinations must also be presented for travel by train or ship within Canada. In addition, numerous restrictions still apply in many places within Canada. Distance and masks are recommended and vaccination regulations apply in some places, for example when entering restaurants.
Croatia
Tourists are required to provide a certificate proving that they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested. Hotels, restaurants and cafés receive guests without restrictions, and there must be clearances between the tables. There are no 3G rules except for entry. The number of infections has recently risen sharply. The seven-day incidence, measured in terms of population, is currently more than twice as high as in Germany. From the German point of view, the country has been a high-risk area since October 24th.
Netherlands
The situation is getting worse every day. The number of infections is increasing, as is the number of patients in hospitals. The current seven-day incidence is 225. The government is considering tightening the measures. In principle, almost all restrictions have been lifted. There is no longer a minimum distance of 1.5 meters and masks only have to be worn on public transport and at airports. However, the 3G rule applies to access to restaurants, theaters, cinemas and concerts as well as major sporting events. Restaurants, including clubs and discos, close at midnight. If you don’t have a vaccination certificate, you can get tested free of charge.
Austria
The corona numbers in Austria have recently increased by leaps and bounds. The seven-day incidence is now 280. On entry you have to be tested, recovered or vaccinated. People who have been vaccinated have it easier in everyday life: apart from Vienna, they only have to wear FFP2 masks in supermarkets and public transport. For winter tourism, from November 1st, a mask and a 3G certificate are required to use the cable cars. Vaccination, convalescence or a PCR test are required to take part in après-ski fun.
Switzerland
The epidemic development is “unfavorable”, warns the Federal Office of Public Health, but tightening of corona protective measures is not initially planned. Masks must be worn on buses and trains, and inside restaurants, bars and cultural and leisure facilities, guests must demonstrate either a negative test, vaccination or recovery. The EU certificate is recognized. The first ski area outside the glacier regions is already open, in Diavolezza in the Upper Engadine. Certificates for skiing are not yet planned.
Anyone who has not been vaccinated or recovered must present a negative antigen or PCR test upon entry. In addition, all those entering the country have to enter their contact details digitally. Anyone who has not done that and is caught must pay a fine of 100 francs (around 93 euros).
Spain and Portugal
In the vacation countries that are very popular with Germans, there is no 2G. And the 3G rule in Spain and Portugal mainly only applies to nightlife, which is otherwise largely exempt from restrictions. In bars, clubs and discos in numerous regions, entry is only granted to those who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested. As always, you have to dig into your pocket for the corona tests.
The corona situation on the Iberian Peninsula is still very relaxed. The vaccination rates are among the highest in Europe and also worldwide. And the number of infections is still significantly lower than in Germany. In the course of the positive development, almost all corona restrictions have now been removed. However, some rules still have to be observed: In Spain there is still a mask requirement in public indoors and on buses and trains. Outdoors only if a minimum distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained. In Portugal you only have to wear the mouth and nose protection in public transport, theaters, cinemas and large shopping centers. The mask may be taken off outdoors.
In the meantime, a digital travel registration must still be completed for entry by air or sea. And all tourists older than twelve must present proof of vaccination or health recovery. Anyone who does not have this is obliged to show a negative PCR or antigen test.
USA
After an extensive entry ban for more than a year and a half, international travelers from Europe and other parts of the world will be able to go on trips to the USA again from November 8th. Foreigners must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to enter the country. Vaccines that have approval or emergency approval from the US Medicines Agency or the World Health Organization are accepted. This currently applies to the preparations from Biontech / Pfizer, Astrazeneca, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm and Sinovac. A combination of two different vaccines is also permitted.
Travelers must provide proof of their vaccination status to the airline before boarding a plane to the United States. Exceptions apply to children, among others. In addition to proof of vaccination, a negative corona test that is no more than three days old must be submitted for entry – in certain cases the test may not be older than one day.
In the USA, public life has long since returned, with events, restaurants, shops and hotels. In many places, masks are still required. However, the exact conditions and health requirements vary greatly from state to state. dpa
