COVID-19 tests for travel to Europe
A number of European Union (EU) countries are now asking international travellers to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) prior to their trip as a requirement for entry.
With the rise of mutant strains of coronavirus in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil, the bloc has moved to tighten its restrictions as a whole, while individual member states have taken their own measures. COVID testing for travel to Europe is not yet a requirement for every country, but it is necessary to enter France and Belgium, among others.
In some cases, these measures affect individuals travelling between countries in the EU/Schengen Area, as well as those from third countries, who must have an essential reason to be allowed entry to most Schengen member states at all.
Who needs a COVID test for Europe?
Many travellers must now take a COVID test for travel to Europe or between European countries thanks to the Schengen Area’s coronavirus travel restrictions.
Currently, the guidelines for countries in the EU and/or Schengen Area are to prohibit entry to passengers from outside the bloc. Most member states only allow nationals, residents, and/or individuals arriving from other EU and Schengen countries to enter their territory.
Those third-country nationals who are permitted to enter EU countries must generally have an essential reason for doing so or be exempt from the travel ban for a specific reason. In many cases, travellers such as these must carry a medical certificate showing that they tested negative for COVID-19 in the days leading up to the trip.
A number of EU/Schengen countries have also introduced a coronavirus test requirement for individuals arriving from other states in the European bloc.
As the entry regulations have been changing frequently during the pandemic, it is important to keep up to date with the travel requirements for destinations in Europe.
COVID-19 test regulations for the EU
Currently, there is no one rule for all EU and Schengen countries. Each sovereign state decides its own immigration policy and entry requirements, including restrictions due to coronavirus. While the European Commission provides advice, member states are not obliged to comply.
However, French President Macron has called for a coordinated effort from all EU countries to standardise testing requirements and practices as well as quarantine measures.
This echoes demands from Spain and Denmark to introduce a standard COVID-19 vaccination certificate to allow travel to all EU countries.
In the meantime, EU countries continue to manage their own measures. For example, France requires all incoming travelers from non-EU/Schengen locations to have a negative PCR test result from within the previous 72 hours and has announced that it will extend this policy to those arriving from within the EU.
Which Schengen countries require a COVID test?
The majority of Schengen member states now require third-country nationals to take a test before travelling and many also ask arrivals from other European countries to carry a medical certificate showing a negative test result.
Notable exceptions that do not currently require any travellers to have a negative test result to enter include the following countries:
- Austria
- Finland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Poland
Certain Schengen nations like Finland do not insist that international travellers get tested before departing for their destination, but allow this as an alternative to other measures such as quarantine or being tested on arrival.
In addition, some EU countries ask that only people arriving from certain countries test negative before entering, while those arriving from other locations do not require one.
Some countries give an exemption to passengers who can prove they have already recovered from coronavirus with a positive test result from a sufficient amount of time prior to the trip and/or a medical discharge.
Which COVID test is needed for entry to Europe?
The type(s) of coronavirus test accepted for entry depends on the destination country. The most commonly required is a PCR test for travel to Europe.
See below the current tests asked for by each Schengen member state and the maximum period of time before departure/arrival that the test must be taken.
- Austria — PCR or antigen (72 hours before arrival)
- Belgium — PCR (72 hours before departure)
- Czechia — PCR (72 hours before departure) or antigen test (24 hours before departure)
- Denmark — PCR or antigen (24 hours before departure)
- Estonia — PCR (72 hours before arrival)
- Finland — PCR or antigen (72 hours before arrival) or test on arrival/quarantine
- France — PCR (72 hours before departure)
- Germany — PCR, RT-LAMP, or TMA (48 hours before arrival)
- Greece — PCR (72 hours before arrival)
- Hungary — none
- Iceland — optional positive test at least 14 days before entering
- Italy — molecular or antigen (48 hours before arrival)
- Latvia — any type of test (72 hours before departure)
- Liechtenstein — (see Switzerland and Austria)
- Lithuania — PCR or antigen (48 hours before arrival)
- Luxembourg — test that detects SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid or rapid antigen (72 hours before departure)
- Malta — RT-PCR (72 hours before departure)
- Netherlands — molecular PCR (72 hours before arrival) AND rapid antigen, molecular, PCR, NAAT, TMA-ID-NOW, or LAMP test at the airport (4 hours before the flight)
- Norway — PCR or rapid antigen (24 hours before departure)
- Poland — none
- Portugal — PCR (mainland, Madeira) or RT-PCR (Azores) (72 hours before departure)
- Slovakia — RT-PCR test performed in EU/Schengen countries or the UK / antigen test performed in Austria or Czechia
- Slovenia — PCR or rapid antigen (48 hours before arrival)
- Spain — RT-PCR or TMA (72 hours before arrival)
- Sweden — PCR, LAMP, or antigen (48 hours before arrival)
- Switzerland — molecular test (72 hours before departure)
Bear in mind that in some cases, only travellers arriving from certain locations require the test, while in other cases, a negative test result is an alternative to quarantine, testing on arrival, or having previously tested positive and having proof of medical discharge.
Can you get a COVID-19 test on arrival in the EU?
Certain EU member countries offer the possibility of COVID-19 airport testing on arrival for travellers who have not taken a test in advance. In some cases, the individual must also undergo quarantine for a length of time after arrival.
COVID-19 testing and quarantine of air travellers is mandatory for travellers entering Iceland unless the traveller has proof of having recovered from COVID-19 previously.
The following countries allow testing on arrival as an alternative to getting tested before travelling:
- Austria (within 24 hours of arrival)
- Estonia (optional to get out of quarantine early)
- Finland
- Lithuania
The following countries require incoming travellers to be tested on arrival in addition to taking a test before embarking:
- Belgium
- Czechia (certain travellers)
- Denmark
- France (certain travellers)
- Germany
- Greece (when arriving from the UK only)
- Italy (if the individual has been in the UK in the past 14 days only)
- Latvia (certain travellers)
- Luxembourg (certain travellers)
- Norway
- Slovakia (certain travellers)
Our etias.info collaborator Lauren Kemp writes about everything you need to know to travel to Europe safely and easily. Kemp’s content covers the European Union’s travel regulations, tourist hotspots, international relations, and more.
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PCR & COVID testing to travel to Europe: latest updates
This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.
- Europe’s COVID-19 travel rules previously emphasised pre-arrival coronavirus testing, although more and more states are lifting regulations.
- Some EU Member States still require specific COVID-19 documentation to enter: learn more in the article below.
Europe is cautiously opening up its borders again and welcoming international travellers.
However, certain European Union states maintain rules and restrictions to be followed by all visitors.
Follow this simple guide to COVID tests to travel to Europe to stay safe during your travels.
Pandemic EU guidelines for Member States updated
The European Union promotes a coordinated approach to travel during the pandemic: EU entry restrictions have provided the basis for measures taken by individual Member States. However, member states can set their own restrictions on foreign visitors.
This article explains Europe’s new COVID-19 travel rules, with a focus on testing requirements for travelling to Europe from third countries.
COVID-19 testing for travel to Europe
Requiring individuals to have a negative coronavirus test before travelling to Europe has been a global way of preventing the virus from spreading across borders.
Mandatory COVID-19 testing for travel to certain European states is one of the measures put forth by the EU.
Travellers should check the specific requirements of the EU Member State they wish to visit to see whether they need a test and which kinds are accepted.
As well as protecting public health in Europe, mandatory testing requirements reduce the chances of getting COVID-19 when travelling.
Which European countries require a COVID-19 test before arrival?
The European Union aims to offer a standardised approach to coronavirus entry restrictions across the bloc. Nevertheless, Member States are free to establish their own regulations meaning that travellers will find some differences between the requirements imposed by each nation.
In some cases, only travellers arriving from high-risk zones, or who have been in high-risk countries in the last 14 days, are required to take a test. It is essential that individuals planning to visit Europe from a third country consult the testing requirements based on where they are departing from.
Airline passengers who arrive without a test certificate usually undergo COVID-19 airport testing and face paying a fine.
Austria
Austria currently has no COVID-19 restrictions for visitors.
Belgium
Belgium removed all COVID-19 entry requirements on 23 May 2022.
France
Since the beginning of August, all testing requirements for travellers entering France have been dropped.
Germany
There are no COVID-19 requirements to enter Germany.
Greece
Greece lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on 1 May 2022.
Italy
There are no COVID-19 entry requirements to travel to Italy.
Portugal
All COVID regulations for incoming passengers to Portugal have been lifted.
Spain
Passengers arriving from EU and EEA countries, including residents and nationals, do not need to show any COVID-19 documents.
All other visitors must show either proof of 1 of the following:
- Full vaccination against COVID-19
- Recovery from the virus within the last 180 days
- Negative COVID-19 test result
All passengers not in possession of an EU COVID Certificate or equivalent must complete a Health Control Form before departure.
Other European countries that require a COVID-19 test to enter
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Slovakia
Special cases and exemptions may apply. Coronavirus testing requirements may be introduced or changed at short notice, travellers must ensure they are fully informed regarding entry procedures before departure.
Which type of COVID-19 test is required to travel to Europe?
There are 2 different categories of COVID-19 test:
- Viral test: detects whether an individual is infected at the time of the test
- Antibody test: detects whether an individual has been infected in the past
To travel, a viral test is needed as it is important to know whether someone is currently carrying the virus. Within the viral category there are then 2 types of test:
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): detect genetic material and are usually more accurate but results can take longer
- Antigen test: detect viral proteins and are generally less sensitive, but results are available more quickly.
Different European countries have different rules regarding the type of testing, not all authorities accept antibody tests.
PCR tests for travelling to Europe are the most widely accepted given their increased sensitivity and ability to pick up even small amounts of the virus.
How to get a coronavirus test to travel to Europe
Travellers who do need a negative COVID-19 result to enter a European destination need to arrange a test no more than 3 days before departure.
In general, individuals will need to pay to have a Covid test for international travel to Europe at a private clinic. However, some countries, like France, will provide free PCR tests to tourists.
Europol warns Member States about fake certificates
Europol has warned Member States about fake COVID-19 certificates being sold in Europe. Criminals are producing high-quality counterfeit and forged certificates and selling them at airports, stations, and online.
Arrests have been made in France and Spain, the suspects accused of selling fake certificates.
Do I need a COVID-19 test to travel to Europe if I’m vaccinated?
Now that coronavirus vaccines are being rolled out across many countries, immunised travellers may be wondering whether they need a Covid test to travel to Europe.
In most cases, vaccinated people are still subject to the same requirements as non-vaccinated. Some European countries are now accepting vaccination certificates instead of negative test results.
The introduction of an European Digital COVID Certificate could lead to a relaxation of entry requirements, such as testing, for vaccinated EU citizens.
There are currently no common vaccine requirements to travel to Europe, however, vaccine certificates may be used together with other measures in the near future.
COVID-19 testing and quarantine of air travellers
Having a negative COVID-19 test certificate does not usually exempt a traveller from quarantine requirements. If a visitor is subject to quarantine based on the country they have travelled from they will need to self-isolate in Europe despite having a negative test certificate unless otherwise stated.
In some cases, a second negative PCR test can be taken around day 5 of the quarantine period, provided the results are negative the length of the isolation period may be reduced.
The EU favours testing before departure over quarantine when possible. However, the European Union does stress the need for travellers from dark red, high-risk areas to present a negative test result and undergo quarantine.
All passengers should check the latest rules for the European nation they are visiting.
Passenger locator forms for Europe
Passenger Locator Forms (PLFs) are another tool being used by the EU. Their importance was highlighted in Europe’s new COVID-19 travel rules. PLFs allow authorities to trace individuals who have been in close contact with an infected passenger when using transportation services.
The EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action has created a single template for digital passenger locator forms to be used throughout Europe. It is for all types of transport: aeroplane, ferry, cruise, train, bus, and car.
Most EU countries have now removed the PLF requirement.
Getting tested for COVID-19 in Europe
Foreigners who develop coronavirus symptoms whilst travelling should isolate and avoid contact with others as soon as they begin to feel unwell.
Travellers can speak with their nearest embassy or consulate for advice and information about where to go and the procedure to follow. EU Member States also have special coronavirus helplines to call.
Anyone who is diagnosed with COVID-19 when travelling should follow the instructions of the healthcare professional, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
It is more important than ever for travellers to take out insurance for their trip to Europe to cover any hospital treatment for the coronavirus in a foreign hospital. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card when visiting another EU nation.
EU: COVID vaccines for travel to Europe
This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.
- COVID-19 vaccine certificates are still an important safety measure for international travel. The European Union and Schengen Area recognise a number of vaccines.
- Visitors can enjoy a trip to Europe as long as they meet the remaining coronavirus vaccination requirements.
COVID-19 vaccines are now part of the health travel requirements to travel to Europe. Some European states still require incoming travellers to be fully vaccinated.
The European Union (EU) recommends that member countries demand proof of vaccination from international arrivals as part of the EU travel restrictions.
Each country makes its own rules for arriving passengers. Most members of the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) took measures in line with this advice.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) was created in 2021 to serve as a vaccine passport for Europe. COVID vaccination certificates issued in many other countries are now accepted as equivalents of the EUDCC.
Does Europe require COVID vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccine requirements in Europe depend on the individual country. Many nations have now removed their vaccine policy, while others maintain it.
Some countries allow passengers arriving from EU nations to enter without a vaccine certificate, but require those arriving from other countries to be vaccinated.
The vaccine used must be one of those approved for use and recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Which COVID vaccine do you need to travel to Europe?
All countries in the EU and Schengen Area accept the following COVID-19 vaccines, which are recognised by the EMA:
- AstraZeneca
- Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
- Moderna
- Nuvaxoid
- Pfizer-BioNTech
Some countries also accept the following vaccines, which have been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), but not the EMA:
Can I travel to Europe if I get the COVID vaccine?
In most cases, yes. The majority of countries in the EU and EFTA allow travellers to enter from outside Europe if they have proof that they are fully vaccinated.
It is important to remember that the rules and restrictions depend on the destination country. Each European country is responsible for its own policies. These have changed frequently throughout the pandemic, so it is essential to check what you need for the specific country (or countries) you plan to visit.
It is also worth noting that fully vaccinated passengers entering a European country may still be subject to certain restrictions. These may include:
- Testing before travelling
- Testing on arrival
- Quarantine on arrival
Can you travel to Europe without a vaccine?
Yes, many European countries have now reopened their borders to all travellers, including those not vaccinated against COVID-19. However, considering that the pandemic is still ongoing, vaccines and testing are still recommended before travel.
Travelling the EU with a vaccine passport
Travelling between EU or Schengen member states during the pandemic may require an EU vaccine passport or an accepted equivalent from a non-EU country.
The exact rules depend on the country, but most only allow entry to travellers who have 1 or more of the following:
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of recent recovery from COVID-19
- Negative test result
All of these are displayed on the EUDCC.
This means that it is possible to travel between some European countries without a vaccination. However, by being able to show proof of vaccination, travellers face fewer obstacles when visiting another EU country.
Countries that require a COVID vaccine to travel: Europe
Some EU and EFTA countries still have a requirement for travellers to prove that they are not at risk of carrying coronavirus:
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Slovakia
- Spain
Proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result are also accepted in many cases.
The rules for entry change fairly frequently, so it is vital to check what you need to enter your destination country before travelling.
COVID vaccine to travel to Europe in 2022: What passengers can do now
Travellers who are planning to visit Europe and other areas in 2022 can do the following to prepare for their trip:
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