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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.
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pcr and covid test travel to europe

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-19 travel restrictions and updates

This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.

  • Travelling within the EU has mostly returned to pre-pandemic health standards.
  • A few EU COVID travel restrictions remain in place: read on to learn more.

europe-entry-restrictions

EU Member States have agreed to implement several measures and have common European entry requirements to keep the population safe.

Tourists are now welcome in Europe. However, travellers must stay up to date with the latest requirements.

This article provides further information about the remaining COVID restrictions to travel to Europe.

Which COVID vaccines are approved by the European Medical Association?

The European Medical Association (EMA) has so far approved 4 vaccines for use in the EU:

  • Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech)
  • Spikevax (Moderna)
  • Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
  • Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Currently, Individual member states may also choose to accept travellers who received a vaccine authorised for emergency use by the World Health Organisation, such as Covishield and Sinopharm.

Under the updated guidelines, all EU Member States should reopen to travellers vaccinated with WHO vaccines soon.

Proof of vaccination for travelling to the EU from a third country

EU countries that decide to lift testing and quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers should accept certificates equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate is available across Europe. Furthermore, many third-countries are issuing their own vaccine passports.

Member states establish their own rules and some may still require vaccinated travellers to have a test and/or quarantine on arrival.

EU emergency brake

The European Commission has established an emergency brake that will allow member states to restrict travel urgently and temporarily.

This may be used if the epidemiological situation in a third country rapidly deteriorates or if a variant of concern is detected there.

In such cases, the temporary restrictions will be reviewed every 2 weeks.

Travel within the EU during COVID-19

The introduction of the EU Digital COVID Certificate means freedom of movement has been restored for many European travellers.

Use of the EUDCC across Europe for COVID travel restrictions and certain local restrictions was recently extended by the European Commission until June 2023.

However, some restrictions and additional requirements remain in place. Citizens and residents of EU countries should check what they need to do to before travelling to another European nation.

Rules depend on their recent travel history and vaccination status.

Validity of EU vaccination certificates

The Commission has put forward a standard 9-month acceptance period for the EU Digital COVID certificate.

EU countries should accept vaccination certificates issued less than 9 months after the last dose of the primary vaccination programme.

This timeframe takes into account the administration of booster doses after 6 months, with an additional 3 months leeway.

Family travel to Europe

Children should be exempted from quarantine if their parents do not need to self-isolate, for example, because they have been vaccinated.

Minors under the age of 6 should not be required to take a pre-departure test.

Information about new restrictions should be made available to the public a minimum of 24 hours before they come into force.

Travellers should check the very latest information before departure.

Current travel restrictions per European Union member state

Several ETIAS countries and EU member states are starting to open up their borders to travellers who have received a COVID-19 vaccine or are coming from a safe country.

Even though the European Union has colour categorisation and a safe list, many countries have adopted their own classification of risk areas.

New rules from 2022 are aimed at avoiding diverging measures and promoting a more coordinated approach.

Find below the specifics for each European country and their entry requirements.

Travel restrictions in Austria during COVID-19

Austrialifted all COVID-19 restrictions on 16 May 2022.

Passengers no longer need to complete a pre-travel clearance form for entry to Austria.

COVID-19 travel restrictions in Belgium

Belgium has no COVID-19 restrictions. All policies were lifted on 23 May 2022.

COVID entry restrictions for Bulgaria

Bulgarialifted all COVID-19 requirements on 1 May 2022.

Croatia entry restrictions for COVID-19

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in Croatia. All requirements were lifted on 1 May 2022.

Czech Republic COVID travel requirements

The Czech Republic has no additional entry requirements. Passengers can enter with no COVID-19 documents.

Denmark travel requirements during COVID-19

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for those arriving in Denmark.

Travel restrictions in Estonia during COVID-19

From 16 June 2022, there are no COVID-19 restrictions to travel to Estonia.

COVID-19 travel restrictions in Finland

Passengers arriving to Finland can enter the country with no COVID-19 restrictions.

COVID entry restrictions for France

On August 1, France lifted all COVID requirements for incoming passengers: proof of vaccination, recovery, or test results are no longer needed to enter the country.

Germany entry restrictions for COVID-19

Germany has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions. Travellers can enter without any additional documents.

Greece COVID travel requirements

There have been no COVID-19 restrictions to travel to Greece since 1 May 2022.

Hungary travel requirements during COVID-19

All COVID-19 restrictions were lifted for Hungary on 7 March 2022.

Travel restrictions in Iceland during COVID-19

Icelandlifted all COVID-19 restrictions on 25 February 2022.

Entry requirements in Ireland for COVID-19

Since 6 March 2022, Ireland has lifted all travel restrictions.

Italy’s COVID-19 travel restrictions

Italy removed all COVID-19 requirements on 1 June 2022.

COVID entry restrictions for Latvia

Passengers do not need any COVID-19 documentation to enter Latvia.

COVID-19 travel restrictions in Liechtenstein

International passengers can enter Liechtensteinwithout any COVID-19 restrictions.

Entry requirements in Lithuania for COVID-19

All arrivals can enter Lithuania without facing any additional entry requirements.

Luxembourg entry restrictions for COVID

EU and Schengen nationals and passengers arriving from these countries can enter Luxembourg with no additional entry requirements.

All other arrivals must have either a COVID-19 vaccine certificate or proof of recovery.

Malta travel requirements during COVID-19

On July 25, Malta dropped all COVID entry restrictions for tourists.

COVID entry restrictions for the Netherlands

Passengers arriving from EU and Schengen countries, as well as their residents, do not face any additional COVID-19 restrictions to enter the Netherlands.

All other arrivals must have either a COVID-19 vaccine certificate showing full vaccination, or proof of recovery.

Norway entry restrictions for COVID-19

Norwaylifted all entry requirements on 2 March 2022.

Poland travel requirements during COVID-19

There have been no COVID-19 restrictions to enter Poland since 28 March 2022.

Portugal’s COVID-19 travel restrictions

Travellers arriving in Portugal no longer need proof of COVID vaccination or test results to enter the country.

COVID travel requirements in Slovakia

Visitors arriving from non-EU or Schengen states, or other safe countries, must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to enter Slovakia.

Slovenia restrictions on travel for COVID-19

There are no COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving in Slovenia.

COVID-19 travel restrictions in Spain

Passengers entering Spain (except for children under 12 and those in transit) from countries that are not EU or Schengen members are required to hold a valid EUDCC or the Spanish travel health certificate SpTH QR.

COVID entry restrictions for Sweden

All passengers can enter Sweden with no COVID-19 restrictions.

Switzerland travel requirements during COVID-19

Switzerland currently has no COVID-19 entry requirements for incoming passengers.

Which Countries Require a COVID-19 PCR Test for Entry?

Which Countries Require a COVID-19 PCR Test for Entry?

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, there is a chance you may require a COVID-19 PCR test for entry to your destination. The Polymerase Chain Reaction Test may be a daunting term but it is simply the process used to detect whether the COVID-19 virus is present in your body. The tests look for the presence of the RNA of the antigen to determine whether or not you may be actively infected.

Updated: 3rd March 2022

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, there is a chance you may require a COVID-19 PCR test for entry to your destination. The Polymerase Chain Reaction Test may be a daunting term but it is simply the process used to detect whether the COVID-19 virus is present in your body. The tests look for the presence of the RNA of the antigen to determine whether or not you may be actively infected.

The test itself is an unobtrusive swab of the inside of the mouth or nasal passage. It takes only a moment and, depending on where you have it done, can take just 12-24 hours for a result. Despite the advertised turnaround for results of half a day, Health and Fitness Travel, the Wellness Specialists, strongly recommend that you do not leave your testing to the 24 hours before your flight. Postal delays at private clinics could derail your travel so we advise you plan ahead.

For the expressed purpose of travel, the government advises against seeking a PCR test on the NHS as it diverts vital resources that should be used in tackling the crisis. Private medical practitioners offer appointments and walk-in PCR tests with results in 2-3 days. The costs of these tests do vary in price so it is best to shop around for the best deal and availability before booking your test.

As safety is a top priority in the current climate, many countries are requiring negative results on a PCR test before allowing any travellers access. Some countries have gone further by maintaining stricter measures: not allowing anyone entry or requiring 14-day quarantines in government facilities on arrival. To give you a comprehensive oversight of travel in 2022, we’ve compiled the latest travel advice on which countries currently require a negative covid-19 PCR test. If you are after any more advice for travelling safely and hygienically, discover our top hygiene tips whilst travelling.

St Lucia

The piton in St Lucia

This beautiful mountainous island in the West Indies is accessible and open for travel as of 4 February 2022! The gorgeous island is known for its stunning turquoise waters, exceptional nightlife, and being a hotspot for some of Hollywood’s hottest stars. With only minor restrictions and the end of a quarantine period for vaccinated travellers, the sunny, sizzling island is ripe for exploring!

Requirements for arrival

  • All travellers must complete a travel registration form and receive an approval confirmation BEFORE they can board their flights (this can be completed months in advance of travel and just the PCR results need to be loaded within five days of travel). A link to that form and FAQs can be found here https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/covid-19/international-arrivals/ .
  • A negative PCR test is required to be able to travel to Saint Lucia and MUST be uploaded to their travel registration form within five days of travel (the day of travel is counted as one of those days).
  • Fully vaccinated travellers are free to explore the island and simply need to provide proof of vaccination (NHS app or letter) which will be checked at the airport in Saint Lucia. Children travelling with fully vaccinated adults need to take a PCR test at their hotels if they want the same access to explore as their parents/guardians https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/fully-vaccinated-arrivals/ .
  • Non-vaccinated travellers are also very welcome to visit, and they need to follow points 1 and 2 and can still experience covid-certified tours and visit covid-certified restaurants, but they would need to be on the island for 14 days to be able to have the same access as fully vaccinated travellers.

Requirements for return

  • Complete a passenger locator form regardless of vaccination status.
  • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Turks & Caicos

Beach landscape in Turks and Caicos

Turks & Caicos is a Bahaman archipelago of idyllic tropical islands with quiet white beaches and peaceful blue waterways. It is a sanctuary of separation from the modern world and all the safety concerns that come with it. You can relax here, on your private island, safe in the knowledge that the natural tranquillity of this region is unlikely to be disturbed.

Requirements for arrival

  • Anyone arriving to the Turks and Caicos Islands is required to obtain pre-travel authorisation via the Turks and Caicos Islands Assured Portal . With effect from Wednesday 1 September all travellers to Turks & Caicos aged 16 and above must be fully vaccinated and all travellers aged 2 and above (including those fully vaccinated) will be required to upload on to the TCI Assured Portal.
  • COVID-19 tests and results need to have been completed within three days of the date of arrival into Turks and Caicos.
  • Travellers will also be required to provide proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover and a completed health screening questionnaire. From 1 September 2021, all visitors aged 16 and above will also need to provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 on arrival to TCI. NHS vaccine cards and/or a letter from your GP or professional body where you were fully vaccinated will be accepted as proof of your vaccination in the UK.
  • From 1 September 2021, any fully vaccinated tourist testing positive whilst in TCI must self-isolate at their own expense for a period of at least five days (5).

Requirements for return

  • Complete a passenger locator form regardless of vaccination status.
  • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

The Maldives

Maldive island in the ocean

The Maldivian Atolls dotting the middle of the Indian Ocean have long maintained a tropical mysticism. The main islands and the surrounding volcanic ridges breathe a vitality of life 1000s of miles from the mainlands of Africa or India: a green oasis in a sea of fluorescent blue. Due to its small population, the island has unique travel requirements.

Requirements for arrival:

  • Fully-vaccinated travellers who have received a negative PCR test are allowed to travel to islands that are not under monitoring without quarantining.
  • What makes the situation of the Maldives unique is that each island within the archipelago has different requirements. Here are the quarantining results for fully vaccinated travellers.
    • If the positivity rate of the island is under 5%, nothing changes and quarantine is not mandatory.
    • If the positivity rate of the island is 5-10%, a seven day (7) quarantine period is mandatory.
    • If the positivity rate of the island is over 10%, a fourteen day (14) quarantine period is mandatory.
    • Non-vaccinated travellers can only travel islands with guesthouses if:
      • 60% of the island population have completed two doses of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine;
      • 95% of all employees in the tourism sector of the island have completed two doses of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine
      • 90% of the island population over the age of 60 has completed two doses of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine

      Requirements for return

      • Complete a passenger locator form regardless of vaccination status.
      • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

      Cyprus

      Rock formations in the sea off the island of Cyprus

      The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Croatia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.

      Mountainous islands seem to have fared well when compared to some larger regions in Europe, America and Asia. Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean, is a characterful island with year-long enjoyable weather and vibrant culture. For centuries, the mountain communities have developed the mineral-rich springs for natural bathing and holistic spa therapies. A retreat in Cyprus is a chance to loosen the shoulders and cleanse the skin.

      Requirements for arrival

      The UK entered Cyprus’ Amber category on 29 April, therefore:

      • All permitted travellers must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before their journey.
      • All travellers aged 6 or above must get a SafePass to enter any establishment, which you can get for being fully vaccinated or partially vaccinated and showing a negative PCR or rapid test.
      • The Republic of Cyprus authorities have announced that from 1 May 2021 travellers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed within a specified timeframe before travel will not be required to take a pre-departure PCR test.

      Requirements for return

      • Complete a passenger locator form regardless of vaccination status.
      • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

      Portugal

      Nightscape photograph of a person on the beach in Portugal

      With restrictions loosening up, it has become relatively straightforward to travel to Portugal out of the United Kingdom. With incredible highlights such as the Algarve, Madeira, and Porto Santo, there are so many decadent retreats to embark on! Here are the most updated requirements on Portugal’s coronavirus requirements.

      Before you travel to Portugal you must:

      • Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine or test
      • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or rapid test within 24 hours of arrival.

      On arrival in England you must:

      • Complete a passenger locator form regardless of vaccination status.
      • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

      Turkey

      Landscape photograph of Bodrum, Turkey

      The southwestern region of the Bodrum peninsula is a different world to many European destinations. Asian cultural influences fuse with the Mediterranean lifestyle to create a region perfect for a summer wellness holiday. Spend your mornings in mosaic chambers filled with a cleansing steam and celebrate the afternoon by diving into the refreshing waters of the Aegean. Turkey is an ideal location for a getaway to focus on your wellbeing and expand your cultural horizons.

      Requirements for arrival:

      • All travellers over the age of 6 must fill out a Form for Entry to Turkey within 72 hours of travel.
      • Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine or test
      • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

      Requirements for return

      • Complete a passenger locator form regardless of vaccination status.
      • Non-vaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test as well as a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

      Spain

      Viewpoint lookout on the Spanish Coast

      Spain has always been a hit with holiday goers, prior to lockdown it was attracting over 80 million tourists a year. To maintain the travel industry and keep life in the vibrant coastal towns, the Spanish government has allowed visitors to enter without any complex regulations.

      Requirements for arrival

      • All travellers over the age of 6 must fill out a Spanish Health Control Form within 72 hours of travel.
      • Fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine or test. Note that your final dose has to be under 270 days before your travel.

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