A combination of lower COVID-19 infection numbers and an approaching summer season has resulted in many EU countries easing entry regulations.
20 EU countries that have dropped entry regulations
According to Schengenvisainfo, the following European Union/European Economic Area countries have removed all of their entry rules so far:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Travellers attempting to visit these destinations from both EU countries or third countries will be allowed restriction-free entry. This means that all travellers will no longer need to present a valid COVID-19 Pass, a vaccination certificate, certificate of recovery, or a test certificate. This, essentially, creates hassle-free travel, making travel as simple as it was during pre-COVID times.
Whilst certain countries had already lifted their entry requirements earlier this year, some only did so recently. Popular destinations like Italy and Greece are two of said countries who only recently dropped entry rules. Previously, these countries had required that all travellers present a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon entry.
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Some countries continue to restrict entry
While 20 is a rather impressive number, some EU countries, and popular destinations at that, continue to keep some COVID-19 restrictions in place. These countries include France, Spain, and Germany, among others. Although they have facilitated most of their rules, travellers to these countries will still need to present a valid vaccination certificate, proof of recovery or a test certificate.
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