The UK government has made wearing a face mask in shops in England mandatory from July 24.
The new law will come into force more than a month after it became a requirement for passengers to wear a covering on public transport.
With more people jetsetting abroad with the relaxation of a travel ban by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), it’s important to know the laws in place at your arrival destination so you don’t land yourself with a fine.
We’ve taken a look at what the local rules are around face masks at holiday hotspots Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, and Turkey.
Spain
The FCO travel information for Spain states that the use of face masks is obligatory to anyone over the age of six-years-old in all public spaces.
The rule is mandatory for where it’s not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres.
However, the rules around the use of face masks may vary from one region to the next, and in some parts of Spain may be mandatory even when social distancing is observed.
Therefore, travellers should refer to local authorities for information on face mask requirements.
Advice is that face masks must cover the nose and mouth, however those with health conditions or disabilities are exempt from the rule.
Penalties may be imposed if you don’t comply.
Greece
It is mandatory to wear facemasks on public transport (including flights and ferries), at airports, in taxis, in all medical facilities and in lifts.
The use of facemasks is strongly recommended in other closed spaces, but not compulsory.
France
Since May 11, wearing masks on public transport in France was made compulsory for all passengers aged 11 and over.
Fines will be issued for those that don’t comply.
Masks are also compulsory in taxis and private hire vehicles without a plexiglass screen.
President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that in August, it’ll be compulsory for people to wear masks in shops and other enclosed spaces.
Italy
In Italy, wearing a mask is mandatory in enclosed public spaces, and in all public places in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont.
This means it’s compulsory to wear masks in shops and restaurants.
Germany
Wearing a face mask is required in certain public areas in all of Germany’s 16 states, but further restrictions vary from state to state.
For more information, head to the FCO website dedicated to travel advice here.
Turkey
The FCO advice states: “The wearing of masks is obligatory throughout Turkey in crowded places and specifically in markets and supermarkets, hairdressers and barber shops.
“The wearing of masks is also compulsory on all public transport, including Metro, buses, taxis and ferries, and in some areas, masks must be worn when travelling in private vehicles with more than one person.”
In addition to the above, the wearing of face masks is mandatory at all times outside the home in the following provinces, which include major cities and some tourist areas:
Adıyaman, Afyonkarahisar, Agri, Amasya, Ankara, Ardahan, Aydın, Balıkesir, Bartın, Batman, Bilecik, Bingöl, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Çanakkale, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Düzce, Elazığ, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Giresun, Iğdır, Isparta, Istanbul, İzmir ,Kahramanmaraş, Karabük, Kayseri, Kırklareli, Kocaeli, Konya, Kütahya, Malatya, Mardin, Muğla, Muş, Nevşehir, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Siirt, Sinop, Sivas, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Tokat, Tunceli, Uşak, Yalova, Yozgat and Zonguldak.
You should check whether your accommodation is in one of these provinces before travelling.
Those who do not abide by this rule may be issued with a fine of 900 TL, which is approximately £106.
