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Branwen Jones

The European countries that have scrapped Covid restrictions for tourists

With summer fast approaching, perhaps most of us are planning on booking our next holiday. Most Covid restrictions have eased here in Wales and in the rest of the UK, and the same has happened in other countries across Europe.

There are dozens of countries in Europe that have scrapped rules around Covid testing as well as vaccination status passports for holidaymakers. If you are looking for a holiday destination with the least amount of entry requirements, these could be the destinations for you.

Read more: Holiday destinations to enjoy culinary adventure - from tasty tapas to Thai street food

Switzerland

Switzerland is the most recent European country to lift all Covid travel restrictions. While cases of new infections remain high, an evaluation concluded that there is a high level of immunity among the country's population and low risks that its healthcare system may be overwhelmed.

From May 2, the country has lifted all Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, meaning travellers can visit Switzerland regardless of vaccination status, as well as double-jabbed visitors no longer being required to show proof of vaccination to enter. On top of this, there are no social distancing or mask wearing measures in place, and no mandatory isolation requirement if you test positive for Covid-19. However, local restrictions or mandatory mask wearing and proof of vaccination may be in place in hospitals or care homes.

Greece

The gorgeous blue seas of Santorini Island, Greece. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Greek Government has confirmed that from May 1, travellers arriving from the UK, USA and European Union countries are exempt from the requirement to show a vaccine certificate, proof of a negative test, or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 to enter Greece. These entry requirements have been scrapped for both fully and non-fully vaccinated travellers.

Ireland

Since March 6, all Covid-19 travel restrictions have been removed when entering Ireland. This means that you are no longer required to complete a passenger locator form (PLF), nor do you need to show a proof of vaccination or recovery, or a Covid-19 test. However, the Irish Government encourage travellers to follow the country's public health advice if you develop symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus.

Denmark

(Getty Images)

There are no Covid-19 related restrictions on entry into Denmark. However onboard airplanes, travellers may be met with requirements regarding a Covid-19 certificate. You may be also met with requirements regarding face masks when visiting homes for the elderly, social institutions and hospitals.

On top of this, businesses and private cultural institutions are allowed to make their own requirements on face masks, shields and Covid-19 certificates. It is asked that you must comply with such requirements.

Norway

Since February, all Covid-19 entry requirements have been lifted for all travellers to Norway, which means testing, quarantining and registering are no longer required. Other restrictions have also been lifted - you do not need to wear a face mask anywhere in the country, and social distancing rules have also been lifted.

If you are infected with the virus, it is recommended that you isolate yourself for four days. Although there is no longer a testing requirement, it is recommended that adults with symptoms test themselves, but this does not apply to children.

Iceland

(PA)

All infection prevention rules for Covid-19 have been lifted at the Icelandic border, regardless of tourists’ vaccination status. There is no longer a requirement to pre-register before visiting, taking a PCR test to board an aircraft, nor testing or quarantine upon arrival. There is also no longer a requirement to present a certificate of vaccination or of prior Covid-19 infection.

Poland

If you're travelling to Poland, there are no Covid-19 restrictions in place. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination or testing for Covid-19,or to complete a passenger locator form (PLF).

According to the UK Gov website however, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, it is advised that you should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland.

Montenegro

Montenegro has removed all Covid entry requirement restrictions. It is no longer necessary to show proof of vaccination, take a pre-test travel upon arrival or return, or show a proof of recovery. However, if you are arriving directly into Montenegro you will be screened on arrival at the airport and have your temperature checked. It is also advised that you continue to wear face masks in medical facilities, homes for the elderly and on public transport.

Hungary

The Hungarian capital Budapest at night (Getty/iStockphoto)

Travel to Hungary is now unrestricted. This means that travellers can enter Hungary without the need for vaccination or immunity certificates, or any kind of test or quarantine obligation.

Vaccination certificates are no longer required for entry to indoor congresses or conferences, accommodation establishments, spas, sporting or cultural events, music and dance festivals, or outdoor events of any kind. The wearing of masks in public spaces is no longer mandatory, although some venues may still recommend their use.

Lithuania

Travellers arriving into Lithuania from any country of the world will no longer be subject to any Covid-19 requirements. You will no longer need to take a Covid-19 test before the trip, you won't need to show proof of vaccination or recovery, and will not need to fill in a questionnaire upon arrival.

Slovenia

(Getty Images)

Most visitors from the UK, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovenia. Visitors are not required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the country, nor are they required to quarantine. But some security restrictions and rules related to living in Slovenia still apply such as wearing masks in some public settings, hand disinfection, social distancing, and RVT conditions in healthcare facilities.

Romania

Since March, all restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 no longer apply in Romania. The requirement to present Covid-19 related documents and obligation to wear protective masks have been scrapped.

Madeira

Travellers reaching Madeira are no longer required to present valid Covid-19 travel documents, which includes a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon their arrival. Differently from Madeira however, mainland Portugal continues to keep in place Covid-19 entry rules. Those who wish to travel from Madeira and Porto Santo to Portugal should be prepared to be subject to measures.

Sweden

(shared content unit)

As of April, there is no longer an entry ban to Sweden. This means that the requirement to present vaccination and test certificates when entering Sweden was removed.

Latvia

Since the start of April, travellers entering Latvia no longer need to present an interoperable vaccination or recovery certificate, or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result.

Moldova

Covid-related travel requirements for passengers arriving in Moldova have been lifted, meaning no Covid-19 documentation is required to enter.

Czech Republic

Prague Castle as seen from Charles Bridge in the Czech capital (John Walton/PA Wire)

There are no longer any coronavirus restrictions for entry into the Czech Republic. Travellers will no longer need to produce proof of vaccination or pre-departure testing, nor fill in arrival forms. The post-arrival test for unvaccinated visitors has also been annulled.

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