Countries across Europe are beginning to bring in new rules for passengers and locals looking to avail of newly reopened indoor services from restaurants and bars to tourist attractions and events.
The need for a digital green cert is becoming more widely expected as a means of containing the spread of Covid-19.
If you’re vaccinated or have recently recovered from the virus, then you have your entry sorted for a minimum of 6 months, but if you are neither then you’re likely travelling with a negative test cert that is only valid for 48-72 hours.
Depending on your destination and length of your stay, you may need to sort more tests in order to avail of indoor services while you’re away.
If you’re headed for the holiday hotspots like Spain and Portugal, their tourism websites give you lists and prices for PCR tests so that when your pass runs out, you can get your hands on a new one.
Here’s a list of holiday hotspots using the green cert for entry and where you can find local testing centres in each.
Austria
A Digital Green Certificate is needed in Austria for entry to all bars, cafes, restaurants, theatres, hotels, sports facilities.
As well as that, recently reopened businesses for personal grooming require proof of vaccination, a negative test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19.
All the information you need for tests when you’re in Austria is here.
Cyprus
All tourists and locals heading to indoor restaurants, bars and other venues in Cyprus must have a Cert showing proof that you received your final vaccine dose at least three weeks prior, recovered at least two weeks before or have a negative test.
You will need to download their app, which functions separately from the European system. More information can be found here.
France
New restrictions brought into effect on August 9, mean that people travelling to and living in France need a green pass to attend events with over 1000 people in attendance.
They are issued to those fully vaccinated from COVID-19 or those that have recovered from it in the past 6 months.
People with negative PCR and antigen tests less than 48 hours old are also able to access the green pass - find out more here.
Greece
From September 13, all passengers and citizens will need a Covid pass to access all indoor venues, from bars and restaurants to attractions and events.
They allow proof of full vaccination and recovery, as well as in date PCR tests. If you need to book one during your trip, you can find out where here.
Italy
A Covid green pass is required for all public, indoor venues in Italy as well as some outdoor water attractions.
You only need proof that you have received at least one dose of the vaccine, have recovered from the virus or tested negative in the previous 48 hours.
You can find testing centres locally here.
Portugal
A Digital Green Cert is needed at all accommodation, spas, casinos, indoor bars and events with over 500 people in attendance.
Restaurants require proof of a COVID vaccination or a negative test on Friday evenings after 7pm and on weekends and public holidays.
You can find test centres here.
