As the world began to believe that Covid-19 restrictions in Europe were finally being loosened to allow tourists and travelers to come and enjoy the beautiful and historic continent, some Member States have taken further actions against this. Further, all actions have been completely uncoordinated, which can lead much confusion among tourists.
The following is a list of countries to have enacted or are expected to enact some form of ‘passport’ required to enter public places such as bars, restaurants, coffee shops, markets, etc. Following this list will be more detailed information as well as links to official websites to allow travelers to find out more.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Slovenia
Please bear in mind that the list above might not be all-inclusive, as most Member States have set their own rules, and they constantly change.
More detailed information and links follow:
Austria
From 15 August 2021, only people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered within 6 months, or have tested negative within 72 hours will be allowed into most public places such as bars, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, cultural centers and museums, and more.
Belgium
From 13 August 2021, those wishing to attend a live outdoor event with 1,500 people or more must apply for the Covid Safe Ticket. The ticket will purportedly allow people to attend events without social distancing or masks.
People eligible for the Covid Safe Ticket include those who have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, who have recovered from Covid-19 with 6 months, or have tested negative for Covid-19 within 2 days.
For more information about the Covid Safe Ticket, click this link.
Cyprus
Cyprus requires a Safe Pass to enter closed establishments such as restaurants, events, night clubs, entertainment/music/dance venues, bars, theaters, amphitheaters, cinemas, and almost all regular public places.
Those who are eligible for the Safe Pass include those who are fully vaccinated with an approved Covid-19 vaccine, have recovered from Covid-19 within 6 months, and those who have tested negative for Covid-19 within 7 days.
For more information about the Safe Pass, click this link.
Denmark
Denmark now requires what they call a Corona Passport for all persons going to cultural sites and attractions, sports and fitness facilities and events, religious communities and events, businesses, restaurants, bars, cafes, nurseries, schools, higher education facilities, and all other public places.
People eligible for the Corona Passport include those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered in the last 6 months, or have tested negative for it within 3 days.
For more information about the Corona Passport, click this link.
France
France now requires a health pass for those wishing to go to cafes, board a train or plane, or attend events over 1,000 people.
People eligible for the health pass are those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered within 6 months, or test negative within 3 days.
Ireland
Ireland has no official ‘passport’ for public places. However, the rules in the country state that only people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have recovered within 6 months are eligible to enter any indoor public establishment.
“Only people who are fully vaccinated or who have proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months will be able to avail of indoor hospitality during their stay in Ireland,” reads the official Irish Tourism website.
For more information about Covid-19 restrictions for tourism in Ireland, click this link.
Italy
Italy now requires that a Digital Green Certificate is required to enter restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors, pastry shops, public performances, museums and cultural centers, swimming pools, gyms, private gatherings, festivals, trade fairs, conventions, congresses, spas, fitness centers, gaming halls, betting shops, casinos, and any other public place.
Those eligible for the Digital Green Certificate are those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered in the last 6 months, or have tested negative within 3 days or application.
For more information about Covid-19 restrictions in Italy, click this link.
Latvia
Latvia now requires what is called a Latvia Covid Pass for entry into the country as well as most public establishments.
To get the Latvia Covid Pass, one must be vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered, have tested negative within 72 hours, or quarantine upon arrival.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg now requires a CovidCheck Certificate to access restaurants, bars, coffee shops, events, and most other public places.
Those eligible for the CovidCheck Certificate are those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered in the last 6 months, or have tested negative within 3 days.
For more information about the CovidCheck Certificate, click this link.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands does not have an official ‘passport.’ However, they only allow businesses that will only serve vaccinated people to be open at 100% capacity.
Portugal
There is no official ‘passport’ in Portugal. However, people wishing to visit nearly any public establishment in the country must present proof of vaccination against Covid-19, recovery, or a negative Covid-19 test no older than 72 hours.
For more information about Covid-19 restrictions in Portugal, click this link.
Slovenia
Slovenia now requires proof of vaccination against Covid-19 or proof of recovery to be allowed into many public establishments such as restaurants, hotels, apartments, camps, cultural and sporting events, public gatherings, trade fairs, conferences and congresses, music/dancing/social events, casinos, gaming halls, and most other public places.
For more information about Covid-19 restrictions in Slovenia, click this link.
