Many media have really celebrated that from February 1, 2022, traveling within the European Union will be easier again. However, the agreement that was reached at European level is again a real mess, because Austria, for example, has not adopted it at all.
The corona crisis has often shown that heads of government and/or ministers of the EU members in Brussels or Strasbourg agree on uniform rules. No sooner had the video conference or on-site meeting ended than the success was announced. This is exactly what Austria's EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) did recently. In an OTS message, she really celebrated the success. But she obviously didn't reckon with the host, that is, her fellow minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens).
Strange, but true: Austria was involved in creating uniform travel rules for the EU area and does not implement them itself. Mückstein doesn't even think about relaxing the entry regulation based on 2Gplus (vaccinated plus PCR test, recovered plus PCR test or vaccinated three times). The Ministry of Health took no position in response to repeated inquiries as to whether Austria would adopt the EU rules and, if not, why. It is now normal for this ministry not to comment at all on “unpleasant things”.
Travelers can and must be required to inform themselves in advance about the requirements for the respective entry. In countries that require a visa, "I didn't know" cannot mean that you are still allowed to enter the country. If you make it onto the plane at all, you are usually rejected and the airline has to transport you back. Of course there is a hefty bill for that. It is well known that EU citizens usually need a visa for China or Russia. Within the EU, the restrictions still seem strange to many.
The core problem of the "agreement on uniform travel rules" is that the actual implementation is not binding for the member states. Unfortunately, it is almost de rigueur to agree on something at Union level and then not implement the compromise. Austria is not the only country that is giving up.
Travelers can therefore under no circumstances rely on statements by politicians quoted in media reports. At the moment there is nothing left but to find out before you leave which requirements have to be met for entry into the destination country. It is also an advantage if you check what you need to have with you for returning to your country of residence.
Overview (selection) of deviating rules
Austria continues to practice the so-called 2Gplus rule. Persons who cannot prove triple vaccination against Covid-19 must also present a negative PCR test. The unvaccinated are quarantined for XNUMX days. Free testing is possible after five days. The test can also be made up for in Austria. In this case, the pre-travel clearance must be filled out. If you have been vaccinated three times, you do not need the PTC - no matter which state you are from.
The Mediterranean State Malta does not change the entry rules either. You still have to prove your 2G status. Those who have recovered must be particularly careful not to exceed the maximum period, otherwise entry could be denied without a booster vaccination. Those who have been vaccinated must also note that they may need the booster vaccination. The unvaccinated cannot enter the country without paying for a hotel quarantine.
The Slovakia continues to require quarantine for unvaccinated people. This lasts at least five days. The rule also affects those who have recovered who have only received one dose so far. Those who have been vaccinated three times or have recovered with two vaccinations are exempt. The submission of a negative corona test does not lead to any relief in Slovakia.
The situation is similar, but a little different, in Czechia. Here everyone needs a negative corona test. This does not apply to travelers who can provide proof of three vaccinations. There are also greatly simplified rules for so-called “local border traffic” up to a maximum duration of 24 hours.
Italy simplified the entry regulations only a few days ago. The submission of a negative test result was canceled for vaccinated and recovered people. Unvaccinated people can travel the country again with a negative result. The EU recommendation has largely been adopted, but it is important to point out that the regional governments sometimes have different provisions. You should find out about this before you travel. Caution! Italy continues to have the 2G rule in many areas of daily life. This means, for example, that you are not allowed to use hotels, restaurants or ski lifts without 2G proof. Public transport is also subject to 2G.
In France you also have to observe special regional regulations, since the regional governments are allowed to tighten them up. Those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered can usually enter the country without any further requirements. Unvaccinated people must note that both the PCR and the antigen results must not be more than 24 hours old. It is important to draw attention to a major "trap" here, because the use of public transport - including domestic flights - is linked to 2G status. This can mean that you are stranded in Paris, for example, because the airline is allowed to transport unvaccinated people to France internationally, but not within the country.
The Mediterranean States Cyprus, Portugal and Greece deviate from the EU 3G rule in that all people who want to enter the country must also present a negative corona test result, regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. In Cyprus, another test must be completed after entry.
Bulgaria, Finland and Denmark have replaced the previous set of rules with 3G. It has largely adopted the agreement reached at EU level. Finland also announced that the “corona border controls” would be discontinued. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia still make entry dependent on where you have been in the last seven days. Only vaccinated and recovered benefit from relief. Unvaccinated people can go into quarantine despite a negative test.
A special feature is in Romania and Ireland to note. Although the two states are switching back to 3G, the results of rapid antigen tests are not recognized. In concrete terms, this means that unvaccinated people must present a negative PCR result to enter the country without being in quarantine.
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