For the French who go on vacation this summer 2022 in southern Europe, what is the state of the Covid-19 epidemic, while France is seeing a seventh wave rise? What are the health rules in Spain, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Portugal? franceinfo takes stock of the situation as of July 1.
What is the level of contamination?
A Frenchman leaving today will find almost the same level of contamination as ours in Portugal, Italy and Greece. In particular the number of daily contaminations in proportion to the population. On the other hand, in Spain and Croatia, the official figures announce a much less lively epidemic than in France.
>> Covid-19 figures: follow the evolution of the epidemic in France and around the world
However, it is possible that these figures are underestimated because, for example, in Spain, the Ministry of Health only monitors vulnerable populations. And in this country, the situation can be considered quite worrying in the sense that there are four times more people in hospital due to Covid than last year at this time.
Are there any restrictions on entering these countries?
There are no longer any health travel restrictions in Spain, Italy, Greece or Croatia. The health pass is no longer in effect. The health pass is no longer required and the authorities therefore no longer ask for proof of vaccination, cure or test.
On the other hand, to enter Portugal, you must have a health pass: either be vaccinated, or present a certificate of recovery, or a negative test of less than 72 hours. In addition, a location card must be completed for all passengers before departure to Portugal. This country was hit in the spring by a strong wave of the BA5 variant.
More generally, given that the epidemic is evolving, it is advisable to consult the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatie.gouv.fr, and to consult country-by-country information.
And for the mask, where do we put it?
For those who travel by plane, it is no longer compulsory to wear a mask in airports and on planes since May 11. At least that is the recommendation of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). That said, beware, things can change very quickly depending on the evolution of the pandemic in each country.
And for flights to Portugal, for example, some companies may continue to impose the mask on board. Once arrived, it remains compulsory in public transport, taxis, and in places frequented by vulnerable people.
In Spain, the rules that apply are those of the “new normal”. Wearing a mask is compulsory on public transport throughout the country, but also in pharmacies and health establishments. But in each Spanish region there may be specific measures.
In Italy, an FFP2 mask is worn on all public transport for people over the age of six – planes are not concerned. A traveler with a contact or positive case will be subject to Italian health rules, explains the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he will have to respect a strict quarantine, the duration of which differs according to the case and the variants.
In Greece, wearing a mask is mandatory on public transport, with the exception of trains. For boats, the authorities recommend wearing a mask when there are too many people and distancing is not possible.
In Croatia, wearing a mask is limited to health system and medico-social establishments.