Although entry requirements have been relaxed in Europe, as elsewhere in the world, proof of vaccination, and sometimes testing for COVID-19, is still required in many countries. Overview of the measures in force, which, as you know, are set to change.
Posted at 11:30 a.m.
welcome everyone
The sixth wave will not have slowed down the desire of certain countries to abolish all restrictions on travellers. In recent weeks, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Montenegro and, more recently, the Czech Republic have dropped all requirements for test or vaccination. Wearing a mask in public places is also no longer compulsory in the majority of these countries.
Vaccination proof often required
Vaccination proof remains the standard for countries that have not yet fully lifted restrictions. Most European countries welcome fully vaccinated Canadians without additional restrictions, provided they show proof of vaccination on arrival. It should also be noted that several countries ask travelers to fill out a form before their arrival.
A few countries, such as Switzerland and Spain, refuse entry to unvaccinated Canadian travellers. The others ask them to present the results of a negative screening test for COVID-19, PCR or antigen. But still it would be necessary to find a way to reach Europe without having received its doses since proof of vaccination is required to board a plane in Canada, for all passengers over 12 years and 4 months, little matter its destination.
PHOTO CLÉMENT MAHOUDEAU, FRANCE-PRESSE AGENCY
Since 1er February, France requires, for people aged 18 and over, a booster dose for messenger RNA vaccines “no later than nine months following the injection of the last required dose”.
A booster dose for France
Canada is currently on the list of countries defined as a “green zone” by France. Thus, for vaccinated travellers, no further test is required to enter the country. Those who are not must still present a negative test to be granted entry. Children under 12 are not subject to this requirement. Note: since 1er February, France requires, for people aged 18 and over, a booster dose for messenger RNA vaccines “no later than nine months following the injection of the last required dose”.
France, like Italy, still asks travelers to first complete the “passenger locator form” which allows public health authorities to reach them in the event of exposure to the virus.
In transit, what rules apply?
In most cases, passengers in transit are not subject to the entry requirements of the country where they are stopping over, but some countries may require it depending on the fluctuation of cases and the sanitary measures in place, indicates Marie-Christine Pouliot, spokesperson for Air Transat. It is therefore better to inquire before departure.
In case of symptoms of COVID-19
Do you have symptoms of COVID-19? You cannot board an aircraft departing from or arriving in Canada. The same applies if you have been infected with COVID-19 during the 10 days preceding departure. ” The travellers [malades] are allowed to board a flight if they are able to present a medical certificate attesting that their symptoms are not related to COVID-19 or if they have a COVID test result -19 valid,” says Sau Sau Liu, Senior Communications Advisor for Transport Canada.
Return to Canada
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
To return to Canada, screening tests are no longer mandatory for vaccinated travellers.
To return to Canada, screening tests are no longer mandatory for vaccinated travellers. Random tests can however be carried out at the airport of arrival, but there is no requirement to self-isolate while waiting for the results. Anyone entering the country must complete the ArriveCAN form and provide proof before boarding.
Where to get information?
Country-specific entry requirements are usually listed on government sites. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers a regularly updated interactive map of the various country restrictions. The Kayak flight comparator also offers a similar tool, with, as a bonus, the vaccination rate in each country.
Airlines, including Air Transat and Air Canada in French, also offer easy-to-use practical guides.
Accuracy
In the version of this text published in La Presse+, it was indicated that a screening test was required of any Canadian wishing to enter Greece. However, this is no longer the case for people who present proof of vaccination. Our apologies.