Several countries are now easing their restrictions. The UK is the furthest along, and is expected to return to normal everyday life on June 21 after successful mass vaccination. However, quarantine is still required for Swedish tourists who want to take a trip to London.
In summer favorites like Cyprus and Greece, a vaccination certificate can serve as an entry ticket – but once there, there are still several restrictions to consider.
Di has updated the list of what applies to travel within the EU as well as for some of the most popular travel destinations.
Ahead of the Easter weekend, Di gave a major review of what applied to 35 countries when it comes to entry and residence in the country. Now many of the countries, but not all, have eased their restrictions and the conditions for travel have changed.
The UK has been one of the countries that has suffered the toughest restrictions during the pandemic year with lockdown and isolation. But after a successful mass vaccination in the spring, where 70 percent of the adult population has now received their first dose, the country chose to open up parts of society on May 17 – with the goal of easing all restrictions on June 21. It is now possible for people from different families to meet indoors, restaurants and bars also allow guests to stay indoors and up to 30 people can meet outdoors.
But there are still strict restrictions for those who want to visit the UK. A negative Covid test combined with a ten-day quarantine applies to Swedish tourists who are keen on a trip to London. The Netherlands also requires a negative Covid test and a ten-day quarantine for incoming Swedes – and in Norway the border is still closed.
In some EU countries, it is required both a certificate of negative covid test at the grass and another test once you are inside the country. Examples of this are Denmark and France. However, several countries, including Denmark, are open to vaccinated people being able to travel into the country upon presentation of a certificate. Even tourist favorites such as Greece and Cyprus are opening up to vaccinated people being able to travel into the country without requiring a covid test. However, a number of restrictions await to be taken into account in both Greece and Cyprus. For example, Cyprus has a curfew after midnight and recently introduced a so-called "Flight pass" that you must apply for in advance - which gives you the right to move more freely in the country.
If you're looking forward to a day at the beach in Greece, it's important to reserve your sun lounger in time. A maximum of two people outside the family are allowed to share a parasol, and only 80 people are allowed to stay on an area of 1,000 square meters. That means almost 13 square meters per person.
Below, Di has reviewed what applies to entry into 26 EU countries and nine countries outside the EU. The list is from 18 May 2021 with information from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' app Resklar and the EU's official website. ”"reopen" site.
Belgium
Closed border for tourists is now open. But quarantine applies to everyone who comes from a red zone to which Sweden belongs, quarantine can be shortened with a negative covid test. In addition, a negative covid test is required no more than 72 hours old and to be tested again on the seventh day after arrival in Belgium.
This applies in Belgium: The new rules will come into effect from June 9. Then each family will be allowed to have a maximum of four people in the home (children not included), restaurants will open and will be open indoors until 10 pm and outdoors until 11:30 pm with a maximum of four people around each table. Indoor events with a maximum of 200 people or 75 percent of the seating capacity will be allowed. Face masks and distance between seats are mandatory. Outdoors, up to 400 people will be allowed at events if it is possible to keep a distance. Belgium is also opening up so that children and adults can return to sports activities. Cinemas, spas, amusement parks, etc. will reopen with restrictions.
Bulgaria
Requirement for a negative Covid test no more than 72 hours old. From May 1st, you can also alternatively show a vaccination certificate or certificate of having had Covid-19.
This applies in Bulgaria: Different restrictions in different parts of the country.
Cyprus
From May 10, tourists from the EU and other countries who are vaccinated will be welcomed. Otherwise, a negative covid test no more than 72 hours old and an additional covid test once you arrive at your own expense of 30 euros applies. Children under the age of twelve are exempt. Cyprus has also created an electronic portal, the Cyprus Flight Pass, a kind of entry permit that must be applied for in advance. If the permit is not obtained, a fine of 300 euros is expected, or a ban on entering the country.
This applies in Cyprus: Mandatory face masks in public places outdoors and indoors. Failure to comply risks a fine of 300 euros. Curfew applies between 00:00 and 05:00, special permission is required to move outside the home. Requirement for a so-called "safepass" to visit shopping centers, cafes and restaurants. The Safepass contains either a negative covid test not older than 72 hours, proof of vaccination of at least one dose of vaccine or proof that you have had covid-19 in the last six months. For tourists, a Flight pass can give the same rights as a Safepass.
Denmark
Requirement for negative covid test max 48 or 72 hours depending on where in Sweden you are traveling from. Additional test required once you are in Denmark. Vaccination certificate works as an alternative, then no test is required in Denmark. Requirement for quarantine for 10 days if you do not live in Skåne, Blekinge, Halland and Västra Götaland or are fully vaccinated. Requirement for quarantine is expected to disappear on June 26.
This applies in Denmark: New rules apply from May 6 for those who have a so-called corona passport. A corona passport contains a vaccination certificate, negative covid test or certificate that you have had covid-19. Restaurants, bars and cafes indoors are open to those with a corona passport and outdoors to those without a corona passport. Alcohol may be served until 10:00 p.m. Private events can be held for a maximum of 25 people indoors and 75 people outdoors. Museums, art galleries and libraries are open to those who can show a corona passport. Concerts, theaters and cinemas will open if seating can be offered for up to 2,000 people if there are sections with a maximum of 500 people in each. Public gatherings of a maximum of 500 people.
Finland
Closed border for tourists – current travel restrictions apply until May 27.
This applies in Finland: Different restrictions in different parts of the country. Restaurants are open from April 19, but must follow restrictions adapted to each area. The same applies to indoor and outdoor gatherings.
France
Negative COVID test required, no more than 72 hours old, for anyone over 11 years old. Another test required upon arrival.
This applies in France: From May 19, France will ease restrictions. The curfew remains in place but is being shortened, now in effect from 9 p.m. and from June 9 from 11 p.m. The goal is to lift the curfew on June 30. Shops, cinemas and museums will once again open their doors to visitors, and public events may be held with a maximum of 800 seated spectators indoors and a maximum of 1,000 seated spectators outdoors. Cafés and restaurants will also be allowed to open, but only from June 9, with a maximum of six people at each table.
Estonia
Requirement to quarantine for ten days upon entry. Isolation can be shortened if two negative COVID tests are obtained. Quarantine is not required if you can prove that you have had COVID-19 within six months or have been vaccinated.
This applies in Estonia: Restrictions on distance learning and sports were eased on May 17. Events of up to 100 people are allowed. Museums, cinemas, theatres, etc. will open on May 24, and will then be allowed to accommodate 50 percent of the maximum number of guests, but a maximum of 200 people. Swimming pools, spas and playgrounds are expected to be able to open on May 30.
Greece
A vaccination certificate can replace a negative Covid test, alternatively a certificate that you have had Covid-19 within nine months. Otherwise, a negative Covid test no more than 72 hours old is valid for anyone over 5 years of age. Greek authorities also reserve the right to test all travellers regardless of age upon entry. Should a positive result be shown, the traveller will be quarantined for 14 days either at the address provided by the traveller or accommodation provided by the Greek authorities.
This applies in Greece: Mandatory face masks indoors and outdoors, if you do not follow the rules you risk a fine of 300 euros. Travel between regions is not allowed. Maximum 3 people in groups for visits to indoor environments. Restaurants are open until 10:45 pm but you can only sit on outdoor terraces. In bars, two people can sit with a distance from the next couple. Cinemas remain closed and concerts are not allowed. The beach also has restrictions. A maximum of two people outside families are allowed to stay together on the beach – and a maximum of 80 people per 1,000 square meters.
Ireland
Requirement for covid test max 72 hours old and quarantine for 14 days. This applies in Ireland: New restrictions from May mean that you can be seen in larger groups both indoors and outdoors, but a maximum of 15 people. Shopping malls, shops and hairdressers open. In June, hotels will open again and restaurants where a maximum of 6 people can sit on an outdoor terrace.
Iceland
Swedish tourists are not allowed to enter Iceland because Sweden is a high-risk area. Valid until the end of May.
This applies in Iceland: Ban on gatherings of more than 50 people. Restaurants are open until 11:00 PM with special "quarantine compartments" of a maximum of 30 people. Bars and entertainment venues are open with the same rules. Swimming pools and gyms are open but can accommodate a maximum of 75 percent of their capacity.
Italy
Requirement for a covid test no more than 48 hours old for everyone over two years old. This applies in Italy: Curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Ban on public gatherings and spectators in stadiums. Discos and dance halls remain closed. The country's residents are urged to avoid traveling within the country. Bars and restaurants are open and it is allowed to sit on outdoor terraces until 10:00 p.m. However, different restrictions apply in different parts of the country.
Croatia
Requirement for a vaccination certificate or negative covid test that is no more than 48 hours old or a certificate of having had covid-19. This applies in Croatia: Requirement for face masks in public spaces and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained. Restaurants, cafes and bars with outdoor seating are open. Max. 25 people at public gatherings and max. 10 at private ones.
Latvia
Closed border for Swedish tourists. This applies in Latvia: Requirement to wear a face mask in public places and on public transport. Theaters and cinemas are closed. Restaurants are closed except for takeout. Those who do not follow the restrictions risk fines.
Lithuania
Requirement of negative covid test max 72 hours old and quarantine. This applies in Lithuania: Allowed to be outdoors in groups of no more than five people or in groups of two families or two households. Most hotels and shops are open. Theaters, cinemas, gyms, bars etc. are open but operate under limited rules. Some restaurants offer takeaway, some also have the option of eating outdoors.
Luxembourg
Requirement of negative Covid test. This applies in Luxembourg: Curfew between 00:00 and 06:00. Ban on gatherings of more than 100 people. If there are more than ten people, a seat must be assigned. Requirement of face masks for gatherings of more than four people and in transport and public spaces where it is difficult to keep a distance. Ban on consuming alcohol in public places. From April 7, outdoor cafes have been allowed to stay open until 6 p.m.
Malta
Requirement for a negative COVID test that is no more than 72 hours old. Random tests are also done at the airport.
This applies in Malta: A maximum of two people outside the household are allowed to be seen. The use of face masks is mandatory for people from the age of 3 in all public places both indoors and outdoors, otherwise you risk a fine of 100 euros. Restaurants, kiosks and snack bars can only offer takeaway.
Netherlands
Requirement for a negative Covid test that is no more than 72 hours old and a negative result for a rapid test that is no older than four hours before boarding a plane to the Netherlands. For Swedes, a quarantine of ten days also applies, which can be shortened to five days if the test is negative.
This applies in the Netherlands: A maximum of two guests outside the family are allowed to be seen indoors. Shops and malls are open with restrictions until 8 p.m. Outdoor seating at restaurants and cafes is open until 6 p.m., with a maximum of 50 seated guests. Restaurants with takeaway can be open until 1 a.m., but alcohol may not be sold after 8 p.m. On June 9, the government is expected to ease the restrictions.
Germany
There is still a ban on Swedish tourists staying overnight in Germany, only a few regions in the northern parts of the country have opened for some tourism in general. Otherwise, a negative Covid test and a ten-day quarantine are required for travelers from risk areas such as Sweden. Quarantine can be lifted if the test is negative after five days. However, quarantine no longer applies to vaccinated people.
This applies in Germany: Relief has been introduced for those who are vaccinated. Contact restrictions and curfews will end for vaccinated and recovered people who have had covid-19. They can visit shops and hairdressers upon presentation of a certificate. A maximum of five people are allowed to be seen at the same time, children excluded. All restaurants are still closed except for takeaway. Germany reserves the right to introduce stricter restrictions in certain municipalities if it shows a high spread of infection, in which case, among other things, a curfew will apply from 10 p.m.
Poland
Ten days of quarantine apply if you travel into the country by public transport (plane, bus, boat, train). Quarantine can be exempted if you present a negative Covid test no more than 48 hours old. Those arriving by car are also exempted from quarantine, as well as those who can present a vaccine for Covid-19.
This applies in Poland: Cinemas and amusement parks opened in May with 50 percent capacity. On May 28, restaurants will also be allowed to admit half the maximum number of people, although vaccinated people will not be counted. Sports facilities will also open, with 50 percent of available seats available for booking.
Portugal
Requirement of a negative covid test that is no more than 72 hours old and mandatory quarantine upon arrival for 14 days. This applies in Portugal: Mandatory face mask for everyone over 10 years of age. In May, shopping malls, museums, cinemas and theaters opened. Restaurants and cafes can accommodate a maximum of ten people per table outdoors and 6 people indoors.
In Madeira, there is a curfew between 11pm and 5am and restaurants close no later than 10pm.
Slovakia
Quarantine requirement for 14 days, can be shortened by a negative covid test after eight days in the country. Vaccinated people and those who have had covid-19 can test themselves immediately upon arrival. This applies in Slovakia: From April 19, hotels are open to people from one household or a maximum of two adults per room, and a negative test result not older than 7 days. Outdoor areas with bars and restaurants are open. Museums are open to visitors with a negative test result.
Slovenia
Requirement of negative covid test, max 48 hours old. Those who have a vaccination certificate or certificate of having had covid-19 can enter. This applies in Slovenia: Requirement of face masks in public areas. Shops are open with restrictions. Restaurants, bars and cafes are closed, but pick-up is allowed. Museums and cinemas are closed. Only business travelers have the opportunity to stay overnight in hotels.
Spain
Requirement of a negative Covid test that is no more than 72 hours old for everyone over the age of five. Health checks are also carried out at the airport.
This applies in Spain: Mandatory face masks throughout the country, even outdoors. Limited occupancy in hotels. Restaurants and bars can be open until 11:00 p.m. with a maximum of four people per table.
Most beaches are public places with free access, but depending on their occupancy, local authorities may take measures to ensure social distancing. In some regions, masks are mandatory on the beach.
Czech Republic
Closed border for tourists. This applies in the Czech Republic: Maximum two people outside the family at social gatherings. Restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs remain closed. Likewise cinemas and theatres.
Hungary
Closed border for tourists. This applies in Hungary: Curfew between 00.00-05.00. From May 1, those with a vaccination certificate or a certificate of having had covid-19 will be allowed to visit restaurants, cinemas, zoos, theaters, swimming pools, gyms, sporting events and other public activities. You can also stay in hotels. For others, there are tougher restrictions, but you can go to outdoor cafes and visit shops.
Austria
Requirement for a negative covid test that is no more than 72 hours old and a ten-day quarantine for travelers from high-risk countries such as Sweden. Quarantine can be interrupted after a negative test that can only be done after five days. This applies in Austria: Several regions require a negative test to be allowed to travel out of the region. On May 19, restaurants, hotels and sports facilities will open with restrictions, however, a negative covid test, vaccination certificate or certificate that you have had covid-19 is required.
Countries outside the EU:
Norway
Borders remain closed for Swedish tourists. All travelers, including those residing in Norway, who are allowed to enter Norway from countries or regions defined as high-risk areas such as Sweden must undergo a ten-day quarantine. This applies in Norway: Private gatherings of a maximum of five guests in addition to your own household. A maximum of 200 participants at a public indoor event with fixed seats, the same number applies outdoors without fixed seats. A maximum of 3 times 200 participants at a public outdoor event with fixed seats. Shops and restaurants are open with restrictions, but different rules apply to different regions depending on the infection situation. From May 27, alcohol will be allowed in pubs, travel within the country will be free and larger groups will be able to socialize.
UK
The requirement for a negative Covid test that is no more than 48 hours old and a ten-day hotel quarantine remains for Swedish tourists. Two rounds of testing are required after arrival, on day two and day eight, these tests must be booked before departure and the traveler is responsible for the cost of 210 pounds.
This applies in the UK: From April 12, shops, hair salons and outdoor dining will be allowed to open. From May 17, socializing between different households will be allowed and hotels and restaurants will open. All restrictions are expected to be lifted in the UK on June 21.
Switzerland
Ten-day quarantine requirement. Negative test can shorten the quarantine period. This applies in Switzerland: Maximum 10 people in private gatherings indoors and maximum 15 people outdoors. Children are included. From April 19, a maximum of 100 people are allowed in outdoor arenas, such as at football matches or outdoor concerts, and 50 people indoors, such as at cinemas, theaters and concerts.
United States of America
Closed border for Swedish tourists, also applies to transit trips. This applies in the USA: Different restrictions in different states. Many restaurants and bars have alcohol restrictions and public gatherings are limited. Several states have also imposed quarantine requirements on travelers coming from certain states. In New York, the restrictions were eased significantly in May, including by allowing offices and indoor restaurants to be staffed at 75 percent, and the number of people allowed in a crowd was increased to 500. Fully vaccinated people in the USA no longer need to wear face masks.
Russia
Closed border for tourists. This applies in Russia: Mandatory face mask. Different restrictions in different regions. In Moscow, relaxations have been introduced, cinemas and theaters can accommodate 50 percent of their capacity and pubs and nightclubs have opened.
Thailand
Entry permit required. 15 nights in quarantine in alternative state quarantine at the traveler's expense. This applies in Thailand: State of emergency valid until May 31, which gives the Prime Minister wide powers to take measures that are constantly changing. Different rules apply to different provinces, but almost all provinces require face masks in public spaces indoors and outdoors.
Maldives
Requirement of negative covid test and submission of a health form before arrival. This applies to the Maldives: The majority of the islands have reopened for tourism as the spread of infection is low. Mandatory face mask outdoors.
Australia
Closed border for tourists. This applies in Australia: Different restrictions in different regions. Prohibition on leaving certain regions.
Indonesia
Closed border for tourists. This applies in Indonesia: Various social restrictions, how much you are allowed to move. New restrictions are being introduced continuously.
Source: di.se
