Chloe Ramirez
As a popular travel destination, Europe has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of its visitors and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccination requirements vary across the continent, it is generally recommended that travellers be fully vaccinated before their trip. Some countries, such as Austria, Ireland, and France, require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, while others like Greece, Croatia, and the United Kingdom, have additional criteria, including passenger locator forms and quarantine periods. Beyond COVID-19, travellers should also consider routine vaccinations, such as MMR and TDaP, to protect against other infectious diseases that may be present in certain European regions.
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What You'll Learn
Routine vaccinations (MMR, TDaP)
Vaccinations are key to protection when travelling to Europe. While the EU does not require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19, individual countries may have their own entry requirements. For instance, Greece and the UK do not require visitors to be vaccinated as long as they present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Spain, on the other hand, is opening its borders to fully vaccinated American travellers.
Regardless of COVID-19 vaccination requirements, it is important to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Europe. This includes the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. Measles outbreaks have become more common in Europe over the last decade, so it is important to protect yourself with this simple immunisation. The CDC recommends that international travellers receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection. Adults who only received one dose as children or cannot find their records should get a booster before travelling. It is best to receive the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure, but even if your trip is less than two weeks away, you should still get a dose.
Another routine vaccination to consider before travelling to Europe is the TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) vaccine. Due to changing immigration patterns, some diseases like diphtheria have resurfaced in Europe. The CDC and WHO also recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies for travellers to Western Europe.
It is important to bring a copy of your official immunisation records with you when you travel. If you are unsure about which vaccinations you may need, you can consult your healthcare provider or a travel health clinic.
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Country-specific recommendations (Hepatitis A, B, Rabies)
Country-specific recommendations for Hepatitis A, B, and Rabies vary depending on the region and the individual's risk factors. Here are some country-specific considerations for Europe:
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable infection that can be acquired during travel, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. While the risk of Hepatitis A in Western Europe is generally considered low, there have been sporadic outbreaks in the past. Experts recommend that individuals travelling outside of their home region consider vaccination, regardless of their destination. This is especially important if travelling to areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, where Hepatitis A is more prevalent.
Hepatitis B:
The CDC recommends the Hepatitis B vaccine for unvaccinated individuals travelling to areas with intermediate to high prevalence rates of chronic HBV infection. This includes certain countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, such as those in the former Soviet Union. Some countries in these regions have reported higher prevalence rates of chronic HBV infection. Therefore, travellers to these areas should strongly consider vaccination.
Rabies:
Rabies is a preventable viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. While the presence of rabies varies across Europe, countries like France and Italy are considered rabies-free. The CDC establishes recommendations for travellers based on the risk of rabies exposure and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis in each country. It is important to refer to the CDC's country-specific guidelines and the UK Health Security Agency's risk assessments when planning travel to European countries.
It is always advisable to consult with healthcare providers or travel clinics to receive personalized health advice and ensure compliance with the destination's entry requirements.
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![International Certificate of Vaccination with Vinyl Document Holder - World Health Organization Bilingual Version [cards] World Health Organization [Jan 01, 2007]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SHjBP1VYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
COVID-19 vaccine passports
Vaccine passports, also known as immunity passports, are paper or digital forms that certify an individual's vaccination status. They are typically issued by governments or health authorities and may include a scannable QR code. Vaccine passports are used as a tool to control the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing vaccinated individuals to move across borders more freely and access certain establishments, activities, and events. Several countries have already implemented COVID-19 vaccine passports, while others are considering their use.
Israel was one of the first countries to adopt a vaccine passport system, issuing "Green Passes" to vaccinated citizens, exempting them from isolation requirements and mandatory COVID-19 tests. The European Union (EU) also implemented a "health pass," allowing vaccinated individuals to travel freely within the EU. However, as of February 2022, being vaccinated will only count if the individual received their first shots within 270 days prior to travel; otherwise, a booster is required.
Other countries that have implemented COVID-19 vaccine passports include China, which uses digital "health codes" on platforms like WeChat and Alipay, and Azerbaijan, which requires proof of vaccination for adults to access certain facilities. Additionally, countries like Georgia, Estonia, Poland, and Seychelles allow incoming travellers with proof of COVID-19 vaccination to bypass certain travel restrictions.
The United States is also exploring the use of COVID-19 vaccine certifications for international and domestic travel, although there is currently no widely used vaccine passport system in place. In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "vaccination report card" is being used as proof of vaccination for access to certain activities and facilities.
While vaccine passports are seen as a way to facilitate economic recovery, improve traveller confidence, and incentivise vaccination, there are also concerns about their implementation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned the use of immunity certificates, stating that there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an "immunity passport." Additionally, there are concerns about exacerbating inequities, especially in regions with limited access to vaccines.
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Country-specific entry requirements (PCR tests, quarantine)
As of May 2024, several European countries have lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, including vaccination and testing requirements. These countries include Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine. The United Kingdom has also dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules.
However, some countries still have specific entry requirements related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here is an overview of the country-specific entry requirements for some European countries:
Croatia
Before entering Croatia, travellers must complete a form (available at https://entercroatia.mup.hr/) and provide one of the following:
- EU Digital COVID Certificate
- Negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry
- Negative EU-recognised Rapid Antigen Test taken within 24 hours of entry
- Certificate of two doses of a vaccine used in the EU Member States (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Gamaleya, or Sinopharm) received within the last 270 days
- Certificate of one dose of a single-dose vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) received within the last 270 days, with at least 14 days since receiving the dose
- Certificate of the first dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Gamaleya vaccine, allowing entry within 22 to 42 days of receiving the vaccine
- Certificate of the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, allowing entry within 22 to 84 days of receiving the vaccine
- Certificate of recovery from COVID-19 and one dose of a vaccine within six months of contracting the disease
France
France allows vaccinated travellers to enter with proof of vaccination or a certificate of recovery. They may also allow visitors who can prove a medical reason for not being vaccinated. Entry rules may vary depending on the risk classification of the country of origin. Travellers from countries designated as "green" need to be vaccinated or recovered, while those from "orange" countries may face additional restrictions and must provide a compelling reason for entry. Unvaccinated travellers from green countries must present a negative test result but are exempt from quarantine.
Finland
Finland allows visitors from EU and Schengen countries, as well as green list countries and regions, to enter without restrictions. Visitors from third countries, including the UK, US, and Turkey, must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. It is recommended that visitors from third countries only enter for essential reasons.
Estonia
Estonia allows visitors from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK to enter without restrictions. Visitors from other countries may need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.
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Other health considerations (diarrhoea remedies, antimalarials)
While there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into European countries, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, as measles outbreaks have become more common in Europe. The TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine is also recommended, as some diseases like diphtheria have resurfaced in Europe. If you are travelling during flu season (September to April), it is advisable to get a flu vaccine. Additionally, consider the Hepatitis A and B vaccines, especially if you plan to indulge in adventurous eating or activities that may put you at risk of exposure.
When it comes to other health considerations for travelling to Europe, it is important to be aware of the risk of traveller's diarrhoea, which is a common illness affecting international travellers who consume contaminated food or water. To prevent traveller's diarrhoea, take precautions such as washing your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Choose your food and drinks carefully, opting for cooked and freshly served meals, and avoiding food that has been left out on a buffet. If you do experience diarrhoea, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions are available online or in pharmacies and can be helpful in severe cases. Over-the-counter drugs like loperamide can help manage symptoms, and antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor for more severe cases.
In terms of antimalarials, it is important to note that malaria risk is generally low in Europe, with the exception of some cases detected in Turkey. However, if you are planning to travel to areas with a known malaria risk, it is crucial to speak with a travel health specialist or your doctor to determine if antimalarial medication is necessary. Different antimalarial drugs have varying start times, with some needing to be taken a few days before travel and others requiring a week or more. It is important to take antimalarial medication as directed and complete the full course, even after leaving the malaria-risk area, to prevent infection effectively.
Some commonly used antimalarial drugs include chloroquine, atovaquone/proguanil (known as Malarone or Maloff protect), doxycycline, and hydroxychloroquine. It is important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications when considering antimalarial medication. Additionally, protecting yourself against mosquito bites is crucial, as no antimalarial medication is 100% effective, and combining bite prevention with medication significantly reduces your risk of contracting malaria.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no requirement to be vaccinated to fly to Europe, it is highly recommended. Some countries may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Being vaccinated will exempt you from certain travel requirements, such as providing a negative COVID-19 test or quarantining upon arrival.
No, there is no requirement for a specific vaccine. However, it is recommended that you check the local requirements of your destination, as some countries may have different entry requirements.
Yes, some countries may require a negative COVID-19 test in addition to proof of vaccination. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination before travelling.
Besides COVID-19 vaccination, it is recommended to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis). Additionally, consider getting the flu vaccine if travelling during flu season (September to April).
