Austria has become the latest European country to scrap its remaining travel restrictions, taking it back to pre-covid times, while Spain has extended its vaccination requirements for non-EU countries to mid-June.
The Austrian government has announced that it has removed all remaining COVID-19 entry rules, meaning that international travellers can now enter the country without needing to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.
The changes, which came into effect on 16 May, marks Austria’s full international #ArrivalRevival, with its border requirements back to pre-pandemic levels of enforcement.
It’s also the latest country to scrap its remaining travel restrictions.
“Travel to Austria is possible for touristic purposes” a statement on Austria’s official travel website reads.
On the contrary, Spain has announced that it will be extended its current COVID-19 restrictions.
An official border order statement said that the Minister of the Interior will extend all the restrictions that are currently applied to the Spanish external land, sea and air borders by virtue of the recommendations of the Council of the European Union due to the health crisis caused by COVID-19 until 12:00 p.m. on June 15, 2022.
The restrictions were due to end on 15 May and apply to non-EU countries. This means non-EU travellers can only enter with proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 and/or proof or recovery.
Spain considers travellers “fully vaccinated” if they can also provide proof of a booster shot received after the nine-month mark following one’s final vaccine dose.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt, and aged 12-18 can enter Spain if they show proof of a negative pre-travel PCR test.
If you’re heading to Europe soon, make sure you pack some masks.
Despite the recommendation to wear masks at airports and on flights within the European Union being withdrawn this week, some countries and airlines are still requiring travellers to wear them.
Check this post for more information.