ISSUE 325 | JUNE 2022


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MASK ON,MASK OFF By Sarah Pickering


As Europe and the world move back towards normality after the past two years of the covid-19 pandemic, we take a look at what different transport, indoor spaces and countries have ruled regarding mask wearing...


022 has seen the movement of strict limitations on travel move to opening popular holiday destinations to the public once more. Airlines, cruises, tour operators and countries’ tourism bodies have praised the recovery of the travel sector as it comes to its feet once more as people begin to venture out of their countries and explore what the world has to offer. Whilst some countries moved slowly in their recovery methods, others moved at rapid pace in a bid to save their travel trade and to boost the economy with the help of local tourism. Airlines also moved quickly in their response to


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different countries’ actions, with some airlines removing masks wearing onboard flights; Jet2 became one of the first airlines in Europe to remove the requirement of wearing masks on board their flights. This came shortly after the UK government removed all lasting travel restrictions to and from the country. Other airlines have since followed suit with the likes of easyJet, TUiI Ryanair and British Airways also removing mask wearing. Despite this, different rules are in place depending on where the airline is flying due to local requirements in place from said country. Cruise lines have also taken this approach as many cruises no longer require the wearing of masks on


board. However, one key difference is held between the cruise industry and the airline industry- Vaccinations. Cruise goers are still required to provide proof of a covid-19 vaccination ( some requiring a full course of the vaccination, including the booster jab) and proof of an negative covid-19 test. In comparison to airlines, and depending on where the individual is travelling to, most airlines do not require vaccination proof or proof of a negative covid-19 test.


Although this can be confusing, travellers have been encouraged to check with the government website regarding the latest changes to countries to ensure they are prepared for their holidays. NI Travel News have put together an easy to follow guide on the latest travel guidance regarding top European destinations for holidaymakers. Portugal


Visitors arriving to mainland Portugal are exempt from showing a negative Covid-19 test if they are: Fully vaccinated (1 or 2 doses depending on the type


of vaccine). Validity of the Vaccination Certificate: valid after 14 days from last vaccinations and expires after 270 days from the last dose. (Booster dose is required to prove full vaccination after the 270 day period) Have contracted C-19 within the last 180 days and can show a Recovery Certificate.


Anyone aged 12 or over that is unable to show a Vaccination or Recovery Certificate will be required to show a negative C-19 test, the tests can be: PCR taken 72 hours prior to departure, or Lateral flow test taken 24 hours prior to departure


Spain The additional documentation you must present on entry when travelling from the UK to Spain is determined by your reason for travel: If you are travelling to Spain for tourism you must show valid proof of one of the following: Being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two- dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain (date(s) of vaccination must be specified). A negative COVID-19 test: either a PCR taken


within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure. Having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6


months. You can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your COVID-19 status on entry to Spain. This was due to the recent move by the Spanish government to allow unvaccinated travellers into the country. Italy If you travel from the UK and can demonstrate that


you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Italy without needing to self-isolate. Italy will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record as the equivalent to a green pass. You must have had your final vaccine within 180 days


for your vaccination certificate to be valid when visiting Italy. (Booster dose needed after this period) You must fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF)


before you enter Italy to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. You can ask for a paper form if you do not have an electronic device You must show evidence of a negative PCR test taken


within 48 hours before entering Italy OR a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before entering Italy. Children aged 17 and under do not need to quarantine if they are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent and (for those over the age of 6) have a negative PCR or lateral flow test.


Children aged 5 and under are exempt from testing. France


fully vaccinated travellers from the UK must: Present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 48 hours pre-departure if aged 12 years and over Provide a completed ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration


sur l’honneur) form self-certifying you’re not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This can be found on the French government’s website You may also be asked to complete the EU-PLF


form before boarding. France will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record at the border your final vaccine dose must have been administered


at least 7 days prior to travel for Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna or 28 days after a single dose of Johnson & Johnson. Travellers aged over 18 and one month who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France Greece


Passengers arriving in Greece are no longer required


to show a proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID. You no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Travellers are still required to wear a protective masks in all indoor spaces, including aircraft. Arrivals into Greece may be required to undergo


a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival. If you test positive on arrival in Greece, you (and those you are travelling with) will have to self-isolate for at least 5 days at home or in quarantine hotels provided by the Greek state. If you have no symptoms on day 5, or your symptoms have improved (e.g. having no fever for the past 24 hours without the use of medicine), you will be allowed to end your quarantine. However, if you still have a fever you will be required to continue to quarantine until your fever drops. Travellers leaving quarantine are also legally required


to wear an FFP2 / N95 mask, or double masks (at least one of which should be surgical), in all public indoor and outdoor spaces for at least 5 days after the end of their quarantine.


All information provided is accurate at time of publication, however, this can and will change frequently.


Information provided is of the understanding of the UK government surrounding these countries. For up to date and further information, please visit www.gov.uk.

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