Italy, Greece, Spain: The latest COVID rules if you test positive while travelling in Europe
The days of hoping desperately your COVID test would come back negative about 48 or 24 hours before your flight or train are thankfully behind us. But the fear of contracting the virus is still very present, because nobody wants to spend their vacation feeling unwell.
There are now no COVID-19 entry restrictions for Europeans to any country in Europe, but rules on what to do if you catch COVID abroad still vary enormously.
So what should you do if you contract COVID while traveling?
So here’s everything you need to know if you do catch COVID in Europe, including where to buy COVID tests and how long to self-isolate for.
Entry requirements and remaining travel restrictions for each country in Europe are available Here.
France: wash your hands and live your life as usual
France no longer has COVID-related travel restrictions. This means that travelers entering the country – mainland or overseas – do not need to present a COVID certificate, fill out a document proving they are not infected with the virus, or undergo any tests.
The French Ministry of Health has also abolished the mask requirement. Wearing masks is no longer required in public buildings or on public transport Trains, buses, ships, boats and planes. However, it remains at the discretion of the health and medical community to decide whether they are required for those over the age of six.
If you test positive for the coronavirus during your stay France, you no longer need to self-isolate. However, people are still advised to maintain good hygiene and avoid vulnerable individuals while infected.
In FranceCOVID tests are available at most pharmacies and testing centers.
Germany: Masks and self-isolation rules
There are currently no entry restrictions for visitors Germany. Travelers are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
FFP2 face masks are currently mandatory in hospitals and medical centers, but no longer on public transport.
The rules vary in Germany depending on the region. Some are advising those who have tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate, while other regions have made it mandatory.
At-home tests are available at supermarkets and pharmacies, and certified tests are available at testing centers.
Greece: self-isolation rules and mask requirement
Greece have scrapped all COVID restrictions on entry into the country.
Masks are no longer required on the go or in restaurants, but are still mandatory in healthcare facilities — including hospitals, aged care facilities and pharmacies — as well as on public transport, taxis and indoors on boats.
It is no longer mandatory but travelers are still advised to self-isolate for 5 days if contracting COVID-19 Greece. If you have to use public transport (e.g. for the journey home) during the infection, you must wear an FFP2 face mask.
Greek pharmacies give out free COVID tests – but you’re only entitled to one free kit per week (four per month).
Italy: self-isolation rules and where you must wear a mask
COVID restrictions have been lifted Italyand the country no longer requires proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or a COVID recovery certificate to let travelers enter, whether they are vaccinated or not.
FFP2 face masks are no longer mandatory on public transport such as planes, trains and buses, but they are still mandatory when visiting a hospital or nursing home.
Italy still has some of the strictest quarantine rules in Europe.
If you test positive but are asymptomatic, you must self-isolate for five days. You may be discharged before the fifth day if an antigen test performed at a healthcare facility/pharmacy is negative.
Those who entered from Italy China in the 7 days before the first positive test, if they have been asymptomatic for at least 2 days and have a negative antigen test, may end isolation after a minimum of 5 days from the first positive test.
Once out of isolation, you still have to wear an FFP2 mask in public until the tenth day.
Portugal: self-isolation and mask rules
Inbound Travelers Portugal from abroad no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry
Wearing a mask is only mandatory in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, while it is recommended – but not required by law – by people over the age of 10 in enclosed indoor spaces and large gatherings, public transport and taxis, and pharmacies.
You can buy COVID tests in supermarkets in Portugal. If you test positive in Portugal, you no longer have to self-isolate.
Spain: self-isolation, tests and rules for masks
There are no longer any entry restrictions for interested parties visit Spain. Travelers within and outside the EU do not need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Wearing a mask is now only mandatory in medical facilities in Spain.
If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID, you are advised to avoid crowded spaces and large events for 10 days, reduce social interactions, and wear a face mask.
There is no obligation to self-isolate, but you should let those you come into contact with know that you have COVID.
In SpainLateral flow rapid tests – known as “Pruebas de Antigenos” – are available free of charge in pharmacies.
UK: testing, self-isolation and mask rules
Travelers arriving in the United Kingdom do not need to take a coronavirus test or provide proof of vaccination, except for travelers from mainland China, who must provide a negative test.
The UK has abolished almost all COVID restrictions. Visitors who have symptoms or become ill with COVID are not required to self-isolate, but are advised to try to stay indoors.
COVID testing is no longer free in the UK except for care home residents or NHS workers. However, they can be purchased in pharmacies and large supermarkets.