With the summer holiday season just around the corner, millions of Brits are looking forward to some well-earned getaways in the sun. There’s huge demand for foreign trips at the moment as global travel returns to near-normal after the coronavirus pandemic.
Destinations around the world have been relaxing their travel restrictions in a bid to entice visitors and give their tourism industries a much-needed boost. Both entry rules and other Covid restrictions have been relaxed or scrapped altogether in many countries.
But some restrictions - including mask mandates - are still in place in some countries, so it’s important to check the rules in your chosen destination before you travel. Here are the current face mask rules for some of Europe’s top holiday hotspots.
READ MORE: Latest Passenger Locator form rules for Spain, Turkey, Greece, France and other destinations
Bulgaria
Face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor public spaces in Bulgaria, though authorities there do recommend that you wear one in hospitals, on public transport and in other crowded areas.
Bulgaria also scrapped its remaining coronavirus entry rules on May 1st, according to the UK Foreign Office’s travel guidance.
Croatia
Croatian authorities have lifted face mask requirements in indoor settings, while recommending that people continue to wear them in crowded settings and in medical facilities. Since May 1st, visitors to Croatia are also no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result when entering the country.
Cyprus
People are no longer required to wear a face mask in outdoor settings in Cyprus. However, face masks are still compulsory in all indoor public places for people aged six and over.
The UK Foreign Office’s guidance for people travelling to Cyprus warns that those who fail to abide by this requirement risk incurring a fine of €300.
France
Face masks are still compulsory on French public transport for people aged six and over. However, the requirement to wear them in most indoor public settings in France was scrapped back in March.
Greece
In Greece, face masks are still compulsory in all indoor public places throughout the country. Some areas, including supermarkets and pharmacies, require people to wear an N95/FFP2 mask or double masks, at least one of which should be surgical.
All Covid entry restrictions have now been removed in Greece. However, Greece’s health minister Thanos Plevris has suggested that the mask mandate will remain in place at least until June, The Independent reports.
Italy
People in Italy are no longer required to wear a face covering in most indoor public places, including restaurants, bars and supermarkets. They are, however, still required to wear one in some venues and facilities, including hospitals and care homes.
According to the UK Foreign Office, face masks are still required on public transport in Italy, and authorities continue to recommend that people wear them in indoor public places.
Malta
Face masks are no longer required in Malta, whether in indoor public spaces, outdoor spaces or on public transport. As of May 2nd, they are now only required on flights and in healthcare facilities.
Portugal
In mainland Portugal, face masks are only required in medical and social care facilities, on public transport, in taxis and on flights. They are not otherwise required in indoor or outdoor public places.
Spain
Spanish authorities scrapped the country’s mask mandate on April 20th. They are only required on public transport and in medical facilities such as hospitals, pharmacies and care homes.
Turkey
People in Turkey are not required to wear face masks either outdoors or indoors, so long as adequate ventilation and social distancing measures are in place.
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