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ARCHIVED - Covid passport requirements in the UK, USA, Germany and more
When travelling from Spain, passengers will be subject to different rules depending on their destination
The Covid vaccination passport is gaining ground in Spain, with the Valencian Community one of the latest to introduce its use in indoor venues that can hold more than 50 patrons, in addition to hospitals and elderly care homes. Several other nations have long since introduced the vaccine certificate scheme, and we take a look at what might be required of travellers when visiting these countries.
United Kingdom
While the NHS is freely offering citizens the option to download a Covid passport, Boris Johnson has repeatedly ruled out using the certs to restrict entry to bars, restaurants or public events.
In Scotland and Wales, however, a Covid passport may be requested for cinemas, theatres and concerts with more than 500 people indoors, or more than 4,000 people outdoors.
Those travelling from Spain can either present a Covid passport if fully vaccinated or proof of a negative test to enter the UK.
France
The Covid passport was approved in France in the summer and since then, it has been required to access both indoor and outdoor areas of bars and restaurants, shopping centres, cinemas, nursing homes and public transport. In short, pretty much everywhere. Moreover, from January 15, anyone over 18 who has received their second dose of the vaccine more than seven months ago will need to get a booster shot or their cert will be null and void for entry.
It’s important to note that the government in France has not yet come to a concrete decision on how to treat foreigners who have only had two jabs.
When travelling from Spain to France, anyone that doesn’t have a Covid certificate will have to provide proof of a negative test.
Italy
Italy was once of the first countries to enforce the Covid passport and as of September, it is required to go to work and enter most public places such as museums, restaurants, gyms and cinemas.
Things are set to get even tougher on December 6, when only those who are double jabbed will be entitled to the certificate – anyone who has overcome coronavirus or has a negative test result will not be given a Covid passport. The old status quo will, however, apply to workplaces. In addition, everyone will be required to have a booster shot after nine months.
Germany
With soaring infections, Germany has reintroduced restrictions in recent days, although the measures vary according to the region. In general though, proof of being double jabbed or having recovered from the virus in the past six months is required for entry into bars, restaurants and indoor cultural and leisure venues.
Berlin allows patrons with a recent negative test to enter restaurants, but the passport will be required on all public transport from this week.
Portugal
As of December 1, Portugal enters a ‘state of calamity’ and masks will be mandatory in all enclosed spaces, while Covid passports will be required in restaurants, hotels, tourist apartments, gyms and events with pre-assigned seating.
In addition, to access hospitals, nursing homes, discos, bars and sporting events and activities in places without an assigned seat, a negative Covid test must also be presented.
From December 1, to enter the country by plane it will be necessary to present a negative test, even if travellers are fully vaccinated. The government will issue fines of 20,000 euros to airlines that allow passengers to board without these requirements.
USA
Before travelling to the United States, passengers must present their vaccination certificate along with a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of boarding.
Like Germany, requirements differ from state to state, and even between individual towns. In New York, for example, travellers must present a vaccination cert to enter bars and restaurants, while masks are no longer mandatory in shops in Washington.
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