Four European nations – Spain, Italy, Latvia and Lithuania – have recently eased their entry requirements for U.S. and Canadian travelers.
Having joined Germany and other European nations in relaxing entry rules for travelers – citizens from the likes of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom – can now enter the above mentioned nations with there being less entry requirements for them to adhere to.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these four nations to see what has changed with regards to their entry requirements.
Spain
Since last week – 26 February – visitors from the United States, Canada and other third-party nations have been able to visit Spain by showing proof that they have recovered from Covid-19.
The country’s Interior Ministry announced that travelers from nations – that are not part of the European Union or Shengen zone – will be allowed to show a Covid-19 recovery certificate in order to enter.
However, the certificate must show that the individual has recovered from the virus in the previous six months before their planned arrival into Spain. The new rule applies to individuals who are not fully vaccinated against Covid, as well as those who have an expired vaccine certificate – due to not receiving their booster shot.
It is important to note that unvaccinated visitors – that come from nations outside of the EU or Schengen zone – are still not allowed to enter Spain, unless they have a valid Covid-19 recovery certificate.
Italy
Having recently announced that travelers from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom can now enter the country without testing or quarantine, Italy has also made the decision to discontinue their non-essential travel ban.
The easing of rules – which came into effect on 1 March – now means that it is easier for travelers, from outside of the European Union, to enter Italy.
The nation’s authorities also announced that they will now accept a Covid-19 recovery certificate or a negative Covid test result from visitors wanting to enter the country.
There is also no longer a requirement for unvaccinated individuals to undergo quarantine upon arrival – and that now those who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to enter by showing proof of a negative Covid test result.
Latvia
Since 1 March, travelers from the likes of the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom, are now able to enter Latvia with relaxed entry requirements.
Although a valid vaccine certificate or negative Covid test result is required upon entry to the country, individuals from countries outside of the EU, will now be able to enter without having to provide a ‘significant reason’ for entry.
This basically means that Latvia is now open for tourism purposes for Americans, Canadians and Brits.
Unvaccinated travelers are allowed to enter Latvia, however, they will be required to show proof of either a negative rapid antigen test (to be taken within 48 hours before arrival) or a negative PCR test (to be taken within 72 hours before arrival. For individuals that are under the age of 12, there is no requirement to show a vaccine certificate or negative Covid test result in order to enter the country.
All travelers must also complete an entry declaration form prior to traveling to the country, however, the Latvian authorities are looking to remove this requirement from next month (April).
Lithuania
Visitors from the U.S. and Canada can now enter Lithuania – a nation that had seen year-on-year increases in the number of tourists entering the country in pre-pandemic times – with less entry requirements.
Fully vaccinated tourists can now enter without Covid testing or quarantine.
For unvaccinated individuals, however, there is a requirement for them to show proof of a negative 24-hour rapid antigen test or 72-hour PCR test result. Such visitors – that have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 – are also encouraged to undergo a rapid antigen on the third day after their arrival, which is free of charge.
And, for travelers coming from the United Kingdom, the entry rules are even more relaxed – with Brits no longer required to show proof that they have been vaccinated, or needing to present a Covid recovery certificate or negative Covid test when entering the country.
These rules apply to both vaccinated – and unvaccinated – British nationals.
