Holiday destinations around the world are relaxing coronavirus travel restrictions, as competition for tourists heats up. With the summer holiday season just around the corner, there’s huge demand for foreign trips.
Millions of Brits will be heading abroad on their summer holidays this year. But while entry restrictions have been relaxed and even scrapped altogether in some countries, rules can vary substantially between different destinations.
As well as relaxing entry rules, face mask requirements are also in the process of being eased in a bid to boost tourism. Here are the current face mask rules in some of Europe’s most popular holiday hotspots.
Spain
Last week, Spanish authorities eased face mask rules so that they’re now no longer required in indoor public spaces. Spain had already scrapped its mask mandate for outdoor public spaces.
However, you will need to wear a mask if you’re on Spanish public transport, or if you’re visiting a healthcare facility – such as a hospital or dentist – or a care home.
Portugal
Face masks are no longer mandatory in indoor public spaces in Portugal. The requirement to wear them in outdoor public spaces had already been abolished where social distancing could be maintained.
Portugal still requires people to wear face masks on public transport and when visiting facilities such as hospitals and care homes.
France
France no longer requires people to wear a face covering in indoor or outdoor public spaces. However, they are still mandatory for people aged over six on public transport, and those who do not comply with this rule could be fined.
Italy
Currently, in Italy people aged over five are required to wear a face covering in all indoor public places. FFP2 masks are compulsory for all people entering Italy by plane, train, ferry or coach, according to the UK Foreign Office’s travel guidance.
FFP2 masks must be worn at indoor and outdoor public events, in venues including theatres, concert halls and cinemas, and on public transport. While the government has indicated that this rule will be relaxed on May 1st, it has not yet made a final decision on the matter.
Malta
In Malta, face masks are still mandatory in all indoor public places. This includes bars and restaurants, except when you’re seated and eating or drinking.
However, masks are not required in outdoor public places. Children under the age of three are exempt from Malta’s mask requirements.
Greece
Greece currently requires people to wear a face mask in all indoor spaces. On public transport, and in areas such as supermarkets and pharmacies, you’ll be required to wear either a double mask (at least one of which must be surgical) or an FFP2/N95 mask.
However, Greek authorities have announced that from June 1st, face masks will no longer be mandatory indoors. From May 1st, meanwhile, people will no longer have to show vaccine passes when entering venues such as restaurants and bars.
Cyprus
Cyprus requires anyone aged six and over to wear a face covering in all indoor public places. Those who fail to comply could be fined €300 (£252).
However, masks are not required in outdoor public spaces in Cyprus. Mandatory mask-wearing in the outdoor areas of bars and restaurants ended on April 22nd.
Turkey
Turkey does not require people to wear face masks indoors or outdoors, so long as adequate social distancing and ventilation are present.
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