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Test, vaccine, mask… What are the restrictions in force around the world, in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic? Let’s take stock of the issue with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
That’s it, the school holidays are here! If you haven’t already left, you’re probably planning your trip. But have you remembered to check the conditions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic that apply to your destination?
No restrictions in Europe
For holidays in Europe, don’t worry, the vast majority of countries have lifted the restrictions concerning the pandemic. There is no longer any need to do an antigenic test before going to Italy, Germany, Greece or even Switzerland, for example, for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people. Ditto for Portugal or Finland, where the restrictions have been lifted since July 1, 2022. The only exception: Malta, which retains access to its territory subject to the presentation of a valid health pass for anyone over 12 years old.
A PCR test or a negative antigen will be necessary for a trip to the West Indies, if you are not vaccinated. But not for people vaccinated with booster. And if you plan to go to Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia, you will also be asked for a health pass.
“For all destinations, consider consulting reliable information sites such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or that of the embassy of the country in question” says Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
Mandatory masks in transport
Regarding masks, the obligation to wear them in transport was recently announced in Nice, it officially comes into force on Monday July 11. In Spain, Italy, Germany and Cyprus too, the obligation is in force, so remember to take masks with you if you plan to travel by public transport on site.
And with proof of vaccination against Covid-19, the United States and many Latin American countries become accessible again. “It’s not just Covid, other diseases require vaccination in some places around the world. It is important before leaving, to check if your vaccinations are up to date and to know if your destination does not require specific vaccination, against yellow fever or tuberculosis for example” says Dr. Kierzek.
Consult a GP online
Isolation in the event of a positive test
In France, a five-day isolation is imposed in the event of a positive test, for vaccinated people. And abroad, it is the rule of the country that applies and be careful to respect the rules, in certain places, under penalty of severe sanctions. “But let everyone be reassured, we do not catch the Covid more when traveling than elsewhere: in planes, the air is renewed regularly, for example. But if necessary, you can travel with an FFP2 mask and above all not deprive yourself of leaving: it’s good for morale! concludes the doctor.