7 European Destinations That Require Booster Shots For Travelers

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Europe is dropping restrictions for American tourists. That being said, many European nations are now requiring a booster shot for travel after a specific period.

The list of countries requiring booster shots to qualify as fully vaccinated is ever-growing. 

Here are some of those nations:

1. Spain 

Spain is the latest nation to require visitors to have a booster vaccine for travel. This aligns Spain with the EU’s policy of requiring a booster shot to validate the EU Digital COVID Certificate 270 days after the last vaccine dose. 

The new requirement is in addition to the current requirement of filling out a Spain Health Control Form through the Spain Travel Health portal. Currently, Spain requires people to wear masks in all indoor and outdoor spaces. 

2. Austria 

Austria hit the headliners last year for making vaccines mandatory, so it won’t surprise you to hear Austria requires travelers to have proof of a booster shot for entry. As of the 6th of December, anyone who’s been vaccinated over 9 months prior to entry will need a booster shot. Otherwise, travelers must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. 

However, travelers with proof of a booster shot won’t need to provide a negative COVID PCR test. Once travelers are inside the nation, they must show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. 

3. Croatia 

Croatia was the world’s first nation to change the vaccine’s maximum validity in 2021. If you’ve received your last vaccine dose over 270 days before entering the country, you’ll need evidence of a booster shot. If not, you’ll need to take a PCR test to enter.  

Once you’re in the country, you’re unable to attend events of over 50 people if you don’t have the EU Digital COVID Certificate. However, Croatia’s vaccine passport requirements are low compared to other EU nations.

4. France 

France has done its own thing regarding handling COVID-19. Although you can currently enter France without a booster shot if you’re fully vaccinated (two doses) and you have a negative PCR test, you couldn’t do much within the country. 

France currently has The French Health Pass. It’s only available to those who’ve received the booster, are under the 5-month timeframe after receiving an initial dose, or have tested negative. France requires the French Health Pass for bars, restaurants, public transport, and museums. 

5. Greece 

Greece has gone further than many European nations; they’ve chosen to shorten the vaccination period to seven months. As a result, travelers would need a booster shot for Greece to qualify them as fully vaccinated from December 5, 2021, if their last dose was over 7 months ago. 

Although you can still enter Greece without the booster vaccine, the nation won’t allow you to enter restaurants, theatres, museums, exhibitions, gyms, and cinemas. You’ll need to provide proof of a negative antigen test, taken 48 hours prior to entry, to visit shops and outdoor restaurants. 

6. Iceland 

Iceland has recently shortened its vaccine validity period to 9 months. Therefore, travelers will need booster shots to have a valid vaccine certificate to enter the country 9 months after their last dose. Travelers without proof of a booster shot will need a COVID-19 test at various points, including when traveling to the country. 

Currently, Iceland has restrictions on social distancing and bans on gatherings over certain numbers. However, all hotels and private rentals are open. You can also attend most tourist attractions and indoor events. 

7. The Netherlands 

Last month, The Netherlands decided the only vaccination certificates they would accept are those that show evidence of a booster dose. Although the policy is due to start in February 2022, they will shorten the maximum validity period from 12 months to 9 months. 

Those who haven’t received the booster shot will face added entry restrictions. The Netherlands' decision was in line with the EU’s policy to shorten the maximum validity time from 12 months to 9 months.

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