Countries That Require a COVID-19 Test Certificate

As international travel begins to resume once again following coronavirus pandemic restrictions, many countries around the world continue to seek to contain the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining safety protocols for arriving foreign nationals.

A number of destinations worldwide now require travelers to either have a negative COVID-19 test certificate or undergo a health care check on arrival to gain entry to their territory. The countries confirmed to have implemented these requirements are listed below.

Negative Covid-19 Test Required

A negative COVID-19 test certificate is now a compulsory requirement to enter a large number of popular tourist destinations across the world, including Caribbean island nations such as Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and Saint Lucia.

A number of European countries in the Schengen passport-free area have also made testing for COVID-19 compulsory for some travelers, although this is determined by each individual state.

The following countries all have a compulsory COVID-19 test requirement in place.

Austria

All passengers arriving in Austria are required to present proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result, taken within the previous 4 days, upon arrival at ports of entry in the country.

It is also possible to take a PCR coronavirus test upon arrival at Vienna Airport, with results available within 3 hours. Those who test positive will be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine in suitable accommodation.

Cambodia

All travelers permitted to enter Cambodia are currently required to pay a deposit of US $3,000 deposit to cover a compulsory COVID-19 test upon arrival, as well as a hotel quarantine and any treatment fees if the result is positive.

However, those who test negative will only need to pay US $165 of their deposit, and the rest of the money will be refunded.

Cyprus

Cyprus has now opened its borders to travelers from many countries around the world, including a number of European Union member states. However, all arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within the previous 72 hours, to gain entry.

Czech Republic

At the moment, arriving air passengers to the Czech Republic who are allowed to enter the country must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to do so.

Those entering the country via land from Germany or Austria do not need to meet this requirement, although random health checks will be performed at the border by Czech authorities.

Estonia

A mandatory self-quarantine is still required for all passengers permitted to enter Estonia, although this can be avoided if a negative COVID-19 certificate is presented on, or a test is undertaken by the traveler, upon arrival at an Estonian airport.

France

A mandatory Covid-19 test requirement for France currently applies to citizens of the following countries:

• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Brazil
• India
• Israel
• Kuwait
• Madagascar
• Oman
• Panama
• Peru
• Qatar
• Serbia
• South Africa
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• United States

These are all countries that are on the coronavirus ‘red’ list, where large numbers of cases of COVID-19 are still being reported.

Germany

The German government currently requires passengers arriving from countries heavily affected by coronavirus to present a medical certificate showing good health, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result.

It is also possible to take a coronavirus test upon arrival at Frankfurt and Munich International Airports. Those who test positive will be required to undergo a compulsory quarantine.

Travelers arriving from countries considered to be low-risk, such as France, Greece, and Spain, are not subject to the testing requirement.

Greece

Greek authorities have announced that travelers from countries with a low risk of coronavirus are not subject to a COVID-19 test or quarantine, but passengers from high-risk territories will be required to show proof of a negative result as well as undergo a mandatory 7-day quarantine.

Iceland

Although a 14-day quarantine is still in place for travelers to Iceland, passengers can avoid this requirement if they provide proof that they have recently taken a test and can show a certificate with negative results.

It is also possible to take a coronavirus test upon arrival at Keflavík Airport, although the traveler will be expected to cover the costs of the procedure themselves.

Slovakia

Passengers arriving in Slovakia are not required to undergo a compulsory quarantine if they present a negative COVID- 19 RT-PCR test result, taken within the previous 4 days.

This requirement does not apply to travelers with permanent or temporary residence in Slovakia who visit Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia or Switzerland, if they return to the Slovak Republic within 24 hours.

Travelers with diplomatic privileges or immunity are also exempt from testing or the quarantine requirement.

Slovenia

Quarantine is not required for travelers arriving in Slovenia if they present a negative COVID-19 test result and are:

• Employed by a foreign company providing services to Slovenia and can provide proof of an address of residence in the Republic of Slovenia.
• Involved in commercial traffic or activities in Slovenia, can provide proof of this, and are leaving the country within the same day.

Health Check Required

As stated above, while many European countries have a mandatory coronavirus test in place for some traveler, others have instead implemented other safety measures. These include:

 

• Italy –  While a negative coronavirus test result is not a requirement to enter Italy, all foreign travelers are required to complete and print an online health self-declaration form to present to transportation carriers and to immigration personnel upon arrival at border control. Additionally, passengers arriving from a select number of countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania, are currently required to undergo a compulsory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

 

• Spain – All passengers arriving in Spain by air or sea are obliged to undergo a health check, which may involve temperature screening, a visual examination for any COVID-19 symptoms, and presenting a health control form (FCS). An FSC must be completed online before travel, and the approved QR code can be presented in either a digital or printed format upon arrival in Spain.

 

• Switzerland – A medical examination upon arrival in Switzerland is a mandatory requirement for travelers from countries with high numbers of coronavirus infections. This may involve completing a health questionnaire, temperature screening, a COVID.19 test, and a quarantine, among other possible measures.

 

Travelers who are planning to visit other countries not on this list are advised to check worldwide visa requirements for updates on any coronavirus restrictions before departure for their destination.