2 popular European destinations drop testing requirement for vaccinated travelers

Two more popular tourist destinations have made it easier for vaccinated travelers this week, including Greece, which announced Friday that fully vaccinated visitors with an EU Digital COVID Certificate no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country starting next week.

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Since December, the Greek Health Ministry has required all travelers over the age of 5 to present results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours, of arrival in Greece. As of Monday, Feb. 7, "entry into the country for those who have an active European certificate will be done without a mandatory test," Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris said in a statement.

Although we are waiting on additional guidance to be released by Greek authorities, the updated rules should also apply to travelers vaccinated in the U.S. holding a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-issued vaccination card, based on previous assurance from the Greek Tourism Ministry that the CDC card is accepted for entry into businesses restricted to those who are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19.

Note that all travelers regardless of vaccination status may be subject to random COVID-19 testing upon arrival, per the Greek Tourism Ministry, which also notes that travelers must complete an online passenger locator form before entering the country.

Your vaccination status remains valid for entry to Greece as long as your final dose was administered within the previous 270 days or nine months.

Also this week, Portugal said it will scrap arrival testing requirements for air passengers with a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate, although further details have not yet been released regarding the implementation.

Read more: TPG editor’s choice award: Why Greece is the top travel destination of the year