Sweden and Latvia lifted their remaining travel restrictions on Friday, joining a growing group of European countries that have scrapped all testing and vaccination pass rules for holidaymakers.
If you’re looking for the simplest possible vacation this Easter, these 14 destinations — while not the usual hitters for spring travelers — are your best bets.
All of these countries have now done away with both entry requirements such as testing and vaccination certificates, as well as most of their on-the-spot rules (with recommended or recommended masks in certain spaces, e.g. on public transport).
Or opt to stay if you’re in the UK – England also lifted all remaining Covid guidelines in February.
Here are your faff-free 14, regardless of vaccination status:
Ireland
The UK’s emerald neighbor scrapped its remaining Covid-related rules for international visitors in early March, including dropping its passenger locator form. Now travelers to the country, regardless of vaccination status, do not have to deal with a pandemic-related administrator before departure or upon arrival. The Irish Government announced: “From Sunday 6 March 2022, travelers to Ireland will not be required to show proof of vaccination, proof of convalescence or a negative PCR test result on arrival. There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travelers to Ireland.”
Denmark
This Scandi city break favorite dropped most of its Covid rules back in February, but on Monday night restrictions were eased even for unvaccinated people from non-EU countries – previously they had required a pre-travel test. However, authorities warned that they reserve the right to impose restrictions on countries where new variants are discovered. “As part of this contingency, the so-called ‘handbrake’ can be activated when worrisome variants arise. The handbrake is not currently activated for any country,” a government statement said.
Norway
Norway was among the first to lift all of its Covid restrictions in one fell swoop on February 12. “From Saturday February 12, 2022, you can travel to Norway without worrying about anything but having a good time!” the tourist board publishes on its website. Post-Brexit, Brits will have to respect current passport expiration rules – outlined here by Simon Calder – but they can visit countries like Norway in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Britons will need an ETIAS visa to enter Norway from early 2023 or whenever the ETIAS system is operational.
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Iceland
Like Norway, Iceland quickly dropped all of its Covid restrictions on February 25 in a bid to lure tourists back. “All official epidemiological measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic are lifted, both domestically and at the border,” the government said in a statement. “This removes all rules on gathering and school restrictions, as well as the requirement to isolate those infected with Covid-19.” That means no testing or quarantine for everyone, vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Poland
As one of the latest countries to join this list, Poland scrapped all entry requirements on Monday March 28, after a decision on March 23 to lift the mandatory mask rule. Masks are now only required in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The country had previously been fairly strict, requiring proof of full vaccination and a pre-travel test. Now you can explore cities like Warsaw and Kraków test and mask free.
Montenegro
In mid-March, Montenegro lifted its Covid-related entry requirements, ending the requirement for proof of vaccination or a negative test result on arrival. Though a little under the radar, Croatia’s neighbor has slowly been building a profile as a tourist destination in recent years, and with Croatia sticking to its ‘vaccinate or test’ rule as well as a passenger locator form, some tourists might be tempted here instead.
Hungary
From March 7th, travelers on holiday in Hungary will no longer have to be tested, show proof of vaccination or go into quarantine. Gergely Gulyás, the prime minister’s chief of staff, announced the move at a government briefing. Like all EU countries, Britons must be aware of passport expiry rules and ensure their passport is valid for at least three months after the date of their intended departure. Hungary is a great choice for spring, be it the foodie, trendy capital of Budapest or further afield before summer temperatures soar.
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Lithuania
Lithuania, visited by our travel correspondent Simon Calder this week, announced in late February that it would no longer require visitors from certain countries – including the UK, EU and EEA – to provide proof of vaccinations, a test result or a health certificate form to be submitted. This is independent of vaccination status. However, the advice from the Federal Foreign Office states: “On February 24, 2022, Lithuania declared a state of emergency in response to Russian military action in Ukraine.”
Slovenia
Slovenia lifted all remaining travel restrictions – apart from a passenger locator form – at the end of February. “There are no longer any Covid 19 restrictions for entering Slovenia,” says a statement from the tourism association. “The recovered/vaccinated/tested status has been removed, making Slovenia an accessible, attractive destination for UK and Irish travelers wanting to experience incredible scenery, farm-to-table cuisine, historic architecture, hiking trails and much more.”
Romania
Romania, which was growing in popularity with indie travelers and hikers before the pandemic, lifted all remaining Covid restrictions on March 9. These included the use of vaccination cards and the requirement to wear masks both indoors and outdoors. It coincided with the government’s decision not to extend the nationwide state of emergency that has been in place for almost two years. However, Romania is one of the least vaccinated countries in Europe, with just under 42 percent of the population so far opting to take two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Madeira
Madeira has been a hit with anti-restriction travelers throughout the pandemic and was considered one of the more laid-back destinations in Europe. Since the beginning of March, no more testing, proof of vaccination or isolation of vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers is required – although some mask rules remain in place. “There are no restrictions on the entry of travelers into the airports, ports and marinas of the Autonomous Region of Madeira,” reads the statement from the Madeira Regional Tourist Board, although it recommends all visitors to fill out its “Epidemiological Questionnaire” on the Madeira Safe Website.
Cabins in Bohuslan, Sweden
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Sweden
This Scandi spring and summer break favorite dropped the rest of the Covid rules on April 1st. Non-EU travelers are now no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a test to visit the attractions of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. “The government has decided not to extend the travel ban from third countries,” said Justice and Home Secretary Morgan Johansson. “That will make it much easier for everyone who has been prevented from coming to Sweden in recent years due to the pandemic. Previously, on February 9, it eased its restrictions only for travelers based in the EU. As in all Schengen area countries, check that your passport is still valid for three months after your departure and make sure it is stamped upon entry and exit.
Latvia
Also from April 1st, travelers from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK will no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a test result when entering Latvia. Travelers from outside these areas must still show one of these (except for children under 12 years old). However, masks are still common in Latvia, popular for its affordable capital Riga – with a few specified types: The tourism board’s website states: “Medical masks or FFP2 respirators without a valve should be used on public transport, except in taxis and other commercial passenger transport.”
Moldova
Europe’s least visited country – which is often forgotten outside of the Eurovision Song Contest – lifted its Covid restrictions on March 16. No vaccination certificates, tests or other documents are required to enter the country. which has pretty monasteries, a prized capital in Chisinau and a boutique wine scene. Not to mention the European bison grazing the rural trails.
Czech Republic
Travelers to Prague and the wider Czech Republic no longer need to take a test or fill out a localization form, regardless of vaccination status. The country’s Interior Ministry announced: “From April 9, 2022, protective measures regarding entry conditions to the Czech Republic in relation to the epidemic of Covid-19 have been suspended.” Capacity restrictions for venues such as museums have also been lifted, but FFP2 face tags are still mandatory on public transport and in hospitals and pharmacies.