Just in time for the summer tourist season, the German government has abolished its 3G rule. According to Germany's National Tourist Office, this rule required travelers to show either proof of full vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test to enter the country.
This means travelers can now enter Germany without any documents confirming their coronavirus status, which makes life much easier for holders of Schengen visas.
Recall that at the beginning of the year, Germany abandoned the mandatory wearing of masks. The country's only federal coronavirus-related rule that is still in effect, — the requirement to wear masks on public transport. There are no exceptions for passengers on planes, trains, subways and buses.
Germany joins a number of other countries that have lifted entry restrictions related to the pandemic. On June 1, both Cyprus and Italy, which have been implementing some of the toughest COVID-19 measures in Europe during the pandemic, have lifted additional border checks.
The UK has opened its borders to all travelers, regardless from vaccination status, March 18, Greece followed suit on May 2.
Other countries across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland, have done so same.
In addition, from May 21, all tourists, regardless of vaccination status, can visit Spain, as the country has abolished the vaccination requirement. Those who are not vaccinated, however, must show a negative test result for COVID-19 upon arrival.