Traveling to Europe with Children: Key Vaccination Requirements

Do children need a booster for travel in Europe this summer? Can unvaccinated children travel? Here’s what you need to know as the European Union (EU) introduces flexible travel rules for children under the age of 18.

Across the EU, tourists who completed their primary vaccinations more than 270 days ago need a booster to enter countries such as France, Spain, and Italy—or be considered unvaccinated and therefore subject to additional rules such as testing.

This recommendation was introduced by the European Commission on February 1 under the EU Digital COVID Certificate regulation. Most EU member states adopted it; however, some countries like Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden have since scrapped all COVID-19 entry requirements at their borders.

This week, the Commission introduced new rules regarding the EU Digital COVID Certificate that exempt children under 18 from the 270 days acceptance period following the primary vaccination series. This means that children are considered fully vaccinated after receiving their primary dose, whether that’s a two-shot vaccine series or a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

By April 6, this new feature will be included in the mobile app used to verify EU Digital COVID Certificates, ensuring children’s certificates remain active without the booster.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Justice emphasized the flexibility of the EU Digital COVID Certificate to adapt to new circumstances. Consequently, vaccination certificates for minors will not expire, allowing them to continue using the certificate received after the primary series of vaccination.

This exemption applies to EU and Schengen Zone citizens and residents traveling within Europe; however, some countries can adopt their own entry restrictions regardless of the Commission’s ruling.

Can unvaccinated children travel to Europe?

Generally speaking, yes. Children under 12 are usually exempt from vaccination requirements in most countries; however, many require that children between the ages of 12 and 18 have received the primary vaccine course to avoid testing rules.

Countries in Europe with Removed COVID-19 Entry Restrictions

Countries including Andorra, Denmark, Hungary, Lithuania, Iceland, Ireland, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have recently dropped all pandemic restrictions at their borders. Therefore, travelers no longer need to show vaccination certificates or negative tests to enter these countries, regardless of their origin.

Countries in Europe with COVID-19 Travel Regulations

Here are some destinations in Europe still requiring proof of vaccination, recovery, or negative test results from travelers:

Austria

Travelers over the age of 12 need proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory 270 days post-primary vaccine course), a recovery certificate (issued within the last 180 days), or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test. Notably, boosters are not required for those under 18 to be considered fully vaccinated.

Belgium

Travelers from the EU/Schengen area can present proof of vaccination (boosters necessary 270 days after the primary vaccine course), a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days), or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (36 hours) test. However, unvaccinated children under 12 are generally exempt.

Croatia

People need either proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory 270 days after primary vaccine course), a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days), or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test. Importantly, children under 12 are exempt from testing.

Cyprus

Individuals over 12 need proof of vaccination (boosters mandatory seven months after primary vaccine course) or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test. Children under 12 are exempt from testing.

Germany

Travelers from approved countries must show proof of vaccination or a PCR (48 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test. Unvaccinated children can enter with a vaccinated parent.

Greece

Travelers from approved countries must present proof of vaccination (boosters required seven months after primary vaccine course), a recovery certificate, or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test. Children under five are exempt from all entry requirements.

Italy

Travelers must present either proof of vaccination (boosters required seven months after primary vaccine course), a recovery certificate (issued within the past 180 days), or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test. Children under six are exempt from testing.

Spain

People can show proof of vaccination (boosters required nine months after primary vaccination series); a recovery certificate issued within the last 180 days; or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours) test. Children under 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements.

Turkey

Travelers must present proof of vaccination, a recovery certificate (issued within the last six months), or a negative PCR (72 hours) or antigen (48 hours) test. Children under 12 are exempt from testing.

In summary, understanding the latest COVID-19 vaccination rules for children traveling to Europe is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Adaptations in entry requirements allow more flexibility for families, ensuring safe and enjoyable travels this summer.