Latest face mask rules for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey

Traveling abroad is now much easier as many holiday hotspots around the world have dropped Covid rules. Many countries have now returned to pre-Coronavirus life, with little or no restrictions in place.

It means millions of Britons will be flying out for some much-needed sunshine this year. But, while the rules have been relaxed in many places, they still vary from country to country.

As well as relaxing entry rules, face mask requirements are also being eased in a bid to boost tourism. Here are the current face mask rules in some of Europe’s most popular holiday hotspots, WalesOnline reports.

READ MORE: Latest travel rules for Spain, Balearics and Canary Islands as Britons seek summer vacation

Spain

Last week, Spanish authorities relaxed rules on face masks so they are no longer needed in indoor public spaces. Spain had already scrapped its mask mandate for outdoor public spaces.

However, you will need to wear a mask if you are on Spanish public transport, or if you are going to a healthcare facility – such as a hospital or dentist – or a nursing home.

Portugal

Face masks are no longer mandatory in indoor public spaces in Portugal. The requirement to wear them in outdoor public spaces had already been abolished where social distancing could be maintained.

Portugal still requires people to wear face masks on public transport and when visiting facilities such as hospitals and care homes.

France

France no longer requires people to wear face coverings in indoor or outdoor public spaces. However, they are still compulsory for people over the age of six on public transport, and those who do not comply could be fined.

Italy

Currently in Italy, people over the age of five are required to wear a face covering in all indoor public places. FFP2 masks are compulsory for all people entering Italy by air, train, ferry or coach, according to UK Foreign Office travel guidelines.

FFP2 masks should be worn at indoor and outdoor public events, in venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas, and on public transport. While the government has indicated that this rule will be relaxed on May 1, it has not yet made a final decision on this.

Malta

In Malta, face masks are still compulsory in all indoor public places. This includes bars and restaurants, except when you are seated and eating or drinking.

However, masks are not mandatory in outdoor public places. Children under three are exempt from Malta’s mask requirements.

Greece

Greece currently requires people to wear a face mask in all indoor spaces. On public transport and in areas such as supermarkets and pharmacies, you will need to wear either a double mask (at least one of which must be surgical) or an FFP2/N95 mask.

However, the Greek authorities have announced that from June 1, face masks will no longer be compulsory indoors. From May 1, meanwhile, people will no longer have to show vaccine passes when entering places such as restaurants and bars.

Cyprus

Cyprus requires everyone aged six and over to wear a face covering in all indoor public places. Those who fail to comply could be fined €300 (£252).

However, masks are not mandatory in outdoor public spaces in Cyprus. Mandatory mask-wearing in outdoor areas of bars and restaurants ended on April 22.

Turkey

Turkey does not require people to wear face masks indoors or outdoors, as long as adequate social distancing and ventilation is present.