Will I have to wear a face mask on holiday this year?

Different rules and restrictions around Covid-19, including mask wearing, apply in different destinations, including on a local and regional basis.

We’ve looked at six major tourist destinations, but it’s worth checking advice offered locally and by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before you travel as restrictions and rules are subject to regular changes. Cyprus was the first European destination to reintroduce mask-wearing indoors in July, just a month after scrapping them.

Spain

The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of six in the following situations:

on public transport
visiting a hospital or medical centre (including other healthcare settings such as dentists, opticians, pharmacies etc)
visiting a care or nursing home

In addition to the mandatory use of face masks in the above situations, the Spanish government recommends you use them responsibly in the following circumstances:

enclosed public spaces such as shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants
at large events (eg concerts, sporting events)
when in the company of people considered clinically vulnerable or high-risk and social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed
at family gatherings
in any other enclosed communal spaces open to the public

Italy

Masks are no longer required on flights in, to or from Italy; however, all passengers entering Italy by ferry, train or coach must wear an FFP2 mask.

Until at least 30 September, the use of FFP2 masks is also compulsory:

on public transport within the country, including boats, ferries, interregional trains, buses, subways, cars and taxis with a driver
when visiting healthcare facilities such as hospitals and care homes

It’s still recommended to wear masks in all indoor public spaces. Children aged five and under are exempt from mask wearing.

France

You do not currently have to wear a mask in most settings in France, except in hospitals and other medical facilities.

The French government ended the requirement to wear masks on public transport on 16 May, although the Foreign Office advises: “Some towns and cities may require mask wearing on public transport”, so it’s worth bringing some just in case.

In early July, some in France were calling for tighter mask rules as cases rose. However, French government spokesperson Olivia Gregoire dismissed the idea on 29 June, telling French channel BFMTV: “The French people are sick of restrictions. We are confident that people will behave responsibly.”

Greece

Greece suspended its nationwide mask requirement (in most settings) on 1 June. The only scenarios in which visitors to Greece need wear a face mask is on public transport and in hospitals or other medical and healthcare facilities.