Covid mask requirement has been partially relaxed.

Many EU destinations no longer require passengers to wear face masks, although Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain are among the countries that do.

The EU’s softening begins on Monday and corresponds to new Covid recommendations on public transportation across Europe.

Face masks are no longer required on flights, trains, or buses in France.

However, until June 15, Italy compels passengers to wear the more protective FFP2 masks on public transportation.

Portugal, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are the other EU countries that still mandate face masks on flights.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announced the EU-wide softening last week, saying, “It is a comfort to all of us that we are finally approaching a stage in the epidemic where we can start to relax the health safety measures.”

According to the EASA, susceptible passengers should continue to wear FFP2 masks and passengers should aim to maintain social distance if possible.

Face masks are no longer required on flights to the United Kingdom and the United States.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control accompanied the new guidance with some cautionary advice (ECDC).

Although masks will no longer be required, ECDC head Andrea Ammon said it was crucial to remember that “together with physical distance and basic hand cleanliness, it is one of the best strategies of minimizing transmission.”

“Further, as of May 16, 2022, aircraft operators shall continue to encourage their passengers and staff members to wear face masks during the flight as well as in the airport, even if it is not needed,” the ECDC added.