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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sophie Buchan

Which popular holiday destinations require tourists to wear a mask and which don't

Travel restrictions are easing around the world, with some destinations scrapping the need for vaccination whilst others are scrapping the need to take a Covid test.

But something that many tourists are now on the lookout for are destinations that have ditched face masks.

Some popular tourist hotspots have already ditched this, however many have opted to keep them in certain circumstances such as when in a care home or hospital setting.

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And, with the summer holidays just around the corner, people are researching all the Covid rules and guidance before they jet off to their chosen location.

Remember that when researching, rules could change at any time and it's always worth checking back regularly.

So what popular tourists hotspots currently no longer require people to wear a mask and which places do?

France

The Gov.uk website states that wearing a mask on public transport — such as a bus or on the metro — is compulsory for everyone aged six and over and if you do not wear one, you may be fined.

They add: "There are no internal travel restrictions in France, however, measures may change at short notice either at national or at local level. You should visit the French Government Coronavirus Information page or use the ‘TousAntiCovid’ digital app for further information and to stay up to date on restrictions."

Portugal

The Gov.uk website states that tourists travelling to Madeira and Porto Santo must wear a mask in certain circumstances.

You must wear a mask in all enclosed spaces and outdoors where it's not possible to maintain a social distance of 1.5m — this measure applies to everyone aged six and over.

They add: "You should wear your face covering, as appropriate, when you enter the building or mode of transport and keep it on until you leave. You can be fined if you breach the regulations.

"Exemptions from wearing a face covering differ in Portugal compared to the UK. You may be exempt from using a face mask both indoors and out on medical grounds.

"You will have to show a declaration from your doctor as evidence that you have a health condition that prevents you from wearing a face covering. For further information (in Portuguese) on exemptions, see decree-law 62-A/2020 (Article 3(2)."

Malta

The Gov.uk website states that it's "not mandatory to wear a face mask inside, outside or on public transportation", however add it's "at the discretion of individual establishments to ask customers to present a valid vaccination certificate or to wear a face mask."

Spain

According to Schengenvisainfo, it was announced on April 19 that masks will no longer be "mandatory in interior spaces, in general" with the measure being relaxed on April 20.

This means that it's no longer mandatory to wear a face mask outdoors or indoors in Spain in cafes, restaurants, bars, museums and shopping centres.

However, it has been noted that the requirement will continue to remain in place for those working or visiting healthcare facilities.

The Gov.uk website states it's still mandatory for anyone over the age of six if you are in the following situations:

  • On any form of public transport in Spain
  • 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 (e.g. 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

Those with respiratory problems or those unable to wear a mask due to other health conditions or disabilities are exempt.

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