In early January, several tourist destinations, including France and the Netherlands, announced that they would put in place new requirements to be considered fully vaccinated and enter the country. The initial two doses (or one for those who received a single injection) are no longer sufficient after some time under these updates. Now, other countries are updating their requirements, which will affect travelers and citizens alike.

Spain
From February 1, Spain will require international travelers from most countries (including the United States) entering the country to receive a booster shot if they received the last dose of their initial vaccine there. is more than 270 days old. You will not be considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after the booster vaccination. Children under 12 are exempt from this requirement. According to the Spanish Tourism website, arrivals to the country must still complete the country’s health form.

Austria
Austria has also updated its entry requirements to prevent the spread of the omicron variant. The Austrian policy is currently in effect. To enter the country, if you received the last dose of your initial vaccine more than 270 days ago, you will also need to do a booster. If you do not have a reminder, you will need to present a negative PCR test. If you don’t have either, you will need to self-quarantine until you have a negative PCR test. Travelers will still need to complete the pre-travel authorization form.

Singapore
From February 14, Singapore will require all travelers aged 18 and over to receive the booster to be considered fully vaccinated if they received their last dose of vaccine more than 270 days ago. The same requirement for people aged 12 and over will come into effect from March 14. Singapore has a comprehensive travel checklist on what is required for travelers from the United States, including a vaccinated travel pass.

For all three countries, the expiration time for full vaccination status for initial doses is 270 days. This is also the standard set by the European Union to be considered fully vaccinated when traveling between countries with the EU COVID digital certificate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently ranks Spain and Austria Tier 4 on their travel risk assessment chart. Level 4 is the highest risk designation, and countries with 500 COVID cases per 100,000 population are placed in this category. Singapore is listed as a Level 3 risk, meaning between 100 and 500 COVID cases have been reported per 100,000 people.