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Worldwide msc international, msc cruises updates covid-19 travel requirements.

London, UK – 26 September : MSC Cruises today updated its Covid-19 protocols and guidelines. For anyone departing from the UK from 1 October 2022 onboard an MSC Cruise, the requirement to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 has changed from “required” to “recommended”.

MSC Cruises has also updated it’s Covid-19 testing requirements for anyone departing from the UK. From 1 October 2022, all fully vaccinated guests presenting a valid vaccination certificate are recommended but not required to test before embarking. For any unvaccinated guests (5 years and older), a RT-PCR or Antigen test within 48 hours prior to the ship’s departure remains mandatory. MSC Cruises is also reminding its customers that COVID-19 insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

Changes to Covid-19 travel requirements have also been applied to other embarkation ports including those in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean and others. Full details can be found at: https://www.msccruises.co.uk/health-and-safety-measures/mediterranean

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TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISES

The below requirements are valid for cruises starting from 1st October 2022. 

Vaccination requirements

All Guests embarking are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Tests must be laboratory certified. A rapid antigen self-test is not valid for travel purposes. 

All guests are recommended to travel with their COVID-19 vaccination status and test results. While the vaccination is not required for boarding it could be requested in various ports of call and at local attractions.

The original test results certificate and vaccination certificate must be presented at the terminal (paper or electronic format) and must be in one of the following languages: English, Italian, German, French or Spanish. The COVID 19 test certificate must contain: guest’s personal data (verifiable with the other travel documents), date of the test, identification / contact details of the centre that performed the analysis, technique used and negative test result. 

All Crew members are required to be fully vaccinated and regularly weekly tested according to MSC Cruises Health & Safety protocol. 

For more information visit our FAQ section . 

Please click here to check the requirements for MSC Grand Voyages cruises.

Last updated: 22nd September 2022

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there might be international travel restrictions depending on your cruise destination and your country of residence.

The wearing of face masks is highly recommended. In certain circumstances this recommendation might be due to a mandatory requirement in accordance with applicable health authorities regulations of a country or port of call visited. When ashore, guests must also follow any local regulations regarding face mask usage. These protocols are subject to change.

To verify all the required documents, passports and visas for your cruise, please click  here .

PASSPORTS & VISAS REQUIREMENTS FOR UK

FOR SCHENGEN AREA* NATIONALITY GUESTS AND FOREIGNERS RESIDING IN SCHENGHEN AREA

• Please note Guests must present only valid passport with at least residual validity 3 months at their arrival in the UK. 
• EU ID Card is not accepted, even in case willing to remain on board during the call in the UK.   

*Travel requirements for Schengen guests extended to Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Cyprus, Ireland (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland), extended to Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Cyprus & Rep. of Ireland. If not Schengen passport holders but resident in the selected country please note that they must have valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country - not valid if under renewal.

FOR OTHER GUESTS 

Please check  here .

As during a cruise, you may be exposed to specific COVID-19 risks that may not be usually covered by existing insurance policies, to ensure your peace of mind is strongly recommended – for all new reservations from 1 July 2022 onwards - for all guests to have in place an insurance policy that specifically covers them against COVID-19 related risks, such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and related expenses, as well as hospitalization. If you have no insurance in place, please note that you might be exposed to additional costs that could not be covered by the Company. 

The insurance should be in place to cover you and your family, from the confirmation of your booking until the end of the cruise, your cruise or cruise & flight.

To fully protect you from the above risks, MSC offers a COVID Protection Plan - an insurance policy specifically designed for these COVID-19 risks - that can be added to the cruise whilst making the booking. The Covid Protection Plan is applicable to all departures on sales. Before finalizing the reservation, it will be possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan at the price of 25€ per person. 

Alternatively, you may travel with another insurance policy covering the above risks.

Guests are able to go ashore independently according to local requirements which are continually monitored and subject to change. Guests who are travelling with unvaccinated children are also able to go ashore independently. For the best ashore experience, we recommend all guests explore destinations with the comfort, convenience, and safety of an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, bookable pre-cruise and on board. 

A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. For more information, it is recommended to check your country’s competent authorities official channels. It is the responsibility of each Guest to ensure they are in compliance with any local regulations related to COVID-19 testing when returning to their final post cruise destination.

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MSC Cruises eases boarding requirements from October 1

MSC Cruises announced the easing of boarding requirements from October 1, 2022, part of the company's health & safety protocols.

For tourists embarking from ports in Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Red Sea, the obligation of COVID vaccination will not be needed, even if it remains strongly recommended. Citizens in the same geographic regions who are fully vaccinated (2 doses of the vaccine/1 dose of Johnson & Johnson) are no longer required to submit a negative swab result, but it is recommended.

The obligation to submit a certificate with a negative antigen/molecular test result, performed within 48 hours of boarding, remains for guests who are not fully vaccinated, who have recovered from COVID without any vaccine dose, or who have a vaccine exemption. because of medical conditions with a QR code.

For all passengers going on a cruise, however, to the UAE-United Arab Emirates/Qatar, a full COVID vaccination from the age of 16 remains mandatory. Also for these sailings, the obligation to take a swab is no longer required within 48 hours of boarding (except for guests boarding from Doha ), which is still recommended, while it's only mandatory for kids under 16 who do not have a full COVID vaccination certificate.

Finally, for guests embarking on one of MSC World Cruises/Grand Voyages, the mandatory nature of the 12-year-old COVID vaccine and an antigen/molecular test to be performed within 48 hours before embarkation remains in effect (from age 5+).

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

Health & medical

Guests are required to submit a special needs form to [email protected] 30 days before sailing.

Does MSC offer travel insurance and what does it include?

Are vaccination and testing for covid-19 required, does msc cruises offer assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, can i bring medicines on board, how can i let msc cruises know about my special needs, what medical service is available on board, are there special menus for coeliac passengers or for those with food allergies/intolerances.

MSC Cruises offers a gluten-friendly selection gluten-free menus (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the main restaurants on most of its ships. On MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica guests can find only a limited selection of pre-packaged gluten-free snacks such as biscuits, croissants, sponge cakes and muffins. Guests with food intolerances and/or allergies must inform MSC Cruises of their needs via the Special Needs Form and, once on board, confirm their requirements at Reception-Guest Service and/or with the Maître d’hôtel. Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner) may be available on board for an additional charge of €25/$30 pp/day. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 30 days before ship’s departure. Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following former request of the guest at least two months before departure. Vegetarian and Vegan -friendly dishes are incorporated into our main restaurant menus and buffet restaurant culinary offer. We can accommodate most special dietary requirements in our main restaurants where there is a greater degree of control over the production and service of special meals. We cannot guarantee no cross-contamination at the buffet.

Do on board staff receive special training in providing assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?

Can i undergo dialysis treatment on board, are there excursions accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, what is the deadline for notifying msc cruises of my special needs, service animals.

Certified Service dogs are permitted to sail if all required documentation is provided.  Guests are required to submit a special needs form to [email protected]   30 days before sailing.  Documentation that is required includes but not limited to:

• Verification that the animal is a service dog with a brief explanation of what the animal has been trained to perform
• Vaccination certificate
• Veterinarian certificate stating that animal is healthy
• Department of Agriculture permits

Are there signs for passengers with visual disabilities?

Who will handle my special needs request and how will it be treated, how soon will i receive a reply to my special needs request, could msc cruises refuse my booking or deny me boarding, can a passenger with reduced mobility travel alone, which areas of the ship are accessible to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, are there cabins for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, can i bring my mobility scooter/wheelchair on board.

Due to safety considerations, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be stored in the corridors. Your personal scooter should be able to fit in a standard cabin with a limited entry doorway (58 cm on MSC Divina and MSC Armonia, 68 cm on MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera, 62 cm on the others). If your scooter is larger than the dimension reported for your chosen ship, you should book an H cabin or rent a smaller scooter. Segways and other similar vehicles cannot be operated on board. They shall be confiscated and can be taken off the ship to be used while in port. Also please note that the aluminium gangways used if the ramp cannot be operated are less than 80 cm wide

Vaccinations

What do you need to know about msc cruises’ policy for travel to regions that have been declared affected by the zika virus.

The Centres for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has issued guidance advising against travel in zones affected by the Zika virus for women who are pregnant and their partners as well as for women who are trying to become pregnant.  In connection with this, MSC Cruises offers pregnant guests and the people travelling with her in the same cabin the opportunity to cancel free of charge their cruise to countries affected by Zika or rebook using cruise credit to another destination of their liking among the worldwide destinations that MSC Cruises offers to be utilized within a 24 month period. Guests should provide a copy of a medical certificate confirming their existing pregnancy. Guests who wish to find out additional information about the Zika virus should either contact their health care provider physician or visit the CDC Website: 

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/pregnant-woman.html http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0801-zika-travel-guidance.html

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• Cruise News

MSC Cruises: Updated Pre-Cruise Testing

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• August 1, 2022

UPDATE, 8/8: MSC has walked back on the date it originally announced it would drop pre-cruise testing for voyages five nights or shorter. Instead of today, August 8, it will now drop the testing on August 29.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

MSC Cruises has announced an update to its health and safety protocols for voyages from United States ports, which is in line with recent changes from other cruise companies including Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Cruise Line.

Starting Monday, August 8, fully vaccinated guests departing on cruises from U.S. ports that are five nights or less will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test to sail.

Fully vaccinated passengers sailing on cruises six nights or longer from U.S. ports must show proof of a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation.

Unvaccinated guests two and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation. Currently, MSC Cruises still requires that all guests 12 and older are vaccinated, so this unvaccinated protocol applies to kids two to 11 years old.

MORE: Princess Cruises Cancels Some Calls to Alaska Port Due to Rockslide Risk

The cruise line does not require booster shots.

In the press release announcing the news, MSC said that it will “continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements outside of the U.S., with a goal to relax testing and vaccination protocols to open cruising to all guests.”

Last week, Carnival , Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea all lifted pre-cruise testing on sailings five nights or shorter, except for in destinations that continue to require it.

Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, and Viking dropped testing for voyages of all lengths in select destinations, and Virgin Voyages and Margaritaville at Sea ditched testing for all of their cruises.

As a bit of a trial, Holland America Line and P&O Cruises got rid of their pre-cruise testing requirement for select sailings to Norway this summer.

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A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

Everything you need to know for a safe and healthy trip to Europe.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around the world, many countries shut their borders. In the years since, countries have opened, welcoming tourists with different vaccination or testing rules in place. 

But many countries in Europe have since dropped travel-related restrictions, reverting back to pre-pandemic times and making it easier than ever to plan a trip. 

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status, including entry any requirements foreign travelers need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries. Beyond that, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra, according to the Andorra tourism site .

Austria is open to travel and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place, according to the country’s official tourism site . In Vienna, masks must be worn on public transportation. 

Belgium welcomes travelers from the U.S. and does not require them to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Bulgaria welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . 

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

Cyprus has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism . Masks remain mandatory on public transportation. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions, according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

Estonia has eliminated all COVID-19-related rules, according to the government .

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to the French government .

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany, according to the German Missions in the United States .

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules, according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Hungarian Police .

Iceland welcomes travelers without any pandemic-era entry rules in place, according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website .

Ireland has removed all COVID-19-related entry rules for travel, according to the government .

Italy has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

Access to public institutions, malls, and indoor dining inside does require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for customers over 16.

Latvia has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the Latvian tourism board .

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein. COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted in Liechtenstein, according to the European Union .

Lithuania no longer requires any pre-arrival testing or proof of vaccination to visit, according to the national tourism development agency .

Luxembourg welcomes travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg . Travelers do not need any pre-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions, according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Moldova does not have any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in place for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova .

To get to Monaco, most visitors must travel through France. Monaco does not have any pandemic-related travel restrictions in place, according to the government .

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation, according to the country’s government .

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing, according to the government . 

Poland has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, including for vaccination and testing, according to the government . 

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, according to Visit Portugal .

Romania has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, according to the government . 

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. The country doesn’t have any specific COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the International Air Transport Association .

Serbia has removed all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia .

Slovakia has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to Slovakia Travel . Travelers no longer have to show any proof of vaccination or tests to enter hotels, restaurants, or other venues.

Slovenia has eliminated pandemic-era travel restrictions, according to the government .

Spain has dropped all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points, according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so. However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

Sweden no longer has any COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden .

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine . Travelers must also have a health insurance policy to cover the potential costs of COVID-19 treatment.

The U.S. Department of State has currently issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning against visiting Ukraine due to the ongoing war and Russian invasion.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country and is encircled by the Italian city of Rome. It is open to travelers who are able to enter Italy .

The information in this article reflects that of the publishing time above. However, as statistics and information regarding coronavirus rapidly change, some figures may be different from when this story was originally posted. While we strive to keep our content as up to date as possible, we also recommend visiting sites like the CDC or websites of local health departments.

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Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:00, Sun & Public Holidays Closed

travel requirements for mediterranean cruises

REQUIREMENTS TO EMBARK

Starting from February 12, 2023 all Guests (of any age) are no longer required to provide a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or pre-boarding test.

All Crew members are required to be fully vaccinated and are regularly screened according to MSC Cruises Health & Safety protocol.

For more information visit our FAQ section .

Please click here to check the requirements for MSC Grand Voyages cruises.

OTHER TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there might be international travel restrictions depending on your cruise destination and your country of residence.

The wearing of face masks is highly recommended. In certain circumstances this recommendation might be due to a mandatory requirement in accordance with applicable health authorities regulations of a country or port of call visited. When ashore, guests must also follow any local regulations regarding face mask usage. These protocols are subject to change.

Other requirements such as a COVID-19 test a Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. For more information, it is recommended to check your country’s competent authorities official channels.

To verify all the required documents, passports and visas for your cruise, please click here .

As during a cruise, you may be exposed to specific COVID-19 risks that may not be usually covered by existing insurance policies, to ensure your peace of mind is strongly recommended – for all new reservations from 1 July 2022 onwards - for all guests to have in place an insurance policy that specifically covers them against COVID-19 related risks, such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and related expenses, as well as hospitalisation. If you have no insurance in place, please note that you might be exposed to additional costs that could not be covered by the Company.

The insurance should be in place to cover you and your family, from the confirmation of your booking until the end of the cruise, your cruise and flight or your Stay & Cruise package.

To fully protect you from the above risks, MSC offers a COVID Protection Plan - an insurance policy specifically designed for these COVID-19 risks - that can be added to the cruise whilst making the booking. The Covid Protection Plan is applicable to all departures on sales. Before finalizing the reservation, it will be possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan at the price of 25€ per person.

Alternatively, you may travel with another insurance policy covering the above risks.

GOING ASHORE & TRAVELLING BACK HOME

Guests are able to go ashore independently according to local requirements which are continually monitored and subject to change. Guests who are travelling with unvaccinated children are also able to go ashore independently. For the best ashore experience, we recommend all guests explore destinations with the comfort, convenience, and safety of an MSC Cruises Shore Excursion, bookable pre-cruise and on board.

A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. For more information, it is recommended to check your country’s competent authorities official channels.  It is the responsibility of each Guest to ensure they are in compliance with any local regulations related to COVID-19 testing when returning to their final post cruise destination.

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises