The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created a new way of living for everyone. The world is readjusting to this new way of living. People who love to travel may still be able to do so. Airports are beginning to open for not just domestic travels but also to international travels. You can still enjoy your vacation in Europe during Covid-19 era. You just need to find the right country that allows tourists and be ready to abide by the rules.
The European Commission provided some recommendations to guide member states on safety and precautions as they begin to relax lockdown rules. They advise that member states should only open their borders for tourism if they have been able to manage the spread of Coronavirus. Furthermore, countries that will open to tourists should have a health care system that can handle their citizens and the influx of tourists. They should also have enough testing facilities and contact tracing in place. To bring tourism back, countries are forming travel bubbles.
Countries in Europe Where You May Be Able to Travel for Vacation
Italy
From June 3, Italy opened her regional and international borders. But the border is not opened to all nations. The international borders are opened to the 26 members of the European Union. The border also opens for Schengen area members who do not belong to the 26 EU countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland. Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the United Kingdom and Vatican City are eligible to travel to Italy. Countries not on this list are not eligible to travel to Italy yet. There will be no need for a 14-day self-isolation, except where citizens of the listed countries have travelled to an ineligible country within the last 14 days of his or her travel to Italy.
Greece
Greece plans to open her international borders to tourists from June 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced the opening of international flights to Athens. But it’s not going to be like the usual travels. Travellers will be tested on arrival and placed in a special hotel pending the result of the test. If the traveller’s result is negative, he/she will self-isolate for 7 days. If the traveller’s result is positive, he or she will be quarantined for 14 days. After the self-isolation or quarantine, the traveller can then proceed to enjoy his or her vacation.
The following nationals can begin to plan their travels to Greece – Albania, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland.
Portugal
Portugal plans to open her international borders to travellers from July 1. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, the arrival of tourists will soon be possible for eligible countries. There will be health checks for air travellers. Countries that will be eligible to visit Portugal are the EU countries (except Italy and Spain), Brazil, Canada, the United States and Portuguese speaking countries.
Spain
Spain plans to open her international borders to tourist from July. The country’s Prime Minister, Petro Sanchez announced that foreign travellers will be welcome from July, under some “safety condition”. The safety condition might be 14 days quarantine or self-isolation.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands welcomes tourists from the EU countries, the Schengen Area countries and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, some rules are in place for tourists to abide by. Tourists must have booked a place to stay in the Netherlands before their arrival. Travellers should avoid busy places. Use public transport only when necessary and are to wear face masks in public transport.
Germany
The government of Germany will be opening international borders to tourists from June 15. Citizens of the following countries can travel to Germany – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK.
Denmark
Denmark plans to open borders to a few countries from June 15th. Citizens of Norway, Germany and Iceland are welcome to Denmark. Other EU countries, as well as the UK, will have to wait a little bit longer.
France
France plans to open her borders to the European countries starting from June 15. The EU countries will be able to visit without going into a 14-day self-isolation. However, if an EU country requires a 14-day self-isolation from French citizens, France will also require such from citizens of such country.
Sweden
Sweden’s border is open to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Those from other countries who hold permanent residence or resident permit in Sweden are also allowed to travel to Sweden.
If you are planning your vacation in any of the EU countries, you need to check if you are eligible to travel. The restrictions are constantly being lifted to allow more countries. You will also need to know the new aeroplane rules that apply to traveling during this period
