European governments have begun to lift restrictions and open their borders to foreign tourism after a decrease in new coronavirus infections. For millions of potential travelers, desperate to catch a glimpse of European sunshine and culture after months of being stuck at home, this is a situation eagerly awaited.
We are currently entering the phase of "green corridors" or "travel bubbles" that permit certain nations, where infection rates are under control, to open up specific areas that have an epidemiological situation that is evolving positively.
To guide you in your travels this summer we have compiled a list of countries in Europe that are beginning to lift restrictions and have implemented various safety measures concerning hygiene and social distancing in restaurants, shops, beaches, and other touristic sites, as well as increasing the availability of masks, testing, and hospital beds.
Spain's lockdown proved to be one of the strictest in Europe. But the popular destination, which welcomed over 84 million visitors in 2019, is slowly easing restrictions. Beaches are already open in most parts of the country and restaurants are allowed a capacity between 30% to 50%, depending on the region situated. Cinemas, museums, auditoriums and concert halls can also open if they reduce their capacity to one third.
Starting July 1st Spain will be accepting tourists from abroad. From then on, travelers arriving in Spain from foreign countries will not have to comply with the 14 days of quarantine previously established. The Spanish Government is also working on the so-called "green corridors" so that in the second half of June some autonomous communities, such as the Balearic and Canary Islands, can receive foreign tourists from Germany and the Nordics.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the countries least affected by Covid-19, with up to 40 times fewer cases than the other European countries. Some regions have been almost entirely spared, including the Algarve.
The country is set to reopen its international borders in July, but with strict protocols in place. Many autonomous regions, such as Madeira, are ready to welcome back foreign tourists as soon as possible and with great safety guidelines in place. Travelers will be asked to present negative test results confirming they do not have the virus, costs are said to be covered and offered to tourists when they land.
Austria
At the moment, you can only travel to Austria from other countries in the Schengen area if you bring a medical certificate that proves you are Covid-19 negative, issued no more than 4 days before your trip, and quarantine of 14 days is obligatory. This is set to change during the second half of June, which is when they will start opening some of their borders without these restrictions, like the one with Germany. It seems that a "green corridor" will also be established with Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Shops, restaurants, and museums began operating in mid-May. Also, since May 18th, all transportation is operating normally. The use of masks is mandatory in transport and public buildings.
France
The Eiffel Tower will not see any foreign tourists at least until June 15th when France's borders with Switzerland and Germany are expected to open. We still have to wait and see whether France will ease its travel restrictions with other countries, but the good news is that it has begun its de-escalation process and seems ready to resume tourism.
Much of France is in a "green zone", so schools have been opening since mid-May, and as of June 2nd, bars, restaurants, and cafes can open with certain restrictions. Beaches, parks, lakes, and museums can also be accessed.
Greece
The Mediterranean nation has managed to keep its coronavirus death shockingly low, with less than 180 Covid-19 deaths so far, thanks to its early enforcement of a strict lockdown.
Their prime minister, Mitsotakis, has stated that direct international flights to Greek destinations will recommence July 1st, and tourists will no longer be required to take a Covid-19 test or go into quarantine.
Croatia
Croatia is another country that has its sights set on June 15th to reopen its borders internationally. This country, which has already given free rein to domestic travel since May 11th, is now considering what measures to take in order to reopen its borders to international travelers.
In fact, since May 9th citizens from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, and Germany have been allowed to enter Croatia without any quarantine. The only requirement is to carry a confirmed reservation and provide contact details.
Many restaurants, shops, beaches, parks, and museums are eagerly awaiting their first visitors. Movement around the country is allowed and the transport system is working normally.
Italy
Italy is one of the first countries in Europe to open its borders, with dates set for June 3rd.
Traveling to Italy is definitely a reality for many since the government has announced that tourists from countries in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Andorra and Monaco will be able to enter. No tests or quarantine will be necessary.
At the moment museums, bars, restaurants, shops, parks, swimming pools, beaches and monuments are open. On June 15th, theatres, cinemas, concert halls and other open spaces will welcome visitors, although there will be capacity limits.
Internal transport to travel around Italy in the summer of 2020 will also be in operation, but please note that the use of masks is mandatory as well as in other closed spaces.
