We had to wait a long time for this: The number of corona infections in Europe is falling, more and more people are at least first vaccinated and the opportunities to travel are increasing. The federal government continues to advise against travel abroad that is not absolutely necessary. But many holiday countries are reopening to stimulate tourism. There are a few things to consider – here is an overview:
Austria: Extensive openings since May 19, 2021
Good news from the neighboring country: Since Wednesday, May 19, there has been no quarantine requirement for entries from Germany – in time for the start of the Whitsun holidays. The 3-G rule applies to tourists aged ten and over. Anyone wanting to go to the country must be tested, recovered or vaccinated – and register online beforehand. Hotels, restaurants, shops, cinemas and theaters are open again, but access tests are required. In order to receive this, foreign guests can have themselves checked for a corona infection in test streets and pharmacies free of charge. The period of validity of the tests varies between a few hours and 72 hours (PCR test). Hotel guests must perform a quick test on site under supervision every two days. There is no compulsory test for fully vaccinated persons. Attention: The RKI classifies large parts of Austria as a risk area (exceptions: Jungholz in Tirol, Kleinwalsertal, Mittelberg in Vorarlberg).
Italy: Quarantine requirement lifted since May 16, 2021
La dolce vita is getting a little closer: EU citizens have been able to travel to Italy without being quarantined since May 16, but they have to fill out an online form. In addition, a negative PCR test or rapid test that is not older than 48 hours is required. It is also planned to prefer some easing, as all regions except for the small Aosta Valley are classified as yellow or white zones. There the curfew has been shortened by an hour and is therefore only valid from 11 p.m. Restaurants and bars are allowed to serve guests outside, from June 1st also inside after 6 p.m. Cable cars (from May 22nd), outdoor pools, shops, theaters, museums and cinemas are open. A general mask requirement applies nationwide from the age of six in all closed rooms, in public transport and also outdoors – with the exception of outdoor sports. Attention: The RKI continues to classify Italy as a risk area.
Croatia: Entry only tested, vaccinated or recovered
Beach holidays are again possible without quarantine: Many hotels and restaurants are already open in Croatia. However, travelers must either be fully vaccinated, recovered and currently tested upon arrival. The entry requirements also include online registration, which is recommended before starting your journey, as otherwise long waiting times at the border crossings can occur. Cafes and restaurants are allowed to serve guests in the outdoor areas. In public indoor areas and outside, where a distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained, it is mandatory to wear a mask. Further easing could take effect on June 1st. Attention: The Federal Foreign Office classifies Croatia as a high incidence area and warns against tourist travel.
Spain: Travel warnings for Balearic and Canary Islands lifted
Compulsory test and QR code for entry: While different corona rules apply to the different regions of Spain, the entry requirements remain the same for everyone. Tourists need a negative test (PCR, TMA or LAMP) and a QR code. This can be generated either via an online form or the free SpTH app no earlier than 48 hours before entry.
Tourism has been developing in Mallorca for a few weeks now. Hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and swimming pools are open. The curfew will be relaxed from Sunday, May 23rd and will not apply until midnight. Masks are required in public spaces. The only exception: in swimming pools, on beaches and in catering facilities, the mask may be removed for eating and drinking. Bad news for party people: alcohol consumption outside is prohibited. And according to statements by the Balearic Prime Minister Francina Armengol, clubs will probably also remain closed in the summer months.
In the Canary Islands, holidaymakers must undergo a comprehensive health check upon entry and also show their negative test at the hotel reception. They also have to download the Spanish app “Radar Covid” and deactivate it at the earliest 15 days after their return. A separate four-stage warning system evaluates each island separately. The closing times and regulations for the catering trade are also linked to this. Attention: 13 regions on mainland Spain are classified as risk areas by the RKI. Travel to the Canaries and Balearic Islands is not recommended.
Portugal: Vacation possible again since May 17, 2021
From the former Corona hotspot to the lowest infection values in Europe after Iceland: Portugal has made an amazing development in recent weeks and has therefore opened its borders to tourists from EU countries with low infection rates (including Germany) since Monday, May 17th. All visitors over the age of two must still present a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours. A travel registration must also be completed online before entering the country. Hotels can receive guests as well as cafes, bars and restaurants as well as cinemas, theaters and other cultural sites that are open until 10.30 p.m. on weekends. Attention: The Federal Foreign Office warns against unnecessary tourist trips to the Azores and Madeira. We advise against traveling to the rest of the country.
Greece: Tourism has been booming since May 15, 2021
The official starting shot for this year’s holiday season was given on May 15th. Since then, tourists have been able to enter the country without quarantine, but with a completed vaccination or a PCR test that is not more than 72 hours old. To do this, they have to register with an online form 24 hours in advance. The outdoor areas of cafes, bars and taverns are open under certain conditions. There is no exit from 0.30 a.m. to 5 a.m. The nationwide lockdown continues until May 24, 2021. Warning: The RKI continues to classify Greece as a risk area.
France: First opening steps since May 19, 2021
Hotels and campsites open: Shortly before the Whitsun holidays, France opened its borders to holidaymakers from the EU. A negative PCR test no older than 72 hours is required for entry. There are currently no privileges for vaccinated people. Outside areas of restaurants, cultural institutions and shops may again receive visitors under certain conditions. However, there is a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Masks on public transport and in closed spaces are mandatory. In some cities such as Nice, Marseille or Paris, it is also mandatory to wear a mask outdoors. Attention: The Federal Foreign Office classifies France as a high incidence area.
Malta: Full opening from June 1st, 2021
Due to the sharp drop in corona numbers in the smallest EU country, tourist trips have been possible again for a long time. To enter the Mediterranean island, two printed forms are required – the “Public Health Travel Declaration Form” and a “Passenger Locator Form” – as well as a negative PCR test when boarding. Restaurants are allowed to serve visitors both inside and outside until 5 p.m., after that only take-away is allowed. However, further openings have been announced: From May 24th, the catering time will be extended to midnight. Bars, cinemas and theaters are scheduled to open on June 7th. Attention: The Foreign Office’s travel warning for Malta has been lifted since May 9, 2021.
Turkey: tourists are better off than locals
Holidays in Turkey have been possible for Germans again for some time: Before entering the country, an online form must be filled out and a PCR test must be taken (not older than 72 hours). Quarantine only applies to visitors who have been in Great Britain or Denmark in the past ten days. Otherwise vacationers can use the warm Weather and enjoy your hotel, where distance and hygiene rules apply. Restaurants are only allowed to offer take-away and delivery services. For locals, exit restrictions apply at night from 9 p.m. and on weekends – but not for tourists. In public spaces there is a mask and distance requirement (3 steps). Shops are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Attention: The Federal Foreign Office classifies Turkey as a high incidence area.
Cyprus: Entry with a full vaccination or two PCR tests
Since last week, Cyprus has been receiving holidaymakers from most countries (including Germany) – the only exceptions are countries that are severely affected by Corona. Before entering the country, you have to register online and print out the “Cyprus Flight Pass”. This enables entry to the sunny island together with two negative PCR tests (one before departure plus one mandatory and self-paid upon entry) or proof of a complete vaccination. That means: Vaccinated persons and children under twelve years of age are exempt from the double test requirement. With the easing since May 10, the night curfew only applies from midnight to 5 a.m. Taverns, bars and cafes have opened their outdoor areas. However, access is often only possible with the “Cyprus Flight Pass”. Mask requirement applies both indoors and outdoors. Attention: The Federal Foreign Office classifies Cyprus as a high incidence area.
Egypt: Swimming destinations can be approached with a PCR test
Beach vacation possible: The Egyptian bathing destinations on the Red Sea, South Sinai and Matrouh are open to foreign tourists. An English or Arabic-language PCR test (not older than 72 hours) is mandatory for entry, a full vaccination does not release you from this obligation. In addition, a health card must be filled out and confirmation of valid health insurance must be presented. Hotels in the tourist zones are open, as are restaurants, pubs and bars, but with shorter opening times. Shisha bars must remain closed. Museums and archaeological sites can be visited, but temperature measurements are taken at the entrance. Attention: The Federal Foreign Office classifies Egypt as a high incidence area.