Vacation in Europe despite the coronavirus: travel warning, rules – what you need to know

A total of seven federal states are still in the summer vacation. Many non-European travel destinations are no longer available due to entry restrictions and travel warnings. Holidays in European countries are possible.

However, there is an obligation to test in Germany for those returning from Corona risk areas. If you go on holiday in most EU countries, you won't have to do that. But in Europe too, the measures have recently been tightened in many places. An overview: where is mask compulsory? Do I have to be in quarantine after entering the country? And what do you have to consider on the beach?

Vacation in Belgium – partial travel warning

Tourists from Germany can enter. However, the Belgian Foreign Ministry classifies some German regions – including Hamburg, Niederbayern and Düsseldorf – as orange zones. A 14-day home quarantine and test is recommended for those arriving from these areas. At the airport of the capital Brussels, the temperature of all passengers is measured with thermal cameras. Entry could be refused if the temperature exceeds 38 degrees.

Due to the increasing number of corona cases, Belgium has tightened the restrictions again. In public places with a large audience, as well as on buses and trains, museums and shops, a mask is required. Guests in pubs and restaurants must leave contact details.

The situation has deteriorated particularly in Brussels and the province of Antwerp. The Foreign Office has therefore been advising against tourist trips to Antwerp since August 5th and to Brussels since Friday. Anyone who travels back to Germany from there must be tested. On the North Sea coast, vacationers and locals sometimes have to register in advance for beach visits.

Bulgaria – partial travel warning

There has been no quarantine requirement for holiday guests from all EU countries since mid-July. However, travelers from Sweden and Portugal must show a negative test. Due to the corona numbers, the Federal Foreign Office warns against tourist trips to some regions of Bulgaria, including the tourist stronghold of Varna with the Golden Sands resort, which is popular with German party tourists. Blagoevgrad and Dobrich are also affected.

Many large hotels in the seaside resorts on the Black Sea are still closed anyway because it is uncertain how many guests they can expect. The hotels that are already open have adjusted to protective measures – such as greater distance between tables and chairs.

Due to the rapidly increasing number of cases, mouth and nose masks are again mandatory in shared closed rooms – for example in supermarkets, pharmacies, authorities and churches. Night clubs are also allowed to open the interior areas, but even there if there is one guest per square meter.

Denmark

Even though the Danes have introduced new travel restrictions for certain European countries such as Belgium and Spain, German vacationers can travel to their northernmost neighbor. The condition that six overnight stays had to be booked in the country has now been abolished – this should especially please city tourists who can now travel to Copenhagen for a weekend.

The number of new infections in Denmark has been low for a long time, but has recently increased again due to individual outbreaks in the second largest city of Aarhus. Restaurants, cafes and shops are open nationwide. Recently, you have to wear a face mask on public transport in Denmark.

Finland

Finland has one of the lowest numbers of new infections in Europe. Because of the increasing number of infections in many other countries, the Finns have reintroduced travel restrictions for Germany, Denmark and some other European countries. This means that Finland is reintroducing border controls for these countries and travelers from these countries are being asked to go into quarantine for 14 days and avoid contact with other people.

According to the Foreign Office, the Finnish authorities will no longer allow unnecessary tourist trips to Finland. Against this background, the German ministry is now advising against unnecessary tourist trips to Finland.

France – partial travel warning

Tourists from Germany do not need any special documents to enter the country, nor is quarantine necessary. Since the number of new infections has risen recently, in many cities of the country – including Paris – mask compulsory in some places outdoors. In Toulouse, a mask must be worn outdoors throughout the urban area.

The mask is mandatory across the country in public transport and closed public spaces such as shops. Tickets for many attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre in Paris are limited so that visitors can keep enough distance. Tickets usually have to be reserved or purchased online in advance. In addition, on Monday, Germany declared the Île-de-France regions with the capital Paris and Provence-Alpes-Côte d‘Azur to be risk areas.

Greece

Entry from most EU countries is permitted. After the increased number of infections, the Greek government has ordered extensive restrictions for numerous holiday areas and cities, most recently the Chalkidiki peninsula and the jet set island of Mykonos were among them. Celebrations, parties, religious celebrations and weekly markets are initially prohibited there until August 31.

In addition, gatherings of more than nine people are prohibited. All bars and taverns must close at midnight. Travelers to Greece must register electronically at least 24 hours prior to arrival and indicate where they have been and where they will be.

A mask is required for all closed facilities. On the beaches, the parasols must be at least four meters apart. Masks must always be worn on ferries – even on the open decks. Greece has a low number of infections with the coronavirus compared to its 10.5 million inhabitants. However, the number of infected people has recently risen suddenly.

Great Britain

Travelers from Germany and several dozen other states and territories can come to Great Britain again without restrictions. A list of such "travel corridors" is constantly updated. Every person entering the country must submit a comprehensive online form with their contact details, among other things.

Whether choosing the travel corridors or wearing a mask: in Great Britain each part of the country decides on its own measures to fight the pandemic. Britain is the worst hit country in Europe by the pandemic in terms of death toll. A high number of unreported cases is expected. The number of new infections has skyrocketed again in several areas, such as the north of England. Therefore there are locally limited contact restrictions.

Ireland

Travelers from Germany are said to continue to be in isolation for two weeks after arriving in Ireland. Only a small number of countries on a "green list" are exempt from this rule. Contact details must also be left on entry. New coronavirus infections have been increasing in many places for a few weeks; regional restrictions imposed at short notice must therefore be expected.

It is mandatory to wear masks in public transport, taxis and shops. It is difficult to spontaneously drink a Guinness in a rustic atmosphere: hotel bars and many pubs are closed.

Iceland

The North Atlantic island, which is heavily dependent on tourism, introduced the possibility in mid-June to be tested for Corona directly upon arrival and thus to avoid a 14-day quarantine after arrival. This requirement did not apply to German Icelandic adventurers, which is why they were able to search for glaciers and geysers without a test.

In view of the increasing numbers both internationally and in Iceland, there is now a fundamental change: Every traveler now has to be tested for Corona on arrival, a second test is then five to six days later. In the meantime, you have to go into quarantine. If you don't want to go through this procedure, you have to go into quarantine for 14 days. The Federal Foreign Office is currently advising against tourist trips to Iceland due to the regulations.

Italy

Most holidaymakers from the EU and the Schengen area have been able to enter without restrictions since June. Rome again imposed a two-week quarantine obligation for arrivals from Bulgaria and Romania – it also applies to visitors from non-EU countries. The number of infections rose recently, but were below the values ​​in Germany.

In shops, trains and other closed rooms, a mask is required until September. Respiratory protection must be worn from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in squares and in front of bars where people often stand together. All discos – also outdoors – are tight. Large gatherings are forbidden, the police often intervene in the piazza. Distance rules should be observed on beaches. In the bars and restaurants, many innkeepers have almost completely set their tables outside.

Croatia – partial travel warning

Because of the increased number of new corona infections, the Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for two southern administrative districts in Croatia, the so-called Šibenik-Knin and Split-Dalmatia counties.

Germans and citizens from other EU countries are allowed to enter the country without having to provide evidence of specific reasons. At the border, travelers only have to explain where they will be and how they can be reached. This should be able to find them if there are new corona infections in their area. A corresponding form can be downloaded from the Internet before departure.

Distance rules apply to the beaches, overcrowding should be prevented. A mask is required in shops and public transport.

Luxembourg

The federal government has lifted the travel warning for Luxembourg due to the corona pandemic. There are no controls and no entry restrictions at the borders with the Grand Duchy. Masks are mandatory in local public transport, among other things. A minimum distance of two meters must also be observed in shops and public facilities. In some areas, even stricter regulations may apply.

Malta

Citizens from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other European countries that are classified as "safe" are generally allowed to enter Malta without restrictions. However, they must not have been outside of the "safe" countries in the past 14 days. The government will update a list depending on the situation.

According to the Federal Foreign Office, the Maltese take their body temperature on arrival. If it is 37.2 degrees Celsius or higher, a corona test is also carried out. Bars and dance halls are tight. A maximum of 15 people are allowed to meet.

Netherlands

The Holland vacation is still possible for Germans. The capital Amsterdam has called on tourists to refrain from visiting at the weekend – out of concern about a second corona wave. Day visitors should rather postpone their visit to Monday through Thursday. Amsterdam and Rotterdam are particularly affected by the rapidly increasing number of new infections. The strictest rules then apply there. Face masks must be worn in busy squares, shops in the city and the red light district.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged tourists to avoid crowds in Amsterdam. The influx of tourists has increased to such an extent that the safety distance of 1.5 meters cannot be observed. This is mandatory, also in shops and on beaches. A place in bars and restaurants must be reserved, guests must leave their contact details. A mask is required on public transport. Tourists should, however, not use the bus, train or metro at peak times if possible.

Norway

German vacationers are allowed to enter Norway quarantine-free again, even if the Scandinavians have again imposed travel restrictions for a number of countries. New restrictions will apply to cruises from this Tuesday (August 25th) onwards: Ships will then be allowed to sail along the Norwegian coast with up to 50 percent passenger load, the maximum number of people on board is 200. Unlike in the past three weeks, the Passengers also go ashore again. These regulations apply until November 1st.

Austria

Entry from Germany is possible without any problems – provided that you have not been in one of the around 30 identified corona risk areas in the ten days before. Travelers from these areas must prove a negative PCR test or catch up in the quarantine, unless they just want to drive through Austria without stopping.

There are controls at the borders with Slovenia, Hungary and Italy. The number of infections in Austria has recently risen again, especially in Vienna. In contrast, other federal states are significantly less affected. A mask is required in supermarkets, pharmacies and on all public transport.

Poland

The country has opened its borders with all EU neighboring countries. Entering EU foreigners and Poles do not have to be in quarantine. Hotels, shopping centers, restaurants and cafes are open. The same goes for hair salons and beauty salons. Swimming pools and fitness studios are also in operation in most regions. In view of the growing number of infections, especially in the south and southeast of the country, fitness studios can be closed regionally if the health department recommends this.

In Poland, you must wear a mask on public transport, in restaurants, shops and museums. The train connections between Germany and Poland are running as planned. The Polish airline Lot has been flying to destinations abroad again for a few weeks, including Hamburg, Frankfurt and Berlin.

Portugal

There are no entry restrictions for Germans. However, visitors must provide information about the destination and accessibility during their stay in the country, among other things. In addition, the body temperature is measured. For a long time Portugal was considered one of the countries in Europe that got through the crisis comparatively well and with low numbers of contagion and victims.

For several weeks, however, an increase in new infections has been recorded, especially in the greater Lisbon area, when the situation there has recently eased slightly and the lockdown has been lifted in several suburbs of the capital that are less visited by tourists. There is no general requirement to wear a mask outdoors, but more and more cities and regions such as Madeira have ordered this regionally.

Romania – partial travel warning

EU citizens are free to enter Romania, although the corona infection dynamic there is among the highest within the community. Returnees from Romanian risk areas are obliged to undergo a corona test in Germany and, if necessary, to quarantine. The Foreign Office warns against traveling to the capital Bucharest, to the Transylvanian city of Brasov (Kronstadt), which is popular with tourists, and to 14 other of a total of 41 administrative districts in Romania.

So far, the Black Sea beaches are not among the risk zones. However, individual locations can be declared a source of infection and blocked at short notice at any time. There is no basic quarantine obligation for travelers. In closed public spaces there is a mask requirement – in some places also outdoors – as well as distance requirement in restaurants, on the beaches and at outdoor events.

Sweden

The Swedes have in the meantime got a grip on their relatively high death and infection rates for a long time. Nevertheless, the number of new infections is still higher than in Germany. Among other things, this ensures that they cannot travel as freely within Scandinavia and Europe as some others.

The Swedish borders, on the other hand, are open to EU citizens – you can travel by plane, ferry or car across the Öresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö, and there are no restrictions within the country either.

Switzerland

Entering Switzerland from Germany is not a problem. However, anyone who stayed in one of the more than 50 countries and regions that are considered a risk area in the 14 days prior to entry must be quarantined for ten days. Those who travel back to Germany by car from Spain, which Switzerland has declared a risk area, are allowed to drive through Switzerland and even stay overnight there if they arrive late. However, contacts must be kept to a minimum and hygiene and distance rules must be observed.

The Geneva region is itself a hotspot and, according to the number of cases, corresponds to a risk area. But there are no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements within Switzerland. You must wear a mask on public transport throughout Switzerland, including in shops, depending on the canton. Museums and restaurants are open with hygiene regulations, some bars and nightclubs too. But since the rise in cases, opening times or the number of people present have been limited in many places.

Slovakia

Germans can enter without restrictions. There are quarantine regulations only for transit trips from risk countries, non-compliance with which is punished. The country was hardly affected by the corona virus and has therefore relaxed most of the initially very strict corona protective measures.

Mouth and nose protection must also be worn in public transport and inside shops, in bars only when going in and out. A two-meter distance is recommended in queues at cash desks, for example. In the case of cultural events, the organizers ensure that there is sufficient distance between the spectators.

Slovenia

The EU country between the Alps and the Adriatic has put countries like Croatia and the Netherlands on a “red list”. However, travelers from Germany and several other European countries are allowed to enter without any conditions. If you want to go on holiday there, you don't even have to present a booking confirmation. Citizens from these and other countries can also cross the small country on their way to Croatia.

Slovenia itself has a 46-kilometer stretch of the Adriatic with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Distance rules apply; a mask must be worn in closed public spaces and public transport.

Spain – travel warning

Holidaymakers from the EU and the Schengen countries can continue to travel to Spain without any restrictions. Due to the increased corona numbers, Germany has declared the country, with the exception of the Canaries, a risk area and issued a travel warning for the popular holiday island of Mallorca. Tour operators then canceled package tours to Mallorca and other regions. For returnees from risk areas, it has generally been the case for several weeks now that they have to report to the health department. There is also one Compulsory test when returning home.

If you still want to go to Spain, you should note that you should fill out an online form before traveling and then receive a QR code that you have to show when arriving by plane. In the country itself, strict corona rules apply, such as the mask requirement not only in closed public spaces, but also outdoors, distance rules and restrictions on the number of guests in restaurants and other facilities. In addition, there is a ban on smoking outdoors if the safe distance from strangers cannot be maintained.

There is practically no night life after clubs, discos, live music and other bars had to close. Some smaller areas in Castile-León and Murcia are cordoned off due to local outbreaks. The pandemic is still under control throughout the country, assures the central government in Madrid.

Czech Republic

Entry is possible for Germans. Quarantine or a negative corona test are not required. A mask is currently required in the Prague subway and in the eastern administrative region of Moravian-Silesia. From September 1st, it will be extended to all public transport nationwide. Recently there had been more new infections.

The capital Prague tries to attract tourists with culture vouchers. Tourism in the Unesco world heritage city has plummeted due to the corona pandemic. The number of overnight guests in Prague fell in the second quarter of 2020 by 93.6 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, as the statistics agency CSU announced. So far there have been at least 400 deaths in connection with a corona infection in the Czech Republic.

Tunisia

Tunisia has downgraded Germany from the green to the orange list of countries. From August 26th, tourists coming from Germany will have to present a negative PCR test upon entry, which was carried out less than 72 hours before departure – and to go into a 14-day home quarantine. Those who have neither a house nor an apartment in Tunisia have to isolate themselves in one of 18 specified hotels.

The quarantine can be cut in half if a second test is negative six days after entry. The travelers bear the costs for this test. Other European countries such as Austria, France and Switzerland are also on the orange list.

Turkey – partial travel warning

The German government recently lifted the travel warning for the most important holiday areas in Turkey – namely for the provinces of Aydin, Izmir, Mu? La and Antalya. For the rest of the country, the AA travel warning is expected to continue until August 31. All those who are returning to Germany from Turkey must present a negative Corona test certificate upon departure, which must not be older than 48 hours.

The partial lifting was justified with the relatively low number of new infections in these areas and the "special tourism and hygiene concept" developed by the Turkish government. Looking at the whole country, however, the daily number of cases has recently increased again. Tourism is one of the most important industries for the country.

Hungary

German vacationers can enter without restrictions if they start their trip in a country that is classified as safe with regard to the pandemic. This applies to Germany and most of the EU countries. Transit through Hungary is possible in any case, but these travelers are not allowed to deviate from certain transit corridors and must leave the country in a maximum of 24 hours.

Most of the hotels, restaurants and bars in Hungary have reopened. A mask is required in public transport, taxis and shops. In addition, spacing rules must be observed. The government is considering entry restrictions for people coming from the southern neighboring countries from September 1st.

Cyprus

The number of infections has increased slightly on the island. Anyone traveling to Cyprus must register electronically prior to departure. A mask is required for all closed rooms, public transport or shopping centers. The holiday island has a very low infection rate compared to other European countries.