Traveler’s guide to Europe: which European countries have open borders and for who?

0
1608
sto

European countries, like Slovenia, are easing the restrictions, which were put in place due to the Coronavirus epidemic. Furthermore, more and more European countries are beginning to open their borders to tourists. The European Commission wants to reopen the European borders included in the Schengen zone by the end of June. however, with the number of Coronavirus spiking again in some countries there are some new rules that apply to people entering the country.

With the summer approaching, many tourists are wondering how and where will they be able to travel to this summer, amid the Coronavirus epidemic. With this in mind, we have prepared a guide for a better understanding of the situation at the borders in Europe. If you are planning to travel abroad this summer and cross the borders in Europe, please continue reading this article to get all the information you need.

Slovenia

The Slovenian government has reopened the borders for EU residents on May 15th. Currently, there is no quarantine needed for EU residents entering Slovenia. However, if as a foreign tourist you do have Coronavirus, there will be a mandatory 14-day quarantine amid entering the country. People who may have to undergo the quarantine are those from with permanent or temporary residence in countries that are not on the list of epidemiologically safe countries.

Slovenia has opened its borders with Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, while the reopening of the borders with Italy is still in the talks with both governments, as the number of infected people with Coronavirus in Italy is on the rise once again.

Croatia

Croatia has now opened its borders to citizens from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Germany, and Slovakia. On June 15th, Croatia reopened its borders to visitors from the EU / EEA and the United Kingdom with no obligation for quarantine.

Austria

Austria opened its land borders with Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic on June, 4th. Austria might reopen its border with Italy from 16 June, but a travel warning will be issued for the region of Lombardy as the number of people with Coronavirus in rising in Italy once again. There will be no restrictions with most European Union countries.

People arriving in Austria “from any other country” however must produce a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test. The certificate cannot be more than four days old. So keep that in mind before heading to Austria this summer. Arrival to Austrian airports for residents from the countries, which are outside the Schengen Area is prohibited until further notice.

Belgium

Belgium’s borders are currently closed and the country has banned non-essential travel abroad.

The Belgium government has announced plans to reopen the border to citizens from the EU, the UK, and the four other Schengen countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway) from June 15 if the situation with Coronavirus is under control.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The borders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are only currently open to citizens of neighboring nations (such as Serbia, Croatia and Monte Negro), other foreign arrivals are not permitted yet. There are some exceptions to this, such as freight drivers, residents, and diplomats.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has opened borders on June 1 to EU, UK, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican, Serbia, and North Macedonia residents, as well as to medical workers and family members of Bulgarian citizens, as listed on the government website.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular destination for Europeans. Cyprus has resumed tourism travel on June 9th, and will do so in two different phases, after closing borders for almost three months.The Cyprus government will also cover health costs in case of coronavirus contamination occurring on the Mediterranean island.

The first reopening of Cyprus began on June 9 to passengers coming from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, and Lithuania, but they will have to obtain a health certificate proving they are virus-free three days prior their departure. On June 20th, passengers from Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia and the Czech Republic will be allowed in Cyprus as well.

From June 20, passengers from the first group of countries won’t need health certificates, but those from the second group will still be required to obtain them. These lists exclude the country’s two main tourism markets, former colonial ruler Britain and Russia. However, flights from Britain could restart in mid-July, and a few weeks later from Russia if the situation with Coronavirus in both countries will be under control. Citizens from the US, France, Spain, and Italy remain excluded too until further notice.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic borders with Austria and Germany reopened on 5 June, 10 days earlier than expected, as the epidemic in all three countries is coming to ease. From May 27, the country opened its frontier with the Slovakia and Hungary, but with several restrictions. Residents of EU member states able to enter to perform economic activities, visit relatives, or to study at a university in Czech Republic mind the epidemic. Everyone will have to prove themselves with a negative test for COVID-19 upon entry, otherwise, they will be denied at the Czech Republic border.

Denmark

Borders in Denmark are closed for foreign travelers. Only citizens or residents of Denmark, Greenland or Faroe Islands can currently enter, or those with a “worthy purpose”.

From May 25 people with permanent residence in one of the four Nordic countries (Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) or Germany can re-enter if they are in a relationship with someone in Denmark, have grandparents there, or if they have a business trip. From June 15, Copenhagen will open its borders to tourists from all European countries, including the UK.

Estonia

Estonia reopened its borders with Baltic neighbors on May 15th. Since June 1 borders are open to EU and UK travelers. Those coming from countries with a high infection rate will have to self-isolate for two weeks.

Finland

Finland plans to allow travel from Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from June 15th and recommends against unnecessary travel to other countries due to Coronavirus in Europe. People traveling from these countries also will not need to quarantine. Travel for work purposes is possible from all EU countries as well as for residents or family purposes. Finish borders with non-EU countries will remain closed until at least July 14th.

France

The French government plans to reopen France’s border to EU countries and the UK from June 15th, following the plans of other EU countries. For the time being travel into France is restricted with only essential travel allowed for those who don’t live in the country.

Travelers arriving from the UK or Spain will be subject to a voluntary quarantine. Those from outside the EU or UK will still not be able to travel to France except for in limited circumstances, while EU countries are still to decide when they will reopen external borders. So keep this in mind, before traveling to France this summer.

Germany

Border checks were introduced on March 17th, as Germany was quick to take control of the Coronavirus epidemic. On June 15th, Germany is expected to lift border restrictions for travelers coming from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and the United Kingdom. Germany, however, decided to extend until August 31 its warnings on traveling outside the EU.

Greece

From June 15, tourism travel resumes, and international flights will land not just in Athens but in Thessaloniki. Those coming from any of these airports listed by the European Aviation Safety Agency, will have to get tested on arrival, then go to to a designated hotel and quarantine for 7 days if the test is negative, and for 14 days if the test is positive.

All other passengers, including all travelers coming from Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland – will be subject to random tests and no further restrictions.

In addition, land arrivals from Albania, North Macedonia,and Bulgaria will be allowed in the country.

TEXT SIZEAaAa

As European countries begin lifting COVID-19 restrictions, many people across the continent have begun thinking about whether they can have a holiday this summer.

But where can you access and what is still off-limits?

There is a mixed picture across Europe, with the usually easy travel across the Schengen Area restricted.

Almost every country has its own rules in place and its own timetable for reopening to tourists, both from its EU neighbours and further afield.

If you’re intending on coming to the EU for a holiday it’s worth knowing the bloc’s external borders are set to be closed until at least July 1. But that only applies if you’re a non-EU citizen coming from a non-EU country.

The EU Commission has called for the reopening of the bloc’s internal borders by June 15.

But it’s all changing quickly, so here’s our updated guide to the border situation in Europe this summer.

A Flourish map

Austria

Austria opened its land borders with Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic on 4 June.

The country will reopen its border with Italy from 16 June, but a travel warning will be issued for the region of Lombardy. There will be no restrictions with most European Union countries.

People arriving in Austria “from any other country” however must produce a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test. The certificate cannot be more than four days’ old.

Entry by air is prohibited to citizens coming from countries outside the Schengen Area.

More information here.

Belgium

Belgium’s borders are closed and the country has banned non-essential travel abroad.

The government has announced plans to reopen the border to citizens from the EU, the UK and the four other Schengen countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway) from June 15.

“The conditions for travel outside of Europe have yet to be defined in light of the evolution of discussions at European level”. the government said on June 3.

The country further eased lockdown on June 8, however many restrictions, in particular for the hospitality and culture industries, remain in place until July 1.

More information here.

AP Photo/Peter Dejong
FILE – In this Monday, March 23, 2020 file photo, a container and barriers block a road on the Netherlands border with Belgium.AP Photo/Peter Dejong

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The border is only currently open to citizens of neighbouring nations – other foreign arrivals are not permitted. There are some exceptions to this, such as for freight driver, residents and diplomats.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has opened borders on June 1 to EU, UK, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican, Serbia and North Macedonia citizens, as well as to medical workers and family members of Bulgarian citizens, as listed on the government website.

Croatia

Croatia will reopen its borders to all EU citizens, including from the UK, on June 15, with no obligation to quarantine.

Croatia opened its borders in mid-May without restriction to nationals from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Germany and Slovakia.

Other visitors from the EU/EEA, and the UK, could also visit from May 11, though restrictions were in place, including quarantine and proof of accommodation.

Cyprus

Cyprus resumes tourism travel on June 9 and will do so in two different phases, after closing borders for almost three months.

The country will also cover health costs in case of coronavirus contamination occurring in the Mediterranean island.

A first reopening is scheduled for June 9 to passengers coming from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania, but they will have to obtain a health certificate proving they are virus-free three days prior their departure.

On June 20, passengers from Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia and the Czech Republic will be allowed in too.

From June 20, passengers from the first group of countries won’t need health certificates, but those from the second group will still be required to obtain them.

These lists exclude the country’s two main tourism markets, former colonial ruler Britain and Russia.

However, flights from Britain could restart in mid-July, and a few weeks later from Russia.

US, France, Spain, and Italy remain excluded too until further notice.

Czech Republic

Borders with Austria and Germany reopened on 5 June, 10 days earlier than expected. From May 27, the country opened its frontier with the Slovakia and Hungary, but with restrictions.

Residents of EU member states able to enter to perform economic activities, to visit relatives or to study at a university. Everyone will have to prove themselves with a negative test for COVID-19 upon entry.

Denmark

Borders are closed for foreign travellers. Only citizens or residents of Denmark, Greenland or Faroe Islands can currently enter, or those with a “worthy purpose”.

From May 25 people with a permanent residence in one of the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) or Germany can re-enter if they are in a relationship with someone in Denmark, have grandparents there, or if they have a business trip.

From June 15, Copenhagen will open its borders to tourists from Germany, Iceland and Norway.

As of June 8, other EU nationals, as well as UK nationals, are not allowed to enter Denmark until the end of summer.

Estonia

Opened borders to Baltic neighbours on May 15. Since June 1 borders are open to EU and UK travellers. Those coming from countries with a high infection rate will have to self-isolate for two weeks.

Finland

Finland plans to allow travel from Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from June 15 and recommends against unnecessary travel to other countries. People travelling from these countries also will not need to quarantine.

Finland will continue to have border checks with Sweden thought the “the aim is to enable unrestricted travel from Sweden to Finland as quickly as the disease situation allows,” Finland’s interior ministry said in a statement.

Travel for work purposes is possible from EU countries as well as for residents or family purposes.

The interior ministry said borders with non-EU countries will remain closed until at least July 14.

France

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced plans to reopen France’s border to EU countries and the UK from June 15, following the plans of other EU countries.

For the time being travel into France is restricted with only essential travel allowed for those who don’t live in the country.

Travellers arriving from the UK or Spain will be subject to a voluntary quarantine. Those from outside the EU or UK will still not be able to travel to France except for in limited circumstances, while EU countries are still to decide when they will reopen external borders.

Germany

On June 15, Germany is expected to lift border restrictions for travelers coming from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and the United Kingdom.

Germany, however, decided to extend until August 31 its warnings on traveling outside the EU.

Jean-Francois Badias/AP Photo
German police officers prevent a woman from entering Germany at the German-France border in Kehl, Monday March 16, 2020.Jean-Francois Badias/AP Photo

Greece

From June 15, tourism travel resumes, and international flights will land not just in Athens but in Thessaloniki.

Those coming from any of these airports listed by the European Aviation Safety Agency, will have to get tested on arrival, then go to to a designated hotel and quarantine for 7 days if the test is negative, and for 14 days if the test is positive.

All other passengers, including all travellers coming from Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland – will be subject to random tests and no further restrictions. In addition, land arrivals from Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria will be allowed in the country.

International flights will be allowed into all airports in Greece and all travelers subject to random tests upon arrival.

Hungary

Hungary has opened its border with Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Serbia and from June 12 will allow people to enter from Croatia without the need for going into quarantine.

Iceland

Iceland plans on reopening its borders to EU and UK residents and travelers on June 15th. Tourists will be tested upon arrival. A few hours later, they will get the result on their phone, after downloading a tracking app in Iceland.

Ireland

The Irish health authorities currently require anyone coming into Ireland, except Northern Ireland, to self-isolate for 14 days, upon arrival, including Irish residents.

Italy

Italy opened its borders on June 3 to EU, UK, Schengen area, Andorra and Monaco citizens, following the nationwide lockdown which came into force on March 9. Borders also opened with Vatican City and San Marino on this date. Travelers coming from the above countries won’t have to undergo quarantine unless they have been in any other country in the 14 days before reaching Italy.

Latvia

Opened its borders to Baltic neighbors Estonia and Lithuania on May 15. From June 1, there will be no border checks with Lithuania.

Lithuania

Opened its borders to Baltic neighbors Estonia and Latvia on May 15. From June 1, there will be no border checks with Latvia.

Lithuania is also allowing entry to citizens of Poland for business and studies.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s border with Germany reopened on May 15.

Malta

Borders will reopen to travelers from Germany, Austria, Cyprus, Switzerland, the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Iceland, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Israel, Latvia, Estonia, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic on July, 1st.

Montenegro

Entry to Montenegro is allowed without quarantine, so long as you are coming from a country with a rate of transmission less than 25 per 100,000 inhabitants. The Montenegro government is keeping an up to date list of countries where people are allowed to enter from. Click here to see the list.

Netherlands

Netherlands have open borders for those traveling to the Netherlands from the Schengen Area, but they must “follow Dutch advice and rules to combat COVID-19”, like standing 1.5 meters away from each other, washing hands and avoiding to shake hands, For those coming from outside the Schengen Area (i.e. US, Australian and Canadian citizens) tourism/non-essential travel is banned until June 15 included.

Norway

Norway has closed its borders. Foreign travelers will be turned away at the border. Those who live or work in Norway are able to enter and airports are open. From June 15, people from Denmark will be able to enter. By July 20, exemptions for some nearby European countries will be considered. The country’s ministry of foreign affairs advises against all international travel that is not strictly necessary until August 20th.

Poland

Poland has closed its borders with several countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia,and Germany. For further information on Poland opening its borders stay tuned.

Portugal

Workers and supplies are being allowed across Portugal’s land border with Spain, but it is closed to tourists until at least June 15.

Russia

On June 8, Russia said it will partially reopen its borders as the country eases coronavirus restrictions.

Romania

Romania has reopened its border with Hungary. When will Romain open its borders with the rest of countries is not confirmed just yet. Stay tuned to find out when Romania will reopen the borders for travelers.

Serbia

Serbia has reopened all it’s borders in June.

Slovakia

From June 10 Slovakia will open its borders to Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

Slovakia’s border was already opened to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Spain

Spain will open its borders to international visitors on July 1st. Currently, people who enter the national territory from abroad must stay in quarantine for 14 days after their arrival, but this will end on July 1 according to officials.

Sweden

Sweden has introduced border restrictions but it only applies to non-essential travel from countries outside the EU/EEA, except the UK and Switzerland.

Switzerland

Switzerland, who brought in border controls on March 13, will reopen borders to all EU countries, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein on June 15, instead of July 6 as previously planned. Any foreign nationals who currently tries to enter Switzerland without a valid residence or work permit will be refused entry. Air passengers from abroad are currently only able to enter the country through the airports at Zurich, Geneva and Basel.

Turkey

No entry permitted for foreign travellers to Turkey just yet. Stay tuned to find out when will Turkey open its borders.

United Kingdom

Borders are currently open. From June 8, visitors from abroad will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Those exempt from these measures include people travelling from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.