If you’re planning on travelling this summer, it can be hard to navigate the current situation. Things are constantly changing due to the pandemic, so it can be hard to plan in advance where you can go without having to quarantine when you arrive. If you’re hoping to visit Europe this summer, to explore cosmopolitan cities, swim in crystal clear seas or retreat to a cottage in the countryside, here are the current rules for entering some of the most popular destinations.
The EU has officially opened its borders to 15 countries as of July 1st, although these rules could change at short notice and differ between countries, with many European countries declaring their own rules. The countries whose residents can currently travel to Europe are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and China.
Here are the travel rules for a selection of European countries that are currently welcoming visitors.
Finland
From 13th July, Finland has slightly relaxed its travel restrictions to allow visitors from a host of European countries. Work-related or essential travel is also allowed from Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and China. There are currently restrictions for travel from the U.K, Spain, Poland, Portugal, France, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Latvia
Latvia is allowing travellers from European countries where the number of cases per 100,000 people within the past 14 days is lower than 25. This offer is extended to residents of EU and EEA countries, where travellers will not have to quarantine. Latvia is allowing travellers to enter the country from the 15 non-EU countries listed above, but visitors will have to quarantine upon arrival.
Portugal
If you’re hoping to visit Europe without quarantining this summer, Portugal is currently your best option. Nationals of EU countries, the Schengen zone and the U.K, Brazil, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the U.S, Canada, Venezuela and South Africa are all allowed into the country. Travellers only have to quarantine if they are visiting the Azores or Madeira.
England
The borders of England are currently open and there is no need to quarantine for visitors from countries that are deemed low risk, including France, Spain, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. If you arrive in England from a country not currently on the list, you must quarantine upon arrival. The list is constantly updating, so travellers should check prior to booking.
France
Since the 15th June, France’s borders have gradually been reopening to other EU countries, as well as countries within the Schengen zone and the U.K. Arrivals from outside Europe must provide an international travel certificate.
Spain
Spain lifted its state of emergency on 21st June, although the country is implementing local lockdowns where necessary. Residents of the EU and the U.K can now visit mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic islands without having to quarantine upon arrival.
Italy
Residents of EU countries, the Schengen zone and the U.K can now travel to Italy without having to quarantine. Travellers should check prior to travelling to islands such as Sicily and should prepare to register their intent to travel before their trip if visiting certain areas.
Greece
Greece is staggering opening their borders, allowing residents to travel to the islands from the mainland from 25th May. Permanent residents of EU nations, as well as the following countries are now permitted to travel to Greece: Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Japan, Canada, Morocco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Serbia, Uruguay, Thailand, Tunisia and China. Residents of the U.K were allowed to enter the country from 15th July. There is no mandatory testing upon arrival, but each passenger will be screened and thermal scanned, and has to create a form prior to travelling.
Emma Lavelle is a UK based writer and photographer and has her own blog Field and Nest.
