The recent health emergency had significant effects on tourism and travel. This means new restrictions and limitations for travelers all over the world.
Although the pandemic has hit certain countries more, many governments have decided to limit the movement of people as much as possible.
So, can you travel this winter, and where? Where can you go depending on what country you reside in?
Here are the latest travelling news on the Covid-19 emergency restrictions on 2020 winter tourism, with a specific focus on Europe.
Italy, new curfews and restrictions on night life
The rise of the new cases in Italy has brought a new curfew in several Italian regions. Furthermore, the Italian government has decided to impose restrictions on the activity of several businesses, especially in the entertainment industry.
Cinemas and theatres have been closed, and restaurants, bars and cafes must now close before 6 PM.
Regions such as Lombardy and Campania have put curfews on their citizens to avoid the spread of the virus.
Italy has also issued a list of countries which can have different restrictions, from category “A” to category “F”. On Italy’s national Ministry of Health’s website you can find all the required information.
Germany, a new list of “areas at risk”
Germany is facing a new wave of the pandemic. That is the main reason why the country has decided to put restrictions on travels, especially for certain areas that are considered “at risk”.
Some of the countries included are Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Each country could be restricted only if coming from certain regions, or the whole country can be considered “at risk”. Check the official document for these restrictions to know if you can travel in Germany.
Greece, curfew in new areas
Greece has put into place a new curfew starting from October, 24th, but not to the whole country. There are certain areas considered either “orange” or “red” depending on the risk. These areas have a night curfew starting from 12.30 AM to 05.00 AM.
You can travel to Greece, but it can be risky, especially to these areas which have the highest rate of Covid cases.
Spain, each Region decides the restrictions
The government has decided that every region can slightly modify the restrictions and curfew it to suit their own needs. As of today, there is no general lockdown in place.
You can still travel in the Canary Islands, since these tourist destinations aren’t among the areas “at risk” in many other foreign countries. You can still enjoy some relaxing sea vacations!
Czech Republic, the country doesn’t accept tourism
Unfortunately, the government has decided to reject tourists that come to travel in the Czech Republic. You can only travel in its territory for work, health of family reasons.
Czech citizens themselves are now restricted by a curfew and other movement restrictions.
Slovakia, general curfew and restrictions
In Slovakia you will not be able to move due to restrictions and curfew from 1 AM to 5 AM, except for work, health reasons and other essential services. The curfew will be enforced from October, 24th to November, 1st.
It is not advised to travel in Slovakia during this period.
Sweden, no restrictions
Sweden has been, so far, one of the few countries that hasn’t put any kind of restriction, lockdown or curfew.
As of today, it is still possible to travel to Sweden for tourism. Despite that, local authorities have been recommending taking some precautional measures to avoid the spread of the virus.
Norway, special restrictions and quarantine
It is still possible to travel to Norway, but the country’s government have put some restrictions into place. Specifically, people coming from certain countries must quarantine themselves upon arrival.
On the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s website there is a map with the list of the countries where this restriction applies.
Quarantine lasts 10 days.
France, new restrictions and lockdown
France has been one of the European countries with the highest number of Covid cases. That is the main reason why the French authorities have decided to adopt new measures to contain the spread.
The French lockdown started on October 30th, a new policy that has the aim to put a stop to the constant growth of new cases.
General travel restrictions in the European Union
On the 22nd of October the EU has put into place a new document that lists the countries that can be restricted from travelling inside the EU (for tourism).
The official EU website states that from 22 October member states should gradually lift some of the travel restriction for citizens coming from:
• Australia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Rwanda
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Uruguay
• China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity
These restrictions should also be lifted for Hong Kong and Macao, subject to confirmation of reciprocity.
It’s always very important to check each country’s restrictions when it comes to tourism and other forms of travel, because the ever-evolving health situation can modify the bans and the curfews currently existing in European countries.
