Due to Covid-19, traffic is still very limited. European countries are also beginning to weaken quarantine and plan to open their borders to holidaymakers.
- Many German federal lands allow tourists to enter from May 25
- Netherlands, Austria and Croatia have specific opening plans
- Summer holidays in Italy, France and Spain not defined yet
Denmark
The situation has actually returned to normal, but so far not for tourists: since May 11, all shops were allowed to open, and from May 18 – restaurants and cafes (under certain conditions).
Borders with Denmark are still closed. However, the government wants to publish new information no later than June 1. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen already has hopes for tourists, which could be the reason for their entry through a vacation home rental contract or hotel reservation.
Since mid-March, Danish borders have been closed to foreigners without a valid reason for entry.
Sweden
In the crisis, Sweden has so far relied less on prohibitions than on recommendations and a sense of public responsibility. In principle, borders remained open to EU citizens.
The Swedish Tourism Association suggests that from mid-June, if the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs warning expires, you can go on vacation to Sweden again subject to certain rules.
However, the decision of the Danish government to open the border plays a role for many Swedish holidaymakers: because, for example, if you want to go to Sweden by car, you usually travel through Denmark. An alternative would be arriving by ferry from Kiel, Rostock or Travemunde, which continue to move.
France
Not too bright prospects for vacationers: France eased strict restrictions on departure on May 11. However, the freedom of movement of people is still strictly limited. The French can now leave the house without a pass, but they should not be more than 100 kilometers from their house.
Beaches can open under certain conditions, but as a general rule they close until the beginning of June. Regional authorities decide which beaches on the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and North Seas reopen. Two beaches for swimming and fishing have already opened in the Loire-Atlantic department in western France; others in the north and south of the country should follow. There is still a travel ban on the Mediterranean island of Corsica – currently tourists are not allowed there. Holidays in their own country should be possible for the French in July and August.
In France there are green and red zones – the virus is especially widespread in reds. The reopening of cafes and restaurants will be possible from June 2 in departments classified as green – the final decision should be made in the week of May 25. Even with attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, it is unclear when tourists will be able to visit it again. Large museums such as the Louvre in Paris are unlikely to open their doors until September. Smaller museums can host visitors again.
Netherlands
Currently, the Netherlands has developed a specific plan for vacationers: tourists will be able to visit the Dutch holiday destinations again from July 1. Then all campsites and recreation parks can be fully opened again. Since there has never been a ban on entry, foreign holidaymakers can also rent housing again.
Starting June 1, restaurants, cafes, beach pavilions and pubs will again be able to receive a maximum of 30 guests each. From July to 100 are allowed. Outdoor sports are allowed if you do not have physical contact with others: tennis, golf and swimming are again allowed, but football is not.
The work of museums, theaters, cinemas and concerts will gradually resume on June 1. Groups are forbidden to be in public places: everyone must observe a distance of one and a half meters.
The border with countries outside the EU (especially in aviation) remains closed until further notice.