Holidays in Europe despite Corona: what is possible where
More restrictions apply to travel within Europe. Germany has now opened the borders to neighboring countries that were closed due to the corona pandemic.
This is the situation on Germany’s borders: the Federal Foreign Office has also lifted the travel warning for more than 30 European countries and replaced it with safety instructions. However, there are currently countries like Finland (until July 12) or Norway (until July 14) that do not allow German tourists to enter.
Germans are prohibited from entering Germany in these countries worldwide
There are also countries, such as Sweden, Serbia and Turkey, which the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has classified as a risk area. This is the case if, for example, a country has more than 50 new corona infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days or there is insufficient information. Anyone returning from one of these countries can expect a 14-day quarantine in Germany.
Anyone planning to travel to Spain, Greece or the Italian holiday island of Sardinia should note that a form is required for entry. In Greece, for example, holidaymakers can face a fine of EUR 500 if they cannot show a form at the immigration control.
FRANCE
The German government’s travel warning for France has been lifted. What travelers need to know before they set off for the Côte d’Azur, Brittany or Provence.
Mask requirement in public transport
At some hotspots, there is also an additional obligation to protect the mouth and nose
Air travel without a valid reason in overseas areas is prohibited
France was much more affected by the corona pandemic than Germany, for example. So far, the differently affected regions in France have been divided into red, green and orange zones, depending on the number of cases of the virus. However, the entire country has recently been recognized as a “green zone”. The areas most affected by the virus are currently the overseas areas of Mayotte and French Guiana.
France will continue to control its internal EU borders at least on a random basis until the end of October. Since June 15th, tourists from the EU countries have been allowed to enter the country of diversity again without restrictions. The top destinations for Germans include the greater Paris area, Provence and the Côte d’Azur. The coastal regions are a popular travel destination, especially in summer.
Almost all hotels, guest houses and campsites receive guests again. Likewise, attractions are reopened for tourists, such as the Eiffel Tower or the pilgrimage to Mary in Lourdes – all with clearance and hygiene regulations.
Travel by car
Arriving by car is not a problem in the current situation. However, plan a little more time as there may still be random checks at the border.
More information about the toll, fuel prices and traffic regulations in France can be found here.
Travel by train
You can also travel to France easily by train. However, think of a mouth-nose protection, which must be worn the entire journey. We recommend that you book your ticket in advance and save it as an online ticket to keep contact with others even less.
The French Thalys line will run two trains a day until July 12 and from July 12 four trains a day between Germany and Paris. For more information, contact the provider directly.
Departure by plane
If you travel back home by plane from France, you have to expect corona measures, especially here. The body temperature of all flight passengers is measured before boarding so that the virus cannot spread in a small space on the plane. In addition, a mask is required for the entire flight.
Clearance rules and mask requirement across the country
In France, of course, the distance rule also applies to tourists: at least one meter from people who do not come from their own household. All persons over the age of 11 must wear mouth and nose protection on public transport. In addition, a mask requirement may be required in heavily visited places, such as tourist hotspots.
Distance and other safety rules are prescribed in hotels and apartments. You can find out from your respective accommodation. In every accommodation, however, the minimum distance must be maintained and contact with fellow human beings kept as low as possible.
In restaurants, there is a safety distance of at least one meter between the tables. A maximum of 10 people are allowed per table.
In addition, the minimum distance must also be observed on the beach and restrictions can be expected when using sports facilities.
If you notice symptoms of Covid 19 during your stay in France, you should initially stay in your own accommodation. In the event of an emergency, contact the emergency number 15 of the emergency services (SAMU). If you need to see a doctor, make an appointment beforehand by phone.
Vacation at the campsite
The precautionary measures for holidaymakers at the campsite have been strengthened again. The hygiene and access rules for the sanitary buildings have been adapted and the opening times of the shared rooms have been changed accordingly. In many campsites, a lot more chlorine is added to the pool and the loungers are at least one meter apart.
Several campsites only assign campsites upon reservation. Find out more on the website of the respective provider.
The sports, animation and children’s programs are adapted to the regulations and, for example, only allow small groups or these only outdoors.
Ferries to the French islands
Additional security measures have also been taken on the ferries, for example to Corsica. You will be informed of this in advance by the provider by email or SMS. During the entire crossing, wearing a face mask in the public