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-   -   Which countries will be open for tourism this summer? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/which-countries-will-be-open-for-tourism-this-summer-1680303/)

scrb11 Jun 10th, 2020 10:41 AM

Some EU official announced entry by non-residents of the EU and Schengen will be allowed starting in July.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...g-from-july-1/

EU/Schengen is still trying to coordinate on lifting all border restrictions within Schengen by the end of this month. Switzerland for instance announced they will open border to Italy on 15 June.

It's confusing who has the final stay, the EU/EP or member states. I would think the latter.

Certain states have announced lists of countries from which they will allow tourists to enter. Again, will there be some universal rule or criteria or list or will each country do their own thing?

For instance, Portugal seems to want to open up to everyone, including Brazil, given the linguistic/cultural ties. But Brazil is one of the countries going through the worst part of the pandemic right now.

What happens if someone enters Portugal and drive across the border to Spain or fly to Austria, for instance, which currently has not lifted bans for Portuguese travelers yet?

Once internal EU/Schengen borders are fully open, which is suppose to happen by end of month, if an American enters say Greece, how would they prevent Americans from flying onwards to Austria or Switzerland?


kerouac Jun 10th, 2020 11:07 AM

Israeli tourists have been allowed to visit Cyprus.

Tulips Jun 10th, 2020 08:58 PM

The member states have the final say on opening the internal EU borders.
The last weekend in May the Belgians decided that their citizens could go and visit family on the other side of the border, and those living near the border could go shopping on the other side. They didn't tell the Dutch, though, who didn't mind but were surprised by the sudden increase in visitors in border towns. The French did mind and send the Belgians back at the border.

For the external border it would have to be the EU who decides, since once in Schengen a visitor can go anywhere. If Portugal allows visitors from Brazil, I think maybe the Spanish will close the border again to those coming from Portugal, or check the crossings.

Hambagahle Jun 10th, 2020 11:15 PM

There is a coordinated border opening between some Schengen countries and the UK to happen on June 15. Looks like it will be most countries aside from Spain and Portugal. Once borders are open people can travel freely within those (Schengen) countries but not necessarily arrive in those countries from outside Schengen.

UK is a different matter since they never closed their borders but have this week imposed a 14 quarantine on all arriving passengers. plus of course they are not members of Schengen anyway.

StCirq Jun 11th, 2020 06:40 AM

Another article from France 24: https://www.france24.com/en/20200610...rs-from-july-1

hetismij2 Jun 11th, 2020 07:58 AM

Not all non EU/Schengen nationalities will be welcomed, if the EU has any say in the matter - it will depend on the rates of infection in the country of origin. It is of course essential that all Schengen countries agree to the same thing or someone from Brazil say could fly into Portugal and then travel throughout the Schengen zone spreading Covid as they go.

Of course it will also depend on the country of origin allowing travel to Europe.

Most intra EU/Schengen travel will be allowed from June 15th, but it is really up to each country who they allow in. Denmark and Norway are being very restrictive and other countries have restrictions as well, which are regularly reviewed.

I can't say I will be loading up the camper and heading out into Europe any time soon.

Hambagahle Jun 11th, 2020 11:08 PM

It is my understanding that travel from Portugal and Spain to the rest of the Schengen countries and associated ones will not be unrestricted next week.

I have to agree with the last comment. Aside from going to France to the supermarket and then to lunch I am certainly not planning on any holidays outside of CH this year!

menachem Jun 12th, 2020 05:49 AM


Originally Posted by hetismij2 (Post 17115271)
Not all non EU/Schengen nationalities will be welcomed, if the EU has any say in the matter - it will depend on the rates of infection in the country of origin. It is of course essential that all Schengen countries agree to the same thing or someone from Brazil say could fly into Portugal and then travel throughout the Schengen zone spreading Covid as they go.

Of course it will also depend on the country of origin allowing travel to Europe.

Most intra EU/Schengen travel will be allowed from June 15th, but it is really up to each country who they allow in. Denmark and Norway are being very restrictive and other countries have restrictions as well, which are regularly reviewed.

I can't say I will be loading up the camper and heading out into Europe any time soon.


Me neither. It's going to be a staycation and work on the boat.

menachem Jun 12th, 2020 05:53 AM


Originally Posted by kerouac (Post 17115041)
Israeli tourists have been allowed to visit Cyprus.

OTOH, I read an article about a plane landing in Athens from Doha. There, all passengers had been checked (not tested, temp checks).
In Athens they were tested: 12 Corona cases were found.

Asymptomatic spreading is a thing, and some countries believe in it (Greece) some don't (Netherlands, Sweden)

Lois2 Jun 12th, 2020 06:19 AM

And it sure seems the theory of it going away in warm weather is off the table...so many high spikes in US with the hot weather here.I guess I understand the very young feeling invincible but for the older travelers especially over 60 I would think the additional stress of the plane trip and always having to be concerned about not getting closed to people...mask on mask off etc. would make any vacation not much fun.


kerouac Jun 12th, 2020 07:24 AM

Not to mention the fact that it is spreading like wildfire in Mexico, Brazil and India. It seems to thrive in all climates.

geetika Jun 12th, 2020 07:48 AM


Originally Posted by kerouac (Post 17115566)
Not to mention the fact that it is spreading like wildfire in Mexico, Brazil and India. It seems to thrive in all climates.

Cases rising exponentially in India despite 80+ days of strict lockdown, which some states have extended to June 30. And it’s expected to peak in July-August...not looking good at all, luckily there don’t seem to be too many fatalities, though hospitals are swamped.

balthy Jun 12th, 2020 07:52 AM


Originally Posted by kerouac (Post 17115041)
Israeli tourists have been allowed to visit Cyprus.

Tourists originating from Israel will only be allowed into Cyprus if they have a negative result COVID-19 test done about 72 hours before departure to Cyprus plus they need to fill in various forms/declaration to get a CyprusFlightPass. This applies for all tourists originating in category B countries.

Tulips Jun 12th, 2020 09:30 PM

I really don't see how requiring negative tests is going to work. I know here in Belgium it is not that easy to just get a test and get the results quickly unless you are actually ill. A friend had a test done 4 days ago and is still waiting for results.
I wish they would roll out a nation-wide testing programme in order to identify non-symptomatic cases.

balthy Jun 13th, 2020 12:04 AM

1 Attachment(s)
If a test is not possible in the country of origin, people will be tested on arrival at their own expense.

Attachment 4638

menachem Jun 13th, 2020 01:36 AM

In any case Amsterdam is open for drunk British tourists again, as I could witness yesterday already.

kerouac Jun 13th, 2020 02:32 AM

People have always claimed that alcohol is a disinfectant.

Tulips Jun 13th, 2020 05:13 AM


Originally Posted by menachem (Post 17115786)
In any case Amsterdam is open for drunk British tourists again, as I could witness yesterday already.

and how many of them are going to follow the rules and go in quarantaine in the UK when they return there? Probably none.

Lois2 Jun 13th, 2020 06:36 AM

the self quarantine this summer is a joke. UK package tourists are soon to be "on the loose" in Greece with pages of rules that Greek authorities have laid out. Low cost planes full of tourists packed in....all this testing is pointless. I think any holiday destination in the world that opens up for tourism this summer will be part of the spread...and frankly all of this right now is still part of the "first wave" as things never really got down sufficiently in places that are now open again. A "second wave" is assured the way things are going. I feel for local Europeans in any more holiday type town as many are not really 100% with the opening but have no choice.

StCirq Jun 13th, 2020 06:49 AM

You got it right, Lois. This fall is going to be murderous here in Europe, because people wanted to go to the beach, cafés, festivals, etc. . Just wait...I predict it's going to be awful. People are already turning their attention to other things - it's going to hit them like a sunami. By September or October.


kerouac Jun 13th, 2020 08:24 AM

France has announced that it will open its borders to all of the EU/EEA as of June 15th. (But it will apply the 15-day quarantine to the UK as long as the UK is doing the same.)
It has additionally been said that it will open its borders to certain other countries as of July 1st. I'm sure they are working "feverishly" (ha ha -- pun) on that list at the moment.

Lois2 Jun 13th, 2020 09:18 AM


Originally Posted by kerouac (Post 17115877)
France has announced that it will open its borders to all of the EU/EEA as of June 15th. (But it will apply the 15-day quarantine to the UK as long as the UK is doing the same.)
It has additionally been said that it will open its borders to certain other countries as of July 1st. I'm sure they are working "feverishly" (ha ha -- pun) on that list at the moment.

I had noted that Macron was speaking on Sunday night about that...is this straight from him or in advance of his address tomorrow?

Lois2 Jun 13th, 2020 09:22 AM


Originally Posted by StCirq (Post 17115840)
You got it right, Lois. This fall is going to be murderous here in Europe, because people wanted to go to the beach, cafés, festivals, etc. . Just wait...I predict it's going to be awful. People are already turning their attention to other things - it's going to hit them like a sunami. By September or October.

Yes and then all those that postponed to come in Fall not accepting that was too soon will be rescheduling again. It will also be a "tsunami" in the US. I think the wise approach would have been to keep people in at least their own country for this year but the economics of that do not work for most governments. This will end up being much more economically devastating. But just an amateur ....staying home this year....observer. Hope we are wrong.

janisj Jun 13th, 2020 09:58 AM

"It will also be a "tsunami" in the US."

No one -- literally no one, has any idea if it will be worse, much worse, about the same, totally gone, prove to be seasonal, whatever. Why not wait til this Fall/Winter and see what is ACTUALLY happening . . . just a thought.

Lois2 Jun 13th, 2020 10:33 AM


Originally Posted by janisj (Post 17115917)
"It will also be a "tsunami" in the US."

No one -- literally no one, has any idea if it will be worse, much worse, about the same, totally gone, prove to be seasonal, whatever. Why not wait til this Fall/Winter and see what is ACTUALLY happening . . . just a thought.

I will qualify that by saying it has the potential to be a "tsunami" and yes of course no one knows for sure. I did qualify my opinion as being only amateur as are all opinions on here.

janisj Jun 13th, 2020 11:09 AM

You did qualify your post and I should have acknowledged that. Most posters don't -- they just 'know' what the situation will be . . . I'd love to have their crystal balls :)

Lois2 Jun 13th, 2020 03:13 PM


Originally Posted by janisj (Post 17115947)
You did qualify your post and I should have acknowledged that. Most posters don't -- they just 'know' what the situation will be . . . I'd love to have their crystal balls :)

I too would love the crystal ball to know....I hate so much uncertainty and for the first time that I can remember really not in a position to plan any travel!

cheska15 Jun 13th, 2020 11:52 PM

Australia has extended the travel ban until September 17, and maybe extended after that. Doesn’t matter what countries open up to non Schengen visitors, it is unlikely that Aussies will be visiting Europe this year.

Hambagahle Jun 14th, 2020 11:09 PM

I heard on the local (Swiss) radio today that two flights of German tourists will leave for Palma this weekend in an "experimental" programme. They will have a week at a hotel in Mallorca, will not be allowed to leave the hotel grounds and will be monitored. Apparently there was no shortage of applicants for these flights! (as one would imagine). Spanish borders open, for Schengen residents anyway, on Saturday. Swiss borders opened this morning for French, German, Austrian and Italian visitors.

neckervd Jun 15th, 2020 12:40 AM

Swiss borders are now open for all EU and EFTA citizens, even for those from Lombardy with some 1600 new infections every week.

Lois2 Jun 15th, 2020 05:38 AM

Seems that Portugal is open to everyone?

kerouac Jun 15th, 2020 05:57 AM

Not to Spain.

mlgb Jun 15th, 2020 09:08 AM


Originally Posted by Lois2 (Post 17116488)
Seems that Portugal is open to everyone?

There is a list of countries with significant Portuguese-speaking populations, from outside Schengen, providing you can get a flight. It seems that there will be wider opening and more flights from July 1. Not really "everyone".

Some info here

https://pt.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

MaskonTravel Jun 15th, 2020 07:39 PM

Now Italy has opened its borders to all tourists
 
Italy opened its borders on Juny 3, domestic tourism is already beginning in the country, and I hope that international tourism will be soon

menachem Jun 15th, 2020 08:17 PM


Originally Posted by janisj (Post 17115917)
"It will also be a "tsunami" in the US."

No one -- literally no one, has any idea if it will be worse, much worse, about the same, totally gone, prove to be seasonal, whatever. Why not wait til this Fall/Winter and see what is ACTUALLY happening . . . just a thought.

If our governments do that, it's too late. I hope you realize that.
Also, the 1918 flue pandemic was deadlier in its second wave, precisely because restrictive measures couldn't be reimposed once they were lifted.

But yeah, let's wait and see. Now would be the time to strive for maximum containment, which could be done without imposing lockdowns. Universal mask wearing would already bring R0 below 1.

janisj Jun 15th, 2020 08:44 PM

Oh stop it - how many threads are you trying to kill??

You don't know, I don't know, NOBODY bloody well knows. So give it a rest . . .

Hambagahle Jun 15th, 2020 11:09 PM


Originally Posted by menachem (Post 17116835)
If our governments do that, it's too late. I hope you realize that.
Also, the 1918 flue pandemic was deadlier in its second wave, precisely because restrictive measures couldn't be reimposed once they were lifted.

But yeah, let's wait and see. Now would be the time to strive for maximum containment, which could be done without imposing lockdowns. Universal mask wearing would already bring R0 below 1.

The latter is simply not true. Wearing a mask has NEVER been a requirement in Switzerland aside from visits to a hairdresser, pedicure etc. It is recommended (not required) that a mask be worn on CROWDED public transport. And our "R-factor" is well under 1.
As of yesterday it is .84 in fact.

neckervd Jun 16th, 2020 01:22 AM

The fact that the Swiss Federal Office for Public Health obviously hates masks is not a proof for the statement that masks are useless.

wnappier Jun 16th, 2020 06:31 AM

Or not hit them at all. Because it is, after all, the flu.

wnappier Jun 16th, 2020 06:32 AM

No, but many of the other "experts" say they are useless. They have become a fashion statement to many.


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