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With the spring time, the Easter holidays are within reach - and with it the hope of vacation abroad for many again.

In the EU countries, however, even in the second spring of the corona pandemic, travel is tied to strict guidelines, some of which are very different.

Whether there should be fewer restrictions for those who have been vaccinated or those who have tested negative - or even a kind of vaccination pass for free travel, as was also the topic on Thursday at the EU special summit: the attitudes to this differ from country to country, as does the infection situation.

An overview:

Italy: Germans need a negative test result

The corona situation in Italy has worsened somewhat again - especially because of the virus variants.

There are some focal points of infection such as South Tyrol and the areas around Perugia (Umbria) and Brescia (Lombardy).

Local lockdowns sometimes apply there.

With 135 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the national seven-day incidence between February 8 and 14 was higher than the German.

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The authorities require travelers from Germany to have a negative PCR or antigen rapid test that is not older than 48 hours.

Otherwise you have to be in quarantine.

The rules are even stricter for those who have been in Austria for a longer period of time - even in transit.

In the country itself, it is forbidden to cross regional borders until the end of March.

It is generally expected that many Corona bans - including traveling in the country - will be extended over Easter into April.

"Warn against writing off Easter already"

Many people long for recovery from the Corona crisis.

In an interview with WELT, the Federal Government's Tourism Commissioner, Thomas Bareiß, comments on the chances of an Easter holiday and possible opening steps in the travel industry.

Source: WELT / Tatjana Ohm

Whether there should be easing for vaccinated and tested people is repeatedly addressed in the media.

Some theaters and music organizers hope to be able to open this way, the airline Alitalia only offered certain flights with a negative test as "Covid free".

But there are still no official rules.

First of all, the government in Rome is busy accelerating the vaccination campaign itself.

Spain: Balearic and Canary Islands with low values

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The situation in Spain is easing rapidly.

The number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days has been falling steadily since the end of January due to strict restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly.

Most recently, it fell to around 84 after a high of almost 421 had only been reported at the end of January.

In some regions, especially in holiday areas such as the Balearic Islands with Mallorca (almost 38) or the Canaries (53), the value is now lower than in most of the German federal states.

In some regions there is a strict lockdown, several "Comunidades Autónomas" are cordoned off, and you are not allowed to enter or leave the country without a valid reason.

You can fly to Mallorca.

However, all restaurants, cafes and bars there have to be closed since January 13th and at least until March 1st.

From March 2nd, there will be cautious easing.

Some Spanish holiday regions, such as Mallorca, are now recording a comparatively low number of new infections with Corona

Source: Getty Images / Brigitte Blättler

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There are no reliefs for vaccinated people - discussions about this are always held.

Galicia has so far been the only region to have expressly spoken out in favor of introducing a vaccination pass to allow tourism to resume more quickly.

The central government emphasizes again and again that it wants to coordinate all cross-border measures with the EU partners.

Greece and Cyprus: restrictions due to Corona

Measured by the number of new infections, the situation here is better compared to most other EU countries.

However, the risk that the so-called third wave will place a heavy burden on the health system remains.

Because of this, many restrictions have been in effect since November, especially in regions with high corona numbers.

The gastronomy had to close, as well as all shops except supermarkets and pharmacies.

There is a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Travel within Greece is only permitted if there is a valid reason, few hotels have open.

Anyone entering the country must have a current, negative PCR test.

The measures for vaccinated people have not yet been relaxed, but Greece and Cyprus are vehemently calling for the introduction of an EU-wide vaccination pass.

If there is no solution in the EU, they want to make bilateral agreements with other countries on the entry of vaccinated people.

That has already happened with Israel; negotiations are currently underway with Great Britain, Russia and the Balkans.

Non-vaccinated people should also be welcome, but they must still present a negative test and go into quarantine.

Austria: quarantine after entry

Since the shops opened and the millions of tests associated with them, the number of corona cases discovered has increased noticeably.

The seven-day incidence is now around 140 compared to around 104 in early February.

At the same time, the situation in the clinics remains stable.

On March 1, the government wants to decide whether the catering and hotel industry can also open - if so, then only with an access control that would have to show a current negative antigen test.

There are numerous opportunities in the country to be tested free of charge, including in pharmacies.

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Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is campaigning for a vaccination certificate that should enable travel at least for this group again.

Currently, the quarantine regulations in Austria and Germany speak against tourist travel between the two countries.

Denmark: Easter vacation is unlikely

In the wake of the lower number of new infections and despite concerns about the spreading British virus variant, Denmark announced on Wednesday that it would open large parts of the retail sector from March 1 and ease some further corona measures.

The borders will remain as good as closed for foreigners without a Danish residence until April 5th.

You can only get into the country with a current, negative corona test and a valid reason for entry - the Denmark holiday at Easter should not be anything for tourists from Germany.

Denmark is also working on a digital corona passport, which will also contain vaccination data.

This should enable Danes on business trips and other trips abroad to document that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Special rights for vaccinated foreigners upon entry have not yet been planned or debated.

Current information on rules and restrictions due to Corona that apply in the individual countries can be found on the homepage of the Federal Foreign Office

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