Traveling in Europe is now possible. Finally almost: from June 15 - Monday - at midnight France reopens its borders to Europe with a principle of reciprocity. Concretely, each resident coming from a country of the European space, which itself opened its borders to France, will be able to enter the territory, without restriction. But this new step towards a return to normal life can turn into a real headache for globetrotters, as the restrictions and conditions differ from one country to another. Europe 1 has therefore gathered all the information known to date country by country to allow you to better prepare your future journeys on the Old continent.
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In Italy, the borders opened since June 3
Italy has already opened its borders for ten days to nationals of the European Union, and therefore to the French. Good news for all lovers of the "Boot", but also for the Italians who impatiently await the return of tourists from the other side of the Alps. This is particularly the case of the traders met by our reporter in Ventimiglia, near the French-Italian border, where the beaches are deserted.
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Spain still inaccessible, quarantine for the United Kingdom and Ireland
Very affected by the Covid-19, Madrid decided to keep its borders closed until July 1. Consequently the Pyrenees remain closed to go there, according to the reciprocity already mentioned. A principle which also applies to the United Kingdom: quarantine is compulsory to enter this territory. Ditto if you plan to go for a walk on the lands of Ireland.
Opening in Belgium ...
Belgium has decided to open its borders from June 15 for all European residents.
... and in Germany
Crossing the Rhine is again authorized from midnight on June 14 for "travelers from EU member states", say the German Foreign Ministry. If freedom of movement is restored, "border controls for reasons other than those motivated by the Covid-19 pandemic will nevertheless be maintained".
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Austria reachable again ...
Vienna reopens its borders at the same time as France, but is limited to a list of 31 European countries. The ban therefore still remains in force for the Swedes, the British and the Italians from Lombardy.
... just like Switzerland
From 15 June, "the free movement of people will thus be fully restored with all the Member States of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and with the United Kingdom".
In Iceland, the test or quarantine
European tourists can go and visit the "land of fire", but you have to go up white leg before. Concretely, Reykjavik asks all travelers to do a PCR test upon their arrival on the territory, or to quarantine themselves for 14 days. For the moment the list of authorized departure countries includes the European Union and the United Kingdom, but remains rather vague on the rest of the world.
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Norway inaccessible before at least July 20
Norway reopens its borders only to all the Nordic countries, except for Sweden. For the other countries, the government has indicated that it is thinking, and announcements should be made on July 20.
Sweden has never closed its borders
If the coronavirus has hit Sweden hard, the country has never closed its borders. It is therefore always possible to get there
Denmark still closed
With the exception of German, Norwegian or Icelandic tourists and subject to conditions, Denmark remains closed to all other countries.
Poland now accessible by air
Since June 13, the land borders with Poland have been reopened. The return to normal will continue from June 16 with the opening of internal air borders in Europe.
France in orange for the Czech Republic
To reopen its borders, Prague has developed its own European map and classified the countries according to their dangerousness according to several criteria. France is in orange, it is not possible to enter it.
Slovakia open to French people subject to negative test
Since June 10, Brastislava has opened its borders to 19 countries. France is between two waters, it is necessary to present the result of a PCR test dating from less than 96 hours before being able to enter the territory.
Europeans are welcome in Hungary
As of June 9, Budapest has removed restrictions for Schengen countries.
Quarantine in Slovenia
Like all countries, Slovenia has produced its list of safe and unsafe territories. France being in the second category, quarantine is required.
Proof required for Croatia
Zagreb has opened its borders to the French under conditions: a documentary proof proving the reservation of accommodation, a hotel, or a rental contract for a camping pitch or a boat parking space is required to enter the territory.
In Malta the situation may change
The Maltese borders are due to partially reopen from July 1 and for the time being would remain closed to France. But the Valletta government has said the situation could change by then.
Quarantine required for Finland
Finland remains difficult to access for the French, and leaving there must still be the subject of a compelling reason. In addition, quarantine is recommended by the authorities.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been monitoring the circulation of the virus since the beginning of June
These three countries have decided to base their list on the number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Latvia and Estonia have set their threshold at 15 cases, while that of Lithuania is 25 per 100,000 inhabitants. The French can therefore go to these three countries, but if an epidemic rebound takes place, the borders will be closed again.
Romania should be accessible
Closed borders and suspended air links: Bucharest still maintains fairly strong restrictions on its borders. A state of alert which must last until June 16 inclusive, unless the Romanian government decides otherwise
Bulgaria open since June 1
Nationals of the Member States of the European Union can already go to the territory of Sofia since the beginning of June.
Seven days of isolation for Ile-de-France residents who want to go to Greece
If the French can go to Greece, subtlety is de rigueur for Ile-de-France residents. As the Ile-de-France is classified in orange on the French government map, the inhabitants of this region must submit to seven days of quarantine before entering Greek lands. A measure in effect until June 30 which will then be replaced by a random PCR test.
Malta inaccessible
For the moment, the territory of Nicosia is inaccessible for the French, the local authorities judging that the epidemiological situation of Paris is not favorable enough.