Europe prepares to reopen: the travel restrictions in place for the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy

Many countries are preparing to welcome visitors from June

As the high tourist season approaches, some European countries are preparing to welcome travellers once more.

More than two months after the coronavirus pandemic took hold on the continent, countries including Germany, France, Italy and Spain are making plans to gradually welcome guests back.

From June, visitors from certain EU countries will be able to travel again, although each country has its own set of rules for those planning to visit.

A man wearing a protective face mask cycles past Buckingham Palace. Reuters

Those wanting to visit the UK after Monday, June 8, will be forced to quarantine for 14 days. After that point, visitors will be required to inform authorities of where they are staying, and will be encouraged to avoid public transport and spaces, as the country remains in lockdown.

Currently, all visitors to Spain must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, however, this will be lifted on Wednesday, July 1, when the country will begin to welcome tourists again, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said.

Italy, which was one of the worst-hit countries in the Europe, will reopen its airports on Wednesday, June 3, allowing inter-regional travel and international transfers. Its borders will be open to countries within the European Union, however, the government has confirmed it will continue to closely monitor virus data.

Greece had planned to reopen to foreign visitors on Wednesday, July 1, however, this has now been moved forward to Monday, June 15, as an attempt to boost tourism, something the country relies heavily upon. The country was quick to react to the pandemic and recorded one of Europe’s lowest death rates as a result.

Members of EU countries may enter France, however, authorities are encouraging a voluntary 14-day quarantine for those who do. The country’s borders remain closed to those outside of European territory. France will continue to restrict entry until Monday, June 15.

Germany intends to fully reopen its borders by Monday, June 15, and started allowing movement from certain countries including France and Austria from May 16.

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