The summer vacation has now started in Bavaria and the vacation is just around the corner. An overview of the rules that must be observed when traveling.
Munich – On Thursday (July 29th) the summer holidays started with Bavaria in the last German state. Many people want to travel after the hardships of the past few months due to the coronavirus * pandemic. But the corona numbers are currently not only increasing in Germany, but also in some holiday countries. Therefore, there are a few rules to be observed when planning a trip.
Summer vacation despite Corona: compulsory testing for return travelers decided
In general: From Sunday (August 1st) there is a compulsory test for those returning to travel. The federal government decided on Friday (July 30th). All people from the age of twelve must be able to prove on their entry that the risk of transmission is reduced: with proof of a corona vaccination, proof of convalescence or a negative test result. Such a requirement has already existed for all flight passengers. In the future, this will apply to all means of transport, including those arriving by car, bus or train.
But also when entering the respective holiday destination, a few things have to be considered: EU vaccination certificates, curfews and entry forms. We give an overview of what tourists from Germany have to look out for in some popular travel destinations.
Vacation in Italy: Corona restrictions will be tightened from August
There is currently no quarantine requirement when entering Italy. All you need is an entry form and proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test. The number of corona infections * is currently rising again. The delta variant of the virus is still on the rise.
The government has therefore decided on restrictions. Anyone who wants to eat inside a restaurant, go to sports or cultural events or to the museum from August 6th must show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative corona test. If the minimum distance in the open air cannot be maintained, masks are necessary.
But the country is currently not only struggling with the delta mutation. However, forest fires are currently blazing in the south of the country as well as in Sicily and Sardinia *.
Vacation in Spain: Classification as a Corona high incidence area
In the most popular holiday destination for Germans, the situation remains tense. Spain has been a high incidence area since Tuesday (July 27), which means that all people who have not been vaccinated or recovered have to be in quarantine for ten days after returning to Germany. This can be ended after five days at the earliest with a negative test. An entry form must be filled out when entering Spain.
Since there is no uniform nationwide regulation, the regions themselves decide on Corona * restrictions. These must be approved by their highest regional courts. In Valencia, Catalonia, Cantabria and Navarra, there are again some night curfews. On the Canary Islands, which are also popular with holidaymakers, the judiciary refused to do so. In Mallorca, the regional government waived such a measure. However, beaches and parks there have been closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. since last weekend to prevent illegal outdoor parties.
Vacation in Croatia: Foreign Office advises against traveling to Zadar County
Since July 1st, Croatia has required travelers to have the EU-wide Corona certificate, regardless of where they come from. However, the certificates issued by the individual countries that prove that the person entering the country has been vaccinated, recovered or tested are also accepted. The hotels receive guests without restrictions. Cafés are open outside, restaurants are also open inside.
In the Zadar County, the seven-day incidence is currently over 50, so it was last classified as a risk area. “We do not recommend unnecessary tourist trips to the Zadar County,” writes the Foreign Office. Due to increasing incidences on the Adriatic, the number of participants in public meetings has been restricted. It is therefore possible that individual restaurants reduce their number of guests.
Vacation in Austria: “Proof of a low epidemiological risk” required
In Austria, the number of corona infections has recently increased slowly again. A few days ago, however, the mask requirement for large parts of the trade fell. To enter Austria, “proof of a low epidemiological risk” must be provided. These include proof of vaccination *, recovery, a negative test result and evidence of antibodies.
Holidays in Turkey: restaurants, cafes and guest facilities open
If you want to travel to Turkey from Germany, you currently need a negative corona rapid test that is not older than 48 hours or a PCR test that must not be older than 72 hours. Vaccinated and convalescent persons can enter with appropriate proof. Restaurants, cafes and other guest facilities are open. There are no longer any exit restrictions. Masks are still required in public. Despite the recent rising corona numbers, Turkey has so far not tightened the measures again.
Heat, drought and strong winds are currently causing widespread forest fires in Turkey *. Residential areas and hotels in popular holiday regions on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of the country are also affected. The Federal Foreign Office calls for caution, particularly in the provinces of Antalya, Mugla and Aydin.
Vacation in Greece: Corona numbers are increasing at different rates locally
In Greece, the number of new corona infections continues to rise, albeit at different locations. The seven-day incidence * is over 50, which is why Greece was recently classified as a risk area. “It is currently not advisable to travel to Greece for tourist trips that are not necessary,” said the Foreign Office. High numbers are reported in Crete and the Cycladic islands of Ios and Paros, among others. Additional officials should now ensure compliance with the corona rules there. Among other things, there is a ban on dancing in bars and clubs.
Before entering Greece, visitors must enter their details on a website and receive a QR code for tracking. In addition, a negative test or proof of a complete corona vaccination must be presented upon entry. However, it should be noted that a “historic heat wave” in Greece * is currently causing temperatures above 40 degrees.
Vacation in Portugal: Still high incidence area – quarantine after return trip
In Portugal, the corona numbers are currently high. The greater Lisbon area, Porto in the north and the Algarve holiday region in the south are still badly affected. At the beginning of July, a night curfew was again imposed for regions that have an increased or particularly increased risk. According to the Federal Foreign Office, significant restrictions in terms of opening times and capacities of restaurants and shops are to be expected, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Although the federal government warns against unnecessary, tourist trips to the country classified as a high incidence area, holidays in Portugal are still possible in principle. Upon entry, anyone who has not been vaccinated or has recovered from Corona must present a negative test * from the age of twelve. On the return trip, holidaymakers who have not been vaccinated or recovered must be in quarantine in Germany for ten days, which can be ended with a negative test after five days at the earliest. Digital travel registrations must be completed in both directions. (ph / dpa) * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
Rubric: © Clara Margais
