Vacation and Corona: What you have to consider when traveling in Europe

Created: 06/30/2022, 2:35 p.m

By: Lucas Maier

Vacation and Corona: These rules apply in Europe.

(Archive image) © Andres Gutierrez/dpa

Between the longing for sun and the corona pandemic: For many, no vacation was possible until the end.

What is the current status of the most popular destinations in Europe?

Kassel – The corona pandemic has thwarted numerous people in recent years.

Especially when it comes to travel and vacation, many have had to cut back.

Since the corona rules have been relaxed in some countries, including Germany, this could be the opportunity to catch up on the long-awaited vacation.

We have summarized the rules that apply in the most popular holiday countries for you.

Corona and holidays: These were the favorite destinations in Europe before the pandemic

On January 28, 2020, the first infection with the corona virus was detected in Germany.

Since then, travel and vacation have not been the same for many.

Before the pandemic in 2019, when travel was still possible without restrictions, most holidaymakers were drawn to regions in Spain, Croatia and France, as summarized by the Federal Statistical Office.

The rush was measured based on the overnight stays in the respective region.

The ten most visited regions (2019) are in Spain, Croatia, France and Italy.

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Spain: From Barcelona to the Canary Islands - holiday possible despite Corona

The longest beach in Europe near Barcelona, ​​the Canary Islands off the Sahara coast or the futuristic buildings in Valencia: Spain offers a wide variety of holiday experiences.

The corona situation in the popular holiday destination can currently be assessed as rather calm.

The 7-day incidence is currently 180.6 (as of June 18, 2022), and 88.2 percent of the population is vaccinated.

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The entry requirements are designed accordingly.

At the moment, no additional proof of corona or similar must be provided upon entry.

A mask requirement only exists in public transport, in health facilities and in old people's homes, as the Foreign Office writes.

Since Spain is divided into autonomous regions, they can each issue their own corona regulations.

• Corona regulations in Spain

• Entry:

  No Corona-specific regulations.

• On site:

  There is only a mask requirement in means of transport, pharmacies and certain public facilities such as old people’s and nursing homes and clinics.

• Current corona situation:

  257.6 (7-day incidence; as of June 29)

Croatia: Between a dream beach and mountains - entry without corona regulations

Crystal-clear sea, small islands off the coast and the Dinaric Alps on the mainland: Croatia is one of the holiday gems in Europe.

The Corona situation in the country on the Adriatic Sea is currently not in the way of vacation and travel.

Even if the vaccination rate is currently only 56.7 percent, the incidence is just over 50, the website corona-in-zahlen.de informs.

There are currently no special corona-related entry requirements.

In Croatia, masks are compulsory for medical facilities and old people's homes, as the Federal Foreign Office informs.

However, due to the increasing number of infections, the counties can tighten the measures at any time - these will then be published on the Croatian government's website.

• Corona regulations in Croatia

• Entry:

  No Corona-specific regulations.

• On site:

  There is only a mask requirement in medical facilities and retirement homes.

• Current corona situation:

  102.9 (7-day incidence; as of June 30)

France: Many facets for travel and vacation - entry only with proof of vaccination

Whether it's a walk along the Seine in Paris, a view over the typical lavender fields of Provence or a walk on the beach on the Mediterranean or the Atlantic: neighboring France invites you to take a holiday with many facets.

In contrast to Croatia or Spain, however, corona regulations still apply here.

With an incidence of 492.7, the current corona situation is at a similar level to that in Germany (as of June 18).

Anyone who is considered to be fully vaccinated against the corona virus only needs their vaccination certificate to enter the country.

Unvaccinated people need a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or a negative antigen test (not older than 48 hours) to enter the country.

Entry with a recovered certificate is also possible, as the Federal Foreign Office reports.

In France, various facilities and shops are only open with restrictions.

In health facilities, as well as old people's homes and homes for people with disabilities, there is an obligation to wear a mask.

A 3G certificate is also required here.

• Corona regulations in France

• Entry:

  To enter the country, fully vaccinated persons must present proof of vaccination.

  People who are not vaccinated against Corona need a current PCR test that is not older than 72 hours, or an antigen test carried out no more than 48 hours before the start of the trip.

• On site:

  Masks are currently compulsory in medical facilities, retirement homes and facilities for people with disabilities.

  A 3G certificate is also required here.

  Shops and some facilities, such as restaurants with an outdoor area, are only open to a limited extent.

• Current corona situation:

  884.0 (7-day incidence; as of June 30)

Italy: Entry possible again without corona requirements

Hiking in the rugged Dolomites, cycling through the vineyards of Tuscany or a visit to the Colosseum in Rome: Italy has much more to offer than just wine and good food.

The corona incidence in the Mediterranean country is currently 374 (as of June 20).

• Corona regulations in Italy

• Entry:

  No Corona-specific regulations.

• On site:

  Health care facilities, including clinics and care facilities, may only be entered with 2G proof.

• Current corona situation:

  703.5 (7-day incidence; as of June 30)

Italy has already lifted all corona-related entry regulations since June 1st.

This also eliminates the entry registration.

The 2G regulation continues to apply to healthcare facilities, otherwise there are no longer any corona regulations in the country, as the Federal Foreign Office reports.

Nothing stands in the way of a holiday in many European countries.

(Lucas Maier)