The Germans are worried about their summer vacation in the Corona crisis. But in addition to home leave, trips to some other countries are more likely. The news ticker.
- Because of the coronavirus pandemic * , the chances of a summer vacation abroad are not very good.
- The tourism industry, which has been hard hit by the Corona crisis , demands vehement relaxation - the first federal states are reacting, especially Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein.
- Here you will find the basic facts about the corona virus * and the corona news from Germany * .
- You can also find current case numbers in Germany here as a map * . There are also the following recommendations for corona protection measures * .
Update of May 10, 13:28: The Corona -Crisis and applicable in the following travel restrictions allow many people to their summer - holiday anxious. CSU man and MEP Manfred Weber now brought travel certificates to the Bild am Sonntag (behind the pay barrier) that could make a vacation possible.
Weber's concern is that EU-wide easing will result in discrimination regarding freedom of travel - but everyone should be treated equally. Weber now wants to "save the European summer 2020". It was crucial to "establish common European hygiene and protection standards as quickly as possible , a kind of ' travel certificate' for transport and accommodation ". If it were up to Weber, such a certificate should be ready in a few weeks.
The idea is simple: the EU closes the borders to the outside until there is a vaccine and in the meantime opens them up again. Weber describes it as a "fatal mistake" that Italy, for example, suspended air traffic to China at the end of January, but Germany and other countries did not. The paper further reports that the federal government shares Weber's assessment. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also wants to comment on new rules and protection standards on Wednesday.
Summer vacation despite Corona: Mallorca, Greece, Croatia - TUI boss reveals spectacular plans
Update of May 10, 09:18: If the summer - holiday but not the Corona -Crisis victim? Tui boss Friedrich Joussen wants to offer vacation trips to the Mediterranean again at least as soon as possible . "We have drawn up a health check for all holiday destinations and will only offer holidays where it is safe. Mallorca will be in the first place . The hotels there have made a trial run, can start immediately and accept guests, ”he told the picture on Sunday . Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Austria and Denmark are also well prepared for summer tourism.
However: "First of all, Germany must open the borders," said Joussen. He does not think the general and worldwide travel warning until June 14 is correct. Rather, an individual assessment should be carried out for each country or region.
On the plane, Joussen thinks it is right to wear a face mask . "There will be no long queues, but temperature measurements where the airports offer them."
There are also said to be checks on the Tui cruise ships. “We will be ready from July but, like flights, we need the approval of the authorities. The captains are developing new routes in the North and Baltic Seas. There will be more days at sea, many love real relaxation on the water. In the beginning, a maximum of up to 1,000 guests will probably be traveling on a ship. ”Corona test devices are said to be on board, and the health personnel in the on-board hospital will be increased.
Friedrich Joussen, CEO of the Tui Group
© dpa / Peter Steffen
Summer vacation despite Corona? Hotels in Mallorca are allowed to open again - why nobody is happy anyway
News from May 9th:
Update 2:51 p.m .: The impending loosening of the lockdown in large parts of the Corona hotspot Spain has hardly triggered cheers on Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands. Hotels have been allowed to reopen for the first time in two months from Monday and restaurants and bars in the outdoor area can once again host guests. But the weekly newspaper "Mallorca Zeitung" predicted on Saturday: "Almost all houses will remain closed."
The reason ? One fears that one will hardly have customers. "Why should we open when there are no flights with which our guests can arrive?" Christoph Gräwert, director of the 900-bed hotel "Samos" in Magaluf, was quoted as saying. In addition, so far it was “not even clear what safety regulations we have to comply with”. The Mallorcan hoteliers' association FEHM also announced that they were waiting for more precise instructions.
Corona virus in summer: trips to the UK remain difficult
Update 11.55 a.m .: It remains difficult for the time being with trips to Great Britain. The country, heavily hit by the corona pandemic, is apparently planning a two-week quarantine for travelers. The Times and BBC reported on Saturday. The BBC cited unnamed sources from British airlines. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to announce the measure on Sunday evening, the reports said. This is to prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections in the country. The Interior Ministry was initially unavailable for comment.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Germans will soon be able to travel to these countries again
Update of May 9, 10.20 a.m .: Within the EU, a uniform concept is important when it comes to opening the border and the corresponding vacation and travel options . Nevertheless, the German federal government has issued a worldwide travel warning: Vacation trips - no matter where - should definitely be avoided. This applies until June 14th. However, individual EU countries have announced that they will open their borders again. Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) , for example, declared that he wanted to open the border with Germany before the summer. And he's not alone.
Summer vacation despite Corona: Greece wants to open the borders
In Greece , tourism should be revived on July 1st. The first strict curfews have already been relaxed. By May 15, the government plans to explain how the hospitality industry will work in the Corona era.
Summer vacation despite Corona: By car to Croatia
According to information from fvw.de, Croatia is negotiating with its direct neighbors, Austria, Slovenia and the Czech Republic about vacation trips by car.
Summer vacation despite Corona: camping in the Netherlands
The Netherlands also apparently want to accept travel within Europe. According to this, easing for tourism should apply from July. Campsites and holiday parks should then be allowed to open again. Restaurants and theaters should also be allowed to receive guests again. However, with an upper limit of 100 people.
Summer vacation in the north: Sweden's borders are open
Sweden has taken comparatively few drastic measures against the coronavirus pandemic. The country has not closed the borders either. However, entry is subject to strict controls and restrictions. The Swedish government advises against domestic travel.
Summer vacation despite Corona: the Czech Republic wants to open in July
It is not certain yet. But the Czech government has already announced that it will discuss opening the border in July.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Chancellor Kurz gives hope for trips to Austria
Update from May 8, 6:15 p.m .: The EU Commission has requested an extension of the entry stop to Europe for another month due to the corona pandemic . The agency now advised Member States to keep the restrictions on "non-essential travel " in force until June 15.
The entry restrictions were first introduced in mid-March. So far they have been extended once until May 15th. While some EU Member States "are taking the first steps to ease measures to combat the spread of the pandemic, the situation in Europe and worldwide remains unstable," the Commission said. " Measures at the external borders should therefore be continued to reduce the risk of the disease spreading further through travel to the EU ," it said.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Chancellor Kurz gives hope for trips to Austria
Update 1:08 p.m .: There is currently sharp criticism of the border closings . Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer (CSU) announced a decision until Pentecost, but previously emphasized that he wanted to maintain border controls for the time being. Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) is now leaping into the breach. The number of infections with the corona virus is currently lower in Austria than in Germany. "Therefore, I also assume that the border with Germany will open before the summer," said Kurz at a video conference with representatives of the hospitality industry on Friday in Vienna.
Summer vacation despite Corona? One federal state announces far-reaching easing - another surprises with a ban
Update from May 8, 7:13 a.m .: For many people, it may be the most important question of summer : can the vacation take place as planned? So far this seems questionable, but after Schleswig-Holstein announced tourism easing on Thursday , Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will now also open its hotels to holidaymakers on May 25th.
But with one exception. As picture quoted by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig , people from German high-risk areas are not allowed to enter the state after May 25th. How exactly such a high-risk area is defined is therefore not yet entirely certain.
But Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister of Economics Harry Glawe explains to Bild : "The Prime Minister meant two circles: This is Greiz and that is Heinsberg ." While the Greiz district currently records more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, and thus according to the federal and state governments Heinsberg was long regarded as the country's first hotspot with further restrictions.
It is therefore not known whether the entry ban for the two counties will be lifted again as soon as the number of infections decreases or whether an entry ban will also be issued for other counties. "The exact rules are still to be determined there," the government spokesman for the state told Bild .
Meanwhile, virologist Drosten and hundreds of colleagues warn of fake news about the corona virus and are massively criticizing Facebook, Google and Twitter.
Summer vacation despite Corona? A federal state announces far-reaching easing of tourism
Update from May 7th, 7:00 p.m .: Tourism in Northern Germany has been reduced to practically zero due to the corona pandemic. Schleswig-Holstein is now daring to restart the tourism industry from 18 May . The entry ban falls, and vacationers should have hotels and apartments on the North and Baltic Seas available again. Even islands and islets are again open for visitors.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Schleswig-Holstein with far-reaching easing of tourism
For catering establishments there is the possibility to start operating again, however only until 10 p.m. 50 guests are allowed per room, the applicable distance rules must still be observed. "There is now more freedom and therefore more responsibility for everyone involved," said Tourism Minister Bernd Buchholz (FDP) on Thursday.
Common areas as well as swimming pools and sauna areas remain closed to avoid gatherings. Outdoor swimming pools will remain open for the time being. As far as the guests can adequately take care of the situation, camping and motorhome parking spaces may also be used again. Excursion ships may leave Schleswig-Holsteig again from May 18, shops in bathing resorts may also open on Sundays - but in consultation with the districts.
Summer vacation despite Corona? The first beaches open again for day tourists
Update, 4:03 pm: The first beaches in Germany will soon be accessible again: The beaches on the Elbe and Außenweser in the district of Cuxhaven will be open to day tourists again on May 14th . The current ban expires on May 13 and will not be extended, said a spokesman for the district. The coastal towns had been reserved for the locals shortly before Easter.
As a first step in easing , owners of holiday apartments and long-term campers have been allowed to return since Wednesday (May 6) according to a regulation by the state . Mayor Uwe Santjer (SPD) welcomed the return of the first guests. "The reason for this is the discipline practiced in the past few weeks," he said, according to the city. "Please let us continue so that we can soon allow more easing in tourism ," Santjer continued.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Laschet names possible travel destinations - but Merkel's confidant warns
Update, May 7, 11:25 a.m .: Despite decisions after the big Corona summit with Angela Merkel: Chancellor's Minister Helge Braun warns of too many easing measures that affect travel . "If you look back, you can see that the great contagion risks lurk right there," says Braun.
Because of the positive course of the infection, Germany can now "trust" something, explains the Chancellor . When it comes to opening the border, however, he is for Germany to step in step with its neighboring countries, Braun continues. "The beginning of these border controls was that business was up in Germany and no longer in the neighboring country, and there was a lot of movement because people then came over the border to shop ," says the CDU politician.
Vacation in spite of Corona - where are people in Bavaria allowed to go on Pentecost vacation? * An overview.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Laschet gives hope for EU travel and names possible destinations
Update of May 6, 8:45 p.m .: Armin Laschet , Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, spoke to the "Bild" newspaper about the vacation and travel opportunities in the summer and gave hope .
In addition to travel in Germany, holidays in Europe are not excluded. "From May 11th, from May 15th, we will see, for example, that the lockdown will end in France." The Netherlands also wanted to coordinate, as many citizens would go there or to Belgium to the coast.
Armin Laschet also brought up the popular holiday destination Greece , which “survived the crisis relatively well”. “You will have to look at the concepts of how Europe as a whole is progressing. When do we get to the point of ending border closure? "
The Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia , however, can hardly imagine long-distance travel . The countries bordering on Germany would be more likely to offer themselves. Everything depends on developments regarding the number of infections.
Political editor Christian Deutschländer believes that the shift in risk management to the federal states is correct *. The federal government should take care of more urgent matters - a comment.
Summer vacation despite Corona? Greece plans offensive for foreign tourism - concrete opening date has been fixed
Update 7:11 p.m .: Home leave in Germany is becoming more and more likely thanks to the Federal Government's progressive loosening of corona. And now Greece is also working on a concept that allows tourists to spend their summer vacation in the country without exposing themselves or others to an increased health risk.
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Vacation despite Corona? Greece is working on tourism plan: talking about health protocols and passports
So far, the worldwide travel warning is still valid until June 14 - whether it will be extended afterwards remains to be seen. Despite all the restrictions, Greece's tourism minister Charis Theoharis has developed concrete ideas on how beach holidays could still work in his country. “We have a plan to support Greek tourism . We will use all possibilities, but in accordance with the health regulations, "said Theoharis according to a report by Bild.de in the Greek parliament.
According to the plan, health plans for hotels , marinas, yachts, planes and coaches are drawn up - possibly based on so-called health passports . Specifically, this means that tourists should be tested consistently for the corona virus . Theoharis believes that such measures can be implemented realistically. However, the exact details still need to be discussed. His goal is to create conditions that do not endanger the health of visitors, residents or the reputation of travel destinations, according to Bild.de.
Vacation despite Corona? Greece's tourism minister hopes for international cooperation agreements
The tourism minister also relies on international cooperation . He wants to secure the support of other countries through diplomatic measures. Greece is ready to accept tourists. But if the German, Russian, or US government orders quarantine * for those returning from Greece, it will deter tourists. Therefore, bilateral agreements with the respective governments should be made in advance .
Germans may not yet have to write off their summer vacation in Greece completely. (Icon image)
© AFP / ANGELOS TZORTZINIS
A further central point is to be government grants . The Greek ministries of finance, development and labor want to make specific and affordable financial packages available for the implementation of the tourism strategy this week. The plan: The government partially pays the salaries for employees in the tourism industry. In addition, in consultation with the respective municipalities, bars, restaurants and cafés could then only pay reduced fees for road use in their outside areas. Furthermore, the money could flow directly into the financing of the comprehensive corona tests for tourists.
Vacation despite Corona? Greece is planning an advertising campaign focusing on corona crisis management
An advertising campaign is also planned to attract tourists. It should be ready in the coming weeks. The special feature: Instead of emphasizing the classic advantages of Greece, such as good food and turquoise blue sea, the focus of this campaign is on security and the functioning corona crisis management . In fact, there have been relatively few corona infections in Greece to date. According to current information from Johns Hopkins University, 2663 people infected and 147 deaths related to Covid-19 have been registered there. In order to ensure that the tourism campaign also reaches the target group, the Greek tourism plan provides for intensifying contacts with international media and tour operators. For example, initial talks have already been held with the tour operator TUI .
And that's not all: A specific start date for the opening of Greece for the purpose of foreign tourism has already been set. "We will open tourism abroad on July 1st, " said Greek Minister of State Giorgos Gerapetritis in the Greek parliament on Wednesday. It was also said that the government in Athens would provide details on this by May 15.
Vacation despite Corona? Federal states should decide on the reopening of hotels - virologists are positive
Update 5.11 p.m .: The hope of a pleasant summer - or even a holiday feeling increases. On the one hand, the Prime Minister and Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) decided on Wednesday that the individual federal states would decide on the reopening of hotels and holiday apartments. On the other hand, there are apparently positive assessments of the situation even among virologists .
After intra-European vacations already seem possible in government circles, the virologist Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit (41) in the picture interview gives a prospect of a summer leisure feeling in Germany. Of course, only after an appropriate decision from politics. "It speaks nothing against the fact that families in Germany in cottages or apartments go," says virologist against Bild.de . In that case, they are people from a household. The virologist also hopes for swimming pools and open-air facilities : "The following applies: if only a small number of visitors are admitted who adhere to the respective hygiene concept and can meet each other at a distance, there is nothing to be said against it."
By the way: After numerous easing measures were agreed at the federal-state consultations on Wednesday, details of the course of the conference also became public. Chancellor Merkel and a prime minister are said to have had a particularly expanded need for discussion.
Vacation despite Corona? Travel to the Balearic Islands or Greek Islands may be possible in the summer
Update from May 6, 10.35 a.m .: Is there hope for summer vacation ? Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (CDU) has repeatedly pointed out that this year is hardly to be expected. Now the Federal Government's Tourism Commissioner , State Secretary Thomas Bareiß, is giving hope.
For example, trips to the Balearic Islands or the Greek Islands could be possible if the infection situation there allowed it. "If there are hardly any new infections there and medical care is working, you could also think about a summer vacation there," Bareiß told Tagesspiegel .
In his opinion, the "long-distance trip" would fail. Depending on how the pandemic will develop in the next four to eight weeks, Bareiß continues that summer vacations are possible within Europe. One is already in talks with the neighboring countries of Germany . "But I would not yet write off other regions in Europe, such as the Balearic Islands or the Greek Islands."
Vacation despite Corona? Bavaria is also pushing ahead - plans for border controls are becoming more concrete
Update from May 5th, 9.42pm: Goodbye to summer vacation? In view of the corona pandemic , it is questionable whether the Germans can lie on the beach or the lakes in the sun in a few months. But now a virologist gives hope.
Opposite bild.de (Article after payment barrier) explained Professor Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit "We virologists can only provide impetus and ideas, the decision is at the end of course in politics. And of course the number of infections must be closely monitored. But I personally believe that stopping our lives for months is far from realistic. ”
The virologist gives hope above all for holidays in holiday homes , because "there is absolutely nothing against families in Germany going to holiday homes or apartments," says the virologist. After all, it is about a group of people who otherwise live in a household.
The hotel accommodation keeps Schmidt-Chanasit also possible, but only in a restricted number of guests - "for example, only ten or 20 percent as much as usual."
However, he sees the problem of day-to-day tourism on the beaches of the republic, as there are many people romping around, but it would be possible "that only those who live there or have rented a holiday home are allowed to go to the beach."
Vacationers 2018 on the beach of Norddeich. People sit close together. This is not possible this year.
© dpa / Mohssen Assanimoghaddam
Corona virus in Germany: plans for border controls are becoming more concrete
Update from May 5, 6:24 p.m .: Can people look forward to summer vacation abroad despite the corona virus ? The borders between Germany and its neighbors could become more permeable again from mid-May.
According to information of the German Press Agency have Interior Minister Horst Lake- r (CSU) and Schleswig-Holstein Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) already talked specifically about a concept of how to be a mitigating coronavirus where appropriate and applicable quarantine regulations without formal border controls ensure could.
A joint situation report by the Ministry of Health and the interior ministry says that a "gradual opening of the border" in the north is planned.
Appropriate concepts are already being discussed between the Federal Ministry of the Interior and other federal states with borders where controls are currently taking place. Seehofer extended the controls ordered at the borders to Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Austria and Switzerland in mid-March from Monday to May 15. The “gradual” opening could open up additional opportunities for people regarding summer vacation.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama is disassembling President Donald Trump's corona crisis management.
Corona virus: vacation despite crisis? Austria hopes for German travelers
Update of May 5, 5 p.m .: Austria persistently advertises German tourists for summer vacation - despite or perhaps because of the Corona crisis .
The Germans make up the majority of holidaymakers in the southern neighboring country . Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) recently did not want to commit to opening the border between Bavaria and Tyrol on the one hand and Bavaria and the Salzburg region on the other.
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"I will not let up on this question. Austria creates all the prerequisites for a safe and enjoyable holiday, ”said Austrian Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) in an interview with the picture .
"I see myself here as an ally of the many German guests who want to spend their vacation in Austria ," said the 41-year-old: "Our success in the fight against the corona virus is the solid basis for us to work on future concepts for the summer . "
Summer vacation at Lake Wörthersee, at Lake Neusiedl, in the Tyrolean Alps or on the Danube? There will probably be intensive talks between the federal governments in Berlin and Vienna.
Vacation in Germany despite Corona? Tourism industry puts pressure
First message from May 5th: "Oh, I have such a longing. I am losing my mind. I want to go to the North Sea again! I want to go back to Westerland. "
The refrain of the classic doctor "Westerland" could become the motto of many Germans this summer, since vacationing abroad is unlikely or at least awkward due to the coronavirus pandemic .
After the tourism industry had previously put a lot of pressure on further easing , Bavaria * has now advanced to Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein in terms of summer vacation .
"In Bavaria you can go on vacation," said Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) when asked by Munich's Merkur * : "You can also camp, because there are excellent opportunities." Camping on Lake Chiemsee, on the Dreiflusseck near Passau or in Lindau on Lake Constance?
Summer vacation: Markus Söder - Vacation in Bavaria will be possible
As the Bavarian father now explained, from Pentecost Saturday, May 30th, hotels, holiday apartments and campsites in the Free State may reopen - subject to strict hygiene rules.
"We will allow hotels and tourism at Pentecost, on the 30th, " said Söder - but without a sauna or swimming pools. Before that, the Federal Government's Tourism Commissioner, Thomas Bareiß (CDU), had spoken cautiously on the topic of vacation : "I assume that this will be possible, hopefully even in the summer," said the Swabian.
But: Individual federal states have long been creating facts. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania , for example on the Baltic Sea or the Mecklenburg Lake District, hotels, guesthouses and holiday apartments are allowed to reopen from May 18 under lower occupancy.
Summer vacation in Corona times: Schleswig-Holstein really speeds up
As Focus Online reports, the entry ban for tourists from other federal states is also to be lifted from May 25. As of Monday, May 25th, the hotels in Lower Saxony, ergo, on the North Sea between the Elbe, Cuxhaven, East Frisian Islands and Emden on the German-Dutch border are also due to open again . Again, with fewer beds available.
Schleswig-Holstein is really pushing the pace : permanent camping has been allowed again since May 4th. According to Focus Online, Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) and Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer (CSU) have agreed to open the border with Denmark by May 15.
Summer vacation despite Corona crisis? Travel abroad is unlikely
Even before Pentecost , tourism operations in the northernmost German state should start again - also in Westerland on Sylt .
The situation is different with summer vacation abroad: The Federal Foreign Office recently extended its travel warning to (at least) June 14.
* merkur.de is part of the Germany-wide Ippen-Digital editors network
List of rubric lists: © dpa / Europa Press