As of this Monday, June 15, return to a situation and (almost) normal circulation within the countries of the Schengen area, starting with France, which reopens all its borders confirmed Emmanuel Macron. After three months of isolation within their national territory, Europeans will be able to travel more easily from one country to another, due to the decline of the coronavirus pandemic and the progress of plans for deconfinement.
But be careful before packing your bags for a weekend or for your summer holidays in 2020: the return to free movement on the Old Continent takes place in dispersed order. The map of Europe is like a mosaic depending on the origin or the destination.
Italy, Croatia ... European countries already accessible to the French
Italy had given the signal on June 3 by reopening to all travelers ... even though most of the states maintained restrictions with this country which was one of the centers of the pandemic in Europe.
Read also: Spain, Greece, Portugal ... These European countries where it will be possible to travel this summer
Another country in a hurry to save its tourist season, Croatia also anticipated the call and reopened its borders on Thursday, just like Poland, accessible for all European citizens from Saturday.
Read also: Croatia reaches out to European tourists for July and August
Many states, on the other hand, have chosen the “onion strategy”, opening up in recent weeks to their neighbors first, before expanding the circulation perimeter. Thus, it is already possible to circulate without control in central Europe, or from one Baltic country to another.
On a continent where each country had barricaded itself since mid-March, two states were an exception: Sweden remained in principle accessible to EU travelers, as did Luxembourg. The frontier workers essential to the economy have benefited from passes to go back and forth with the Grand Duchy.
Greece, Belgium, Germany ... European countries which reopen their borders to the French Monday June 15
Belgium and Greece reinstate free movement with all the countries of the continent from June 15. Athens, whose economy is largely based on tourism, goes even further and also invites travelers from several regions outside the EU - such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea or China. The Greek State anticipates a possible opening to countries other than those of the Schengen Area that several countries, including France, do not plan until July 1 and under conditions.
Germany has finally rallied to this date and will lift this Sunday evening midnight its border controls with France, in particular.
Read also: When will we be traveling abroad again? Greece, Morocco, Cuba ... the latest info to know
The Austrians will wait on their side until June 16 before being able to take the road, the rail or the airs towards the rest of Europe.
Among the countries which are going to lift their controls, or have already done so, many of them (Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia ...) however maintain restrictions for travelers from European destinations where the infection rate is still considered too high.
Each country has composed its more or less long list of risk areas. Sweden and Great Britain are invariably included. Spain and Portugal are often added to this. Sometimes the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
Either travel to or from these destinations is prohibited, or a negative Covid-19 screening test or 14-day isolation is required. France warns that it will apply "reciprocity" to countries imposing restrictions on its nationals.
Spain, Portugal… European countries which are not yet accessible to the French
Two flagship destinations for the French in fine weather are still closed to them: Portugal and Spain.
On the Spanish side, however, things are accelerating, even if some confusion prevails. Until yesterday, the borders will be reopened on July 1. A date finally advanced by ten days. Spain will finally reopen its borders to most visitors to the Schengen area from June 21, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced this Sunday during a press conference.
Spain, which currently imposes a "fortnight" on travelers arriving at its borders, will test this easing on Monday by allowing German tourists to go to the Balearic Islands. However, the border between Spain and Portugal will remain closed until July 1, announced Pedro Sanchez, without specifying why. It is therefore impossible to get there by car from France before this date. Especially since on the side of Portugal, precisely, the date remains fixed on July 1 to welcome travelers.
Read also: By car or plane, the travel conditions to Portugal this summer are clarified
In eastern Europe, Romania will not reopen its borders on June 15 for non-nationals. The country does not give any specific date.
Norway will reopen its borders on Monday only to the other Nordic countries, with the exception of Sweden. Denmark is just as selective, limiting at this stage its reception to people coming from Germany, Norway or Iceland, a country which intends to attract tourists - including the French, this summer.
