Travel and Corona: these are your vacation options this summer (and the rules of the countries)

Are you Team Immediate-Passport-Packing when Schiphol starts flying cautiously again? Or Team Cat-Out-Of-The-Tree? For many European countries, there is still a negative travel advisory. But what is possible, and from when? Time for an overview.

France
From June 15, it is again possible to go on holiday in France. Shops, markets, and hotels may reopen from that date, as well as restaurants and cafés. A maximum of ten people may sit at one table, and there must be at least one meter of space between them. Furthermore, face masks are mandatory in public transport for persons aged 11 and older. The first fine? 135 euros. The second? 200, and if you are really reckless and disregard the rules, you will receive a third fine of 3750 euros plus a six-month prison sentence within 30 days. Wow.

Belgium
Can we easily visit the neighbors then? Not just yet. Even refueling across the border is still prohibited. It is still not entirely clear whether we as Belgium will ‘open again’ on June 8 when the Dutch can easily go there. The hospitality industry is still closed. Only permanent campers are allowed on campsites now. You may not be with more than three people, and you can get a fine of 250 euros if you do not comply with the rules.

Germany
On June 14, border controls will be lifted. Only necessary travel is currently allowed. Germany has agreements, so if it ‘can’, they will reopen the borders with France, Switzerland, and Austria. Nothing is known yet about the Netherlands. Grrr. Face masks are mandatory while shopping, on public transport, but also if you need to go to the toilet in a restaurant, for example. Fines vary in Germany but start at ten euros.

Italy
From June 3, foreigners are welcome again. It is just not entirely certain yet whether you will immediately have to quarantine upon arrival, and those rules vary by region. Shops, museums, restaurants, and bars, as well as hairdressers and beauticians are open again, just like gyms and swimming pools. In closed spaces (such as shops and offices), wearing a face mask is mandatory, and gloves are also required while shopping. Not complying with the rules? 400 euro fine.

Spain
From July 1, Spain will welcome tourists again. There are quite significant differences in what is allowed per province. In Barcelona and Madrid, phase 1 still applies, in half of the provinces, phase 2 applies, which means that a bit more is possible again. Hotels, supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, and terraces are open. Camping is allowed, but the availability of facilities is still limited. One half of the country has a group ban for groups of more than ten people, while for the other half this applies to groups of fifteen or more. Minimum fine for violations? 600 euros.

Greece
As of July 1, the Greeks are looking forward to us again. Restaurants and beaches are already open, and on June 1, hotels, shops, and theaters will also open. Sorry, but hey, do you hear this, colleagues? Do you remember? Our canceled group trip to Kos? That's what I mean... Face masks are mandatory on public transport (where aren't they, by the way?) and in public places. If you don't listen, you pay 150 euros. It's funny how countries differ so much in terms of fines.

Portugal
YAAAAS!!!! One of the few countries that is already open for tourism again. Everyone flying is still medically checked at the airport, but the quarantine requirement has been lifted. Driving to Portugal is not possible yet, the border with Spain is still closed until June 15. Gathering with more than ten people is prohibited, but cafés may be open until 11:00 PM with a maximum of fifty percent capacity utilization.

And our own little frog country?
In our own country, campsites may fully reopen from July 1, including shared sanitary facilities. Holiday homes may receive guests again. And, dining out is possible again from June 1, just like having a drink on a terrace. WOOHOO! Just remember to make a reservation, okay?.