As the dust settles from the Omicron fallout that started back in November of 2021, countries across the globe are starting to reevaluate their Covid restrictions, specifically for tourists. The two most notable announcements being Australia and New Zealand, who had some of the strictest restrictions and haven’t allowed tourists in for two years, have made decisions to reverse course. Australia is opening its borders starting February 21 to vaccinated tourists and business travelers, where New Zealand is a bit slower moving with plans to open in October. The United Kingdom has also made additional announcements and is removing testing requirements for vaccinated tourists as well as the removal of mandated self-isolations as they open up the next session of Parliament with additional changes sure to come. As these three nations have made moves, eyes have turned to members of the European Union and what their next move will be, and cogs have already been put into motion.
Members of the Schengen Area, which is 26 European countries that have an agreed shared borders including Scandinavia, Western Europe, Baltic nations and more, have reviewed data sets and made either individually or collaboratively determinations that Covid restrictions haven’t halted further spread of the virus and are making changes rapidly. Denmark made one of the first moves to open back up and remove almost all restrictions on its citizens including masking, curfews, testing requirements with no testing or vaccine proof requirements to any tourists. Norway followed suit with eliminating most of their Covid restrictions and is now allowing tourists from member states of the Schengen Area and the UK without having to provide a negative test to enter. Sweden not wanting to be left out of the Scandinavian Covid party, quickly followed the Norwegian model by eliminating all testing requirements for members of the Schengen Area, whether you’re vaccinated or not, and has greatly reduced most of its public Covid requirements. Scandinavia was just the catalyst as many other countries race to update their laws, here’s a breakdown of other countries that have come forward with new changes. With drastic changes occurring so quickly, we’ll try to provide updates as they come in.
France
France announced recently that they will drop the testing requirement to enter the country in the coming days for all travelers. The plan is also to reopen up bars and night clubs as well as ease restrictions for events like concerts and sports.
Switzerland
On January 22nd, Switzerland removed the testing entry requirements and have only continued to loosen its restrictions. This week, they have announced the removal of the work from home requirement and the need to self-isolate for those that came in close contact. A new meeting is planned for February 16th where there are talks of removing most if not all Covid restrictions including, Swiss Covid Certificate and mask mandates.
Portugal
Like France, Portugal announced plans to remove their testing requirement prior to entry for all vaccinated travelers.
Greece
Our friends from Greece, are following suit with France and Portugal, but with a bit of a spin. For all vaccinated travelers, you do not need to provide a negative test to enter if you have an EU Covid Certificate. The spin is you need to apply for the EU certificate to avoid the entry requirement.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has dropped the requirement to provide vaccine proof to enter all sporting and cultural locations including bars and restaurants. Plans to further reduce Covid restrictions plan to go into effect later this month, potentially making them the second European country to remove all restrictions following Denmark.
Germany
The land of beer is taking a slower approach to opening back up, but for a restrictive nation through all of this, there are positive signs of reopening. Government leadership is leaving the majority of Covid decisions to each of the individual German states, as some have already started to loosen regulations and German officials are hopeful to see real openings nationwide by Easter as they continue to reevaluate their situation.
Though news and Covid changes are only coming out of a chunk of European nations, we suspect many more changes not only with these countries, but other European nation states. As summer nears and vacations are starting to be planned, it’s becoming easier to feel comfortable with planning your first get away to Europe since Covid. As you’re planning, just pay attention to the local laws and regulations as each country makes their own decisions and they clearly vary. What we would suggest is to start looking at flights, accommodations, and book now before the summer holiday prices in Europe sets in and tourism picks back up. A lot of great flight deals from many airports across North America are popping up, so now is the chance to end the travel-less draught. Happy and safe travels to all.