As the coronavirus pandemic spread, many travellers had to change their holiday plans. The question on everyone’s mind is when travel will be possible again. We have gathered the latest updates from destinations that are preparing to gradually reopen their borders. Naturally, all information is preliminary and may change depending on the epidemiological situation in each destination.
On 13 May, the European Commission approved recommendations for the gradual reopening of borders in line with its easing plan, with tourism as the focus. Some countries have already taken note, including Croatia and the Czech Republic. The two Slavic countries are discussing the creation of a “corona corridor” — a future air-travel corridor linking the two countries, allowing Czechs to spend their summer holidays on Croatian beaches and Croatians to visit monumental Prague. Croatia aims to extend this plan to as many countries with safe epidemiological conditions as possible, while the Czech Republic plans to extend it to Slovakia.
At the moment, Croatia has made the most progress in negotiations involving Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Italy and Hungary. The Czech Republic has also held numerous talks. Both countries, along with their neighbours Hungary and Slovakia, began easing restrictions at the end of April and reported low numbers of coronavirus cases.
The European Commission also proposed that Schengen member states and Schengen-associated countries extend the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU for another 30 days, until 15 June. The border closure, as well as the proposed extension, applies to the “EU+ area”, which includes EU member states, the Schengen countries, and the four Schengen-associated countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — a total of 30 countries.
This means that borders could begin reopening gradually to tourists as early as June. Croatia and Turkey may be among the first destinations to do so. For Turkey, however, this is a highly optimistic forecast: from 1 June, all arrivals will be required to take a coronavirus test at the airport, with results available within six hours. If the result is positive, travellers will have to spend their holiday in their hotel room. Most hotels are planning to reopen towards the end of the first month of summer, and an influx of international travellers is expected in July and August. Greece plans to officially open its season from 1 July, albeit with certain restrictions. Every traveller will need a current test confirming the absence of the virus. Spain and Italy are also optimistic, with plans to reopen to tourists from the Schengen Area in June and July. Travellers from outside the Schengen Area may have to wait until late summer or autumn. Cyprus is also assessing its situation and is ready to open its season from June to residents of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
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According to preliminary information, Montenegro will reopen in July, while Bulgaria may reopen in July or August. Russian resorts are planning to start their season from the very first days of summer. From 1 to 15 June, Sochi and the Black Sea coast will gradually begin welcoming guests. Dubai is hoping to welcome tourists in July, though it does not rule out postponing arrivals until August or September. A number of countries take a more pessimistic view of rapid border reopenings and plan to open their summer season to tourists only in 2021. These include France, Egypt and Portugal.
Even under the most optimistic forecasts, the summer travel season will begin in late June or July. Countries are currently developing measures and rules for tourists to prevent renewed outbreaks. There is a strong possibility that most hotels will abandon buffet service. At a minimum, such measures are planned in Turkey and Greece. Airport screening procedures will also be tightened: in addition to temperature checks, travellers may be tested for the virus. Special hotels may be introduced for tourists who receive a positive result. Rules will also be developed not only for airports and hotels, but for public spaces as well, particularly beaches.
Domestic tourism is also gaining popularity, so it is possible to confidently book holidays and tickets within the country where you are staying. Just be sure to follow all safety rules when travelling. Many experts also predict that the destinations most popular with tourists will lose some of their appeal, as people choose less crowded places in order to maintain social distance — for example, small villages and towns or less-visited cities.
Of course, the situation may change for better or worse. These preliminary details were current at the time this article was published. However, we sincerely believe that by July, most countries will have reopened their borders to tourists, making it possible to enjoy an exciting and complete holiday. And do not forget about travel within your own country — it can be just as captivating.