Which countries in Europe are opening up for tourism?

Corona virus lockdown is coming to an end in European countries. But some countries are still in a dilemma when it comes to lifting travel bans.

European countries made their own policies on opening borders. DW has compiled an overview of this in the context of summer tourism:


Germany:


Germany has opened its borders with some neighboring countries since May 16, including Austria, France and Switzerland. Strict conditions were conditioned on this travel with this leniency.

The European Union has now set a June 15 deadline for opening borders between member states. On the same day, Germany will open its border with Luxembourg. Similarly, talks have been reached with Denmark on opening the border.
The German government is set to make important decisions today to open its borders to tourism by June 15, under which individual travel instructions will be issued for each country instead of general travel restrictions.


Austria:


Germany's neighbor Austria will also follow the European Union's directive to end border controls from June 15. Austria has reopened its border with Hungary since May 13 because people living on both sides of the border were facing severe hardships. Austria has also eased travel bans with Germany since May 15 so that tourists visiting the Alpine mountains of Austria do not face any difficulties. German citizens are fond of Alps tourism. The Austrian government is now going to establish a similar border arrangement with Switzerland.

France:


Borders have been opened for those arriving in France on Schengen visas. Such people will not have to go to quarantine. French borders are closed until June 15, but workers are allowed to cross.
The London government has backtracked on a May 15 deal between France and Britain not to quarantine each other's citizens, and French citizens arriving in the UK must now stay in quarantine.


Italy:


Italy is the first country in Europe where the corona virus has spread rapidly. Italy did not tighten its borders but tightened passenger checkpoints at airports.

From June 3, citizens of EU member states will be allowed to travel to Italy. Citizens will also be allowed to travel within Italy. The Italian Foreign Minister has declared June 15 as the 'Day of Tourism' in the European Union.

Tourism is vital to the Italian economy and accounts for 10% of GDP. Five percent of Italy's jobs are in the sector.


Spain:

Like Italy, the Spanish economy is heavily dependent on tourism. With the opening of the borders, the Spanish government has proposed a 14-day voluntary quarantine for outsiders. Spain wants to open its doors to international tourism from July, and the quarantine ban will be lifted. Eighty million tourists visit Spain every year and 12% of its GDP depends on the tourism sector.


Portugal:

Portugal is also a popular tourist destination in Europe. Portugal's tourism department says its country's coastlines and hotels will be ready to welcome tourists from mid-June.

Norway, Poland, Croatia, Iceland, Greece and Slovenia have also decided to open their borders to tourists from June 15.