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The Covid 19 pandemic is currently creating “special circumstances” for travel to the most popular holiday destinations for Austrians. There are different regulations from country to country, often even from region to region. Following the “Corona etiquette”, thorough travel preparations and studying current regulations regarding entry and exit are strongly recommended. Anyone who violates the rules and measures must expect heavy fines.
With the beginning of summer the Austrians are again drawn to distant countries. But: “This year, comprehensive travel preparations are essential. Exact information about the current regulations regarding entry and local rules is very important,” warns ÖAMTC tour operator Maria Renner.
Horrendous penalties possible
The corona rules of the respective holiday country must be observed, otherwise high penalties – sometimes amounting to several thousand euros – may be imposed. The actual amount varies from country to country, in Croatia even up to 15,800 euros penalty. “One should be prepared for the case that COVID 19 symptoms occur during the holiday. It is best to save the respective telephone number in your mobile phone, which you can call if you suspect a Covid-19,” recommends the tourism expert.
Online registration for Italy entry
“For holidays in Italy to the regions of Apulia and Calabria as well as the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, an online registration must be made before entering the country,” said Renner. Anyone wishing to travel to Sardinia by plane or ferry, for example, must complete the relevant form electronically 48 hours in advance and present a copy of it, together with boarding card and identity card, on entry. On arrival in Sardinia, the body temperature is also measured. According to the expert, the penalty for violations is between 400 and 3000 euros.
Entry into Greece with QR Code, registration for Cyprus
For entry into Greece, whether by land, sea or air, online registration is mandatory 24 hours in advance. You will receive a QR code which will be checked upon entry. Based on the information provided, a health algorithm calculates whether you need to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 on entry. Until the result is received, one must then go into quarantine at the specified location. Anyone who violates these requirements can be fined 500 euros. In Cyprus, online registration is also required at least 24 hours before departure.
(Online) registration for Croatia and Spain
“To enter Croatia – the country reported high corona figures again at the beginning of July – registration is required, which can be done either beforehand or directly when crossing the border,” explains the expert. She recommends: “To avoid waiting times, it is better to do this at home. Anyone wishing to fly to Spain must register online at least 48 hours before departure. Failure to comply with the Corona rules can result in a fine of up to 100 euros. There are no trivial offences there – illegal “Corona parties” can cost up to 10,400 euros.
Mouth and nose protection compulsory in Germany
With regard to the obligation to wear masks, the wearing of mouth and nose protection is currently obligatory in Germany in all enclosed spaces, e.g. also in shops. “When using public transport, mouth and nose protection is obligatory in Croatia, Spain, Germany, Slovenia and Italy,” said Renner. Penalties of several hundred euros are possible, depending on the respective federal state.
Prescribed minimum distance varies
The prescribed minimum distance varies between one and two meters in the respective countries. In Italy, for example, a minimum distance of one metre must be maintained in public and two metres for sporting activities. Where this is not possible, or generally in closed rooms, the mask obligation applies. “The best thing is to play it safe and always keep sufficient distance,” emphasizes the ÖAMTC expert.
Restrictions for carpooling depending on country
There are no restrictions for carpooling in Croatia, Slovenia and Germany. In Italy, however, there are: anyone travelling in a car with people who do not belong to the same household must leave the passenger seat free, a maximum of two people are allowed in each of the other rows of seats – and wearing a mouth and nose protector is mandatory for all passengers. In Spain – where 28,000 fatalities have already been reported – car-pooling is “only” compulsory with a mask. In Slovenia, fines of 400 to 4000 euros can be imposed for violations, in Croatia even 1050 to 15,800 euros.
- Hector Pascua
- Sources: Kronen Zeitung, sozialministerium.at
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