Travel in times of Corona: In which countries you are allowed to travel now? – a travel check – Italy and Germany

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Which countries welcome tourists? And do you have to go into quarantine? The most popular countries in a travel check.

Italy

At the end of June, Italy is in the grip of the third wave of the Covid 19 epidemic. The vaccination campaign is moving forward, and the government has almost completely opened up the country. “Yellow,” “orange” and “red” zones with curfews and travel restrictions no longer exist. The mask-wearing requirement outdoors has been lifted, but it still applies if you are in a crowd.

It is possible to enter Italy from Austria, as long as one does not have Covid-19-type disease symptoms. Before entering the country, one must fill out an electronic form, the Passenger locator form. In addition, a negative Covid-19 test result is required, either an antigen or a molecular test, and the swab must be taken within 48 hours before entry. For vaccinated persons, since June 25, proof of complete vaccination protection for at least 14 days prior to departure has been sufficient. For transits not exceeding 36 hours, no Covid test is required.

Do I have to be quarantined after entry? No, except for the presence of Covid 19-type disease symptoms. In this case, you must be in self-controlled quarantine for 14 days or until a negative test is available.

Are hotels and vacation rentals and restaurants open? The restaurants are open. In the yellow zones you can only eat outside, in the white zones also inside, maximum six people at the same table. Inside and outside, there is a minimum distance of one meter between each person.

Which attractions are open to tourists? Churches are open throughout Italy. Most museums are open, the number of visitors is limited, online pre-registration is recommended, in some cases mandatory. Theaters and cinemas are open, with restrictions. Beaches and outdoor pools are open, as are amusement parks and cultural centers, in the white zones also indoor pools and fitness centers, distance regulations apply. Discotheques are also open in the white zones, you are allowed to do everything except dance.

Is there a mask obligation? The general obligation to wear masks outdoors has been abolished. Mouth-nose protection outside, however, must be worn at gatherings or in crowded places. In closed rooms with public traffic as well as in public transport, masks are still compulsory: in stores and hotels, in elevators and stairwells, in underpasses. Masks are also compulsory in offices and factories. In restaurants, the mask must not be removed until the person is seated at the table. Disinfectant gel for hands is available and used at the entrance of all stores and restaurants.

What are the rules in public transport? You wear the face mask. In the metro, train stations and airports, markings on the floor and barrier tapes show where to stand and where to walk, sometimes confusingly. Sometimes the temperature is taken. You have to be prepared for detours and should therefore arrive at the station early. On long-distance trains, only half the seats are available, and on weekends some trains are fully booked – early reservations are recommended. Dining cars are closed. Ferry connections with the islands work, catering on board is possible. Only two people are allowed in the car, with mask; more are allowed if all live in the same household.

Do I have to go into quarantine when returning to Austria? 3-G proof required, no registration or quarantine. If no proof is available, registration must be carried out and a test must be carried out immediately, in any case within 24 hours after entry.

2. Germany

Travel to Germany is possible again. Since June 20, almost no restrictions apply. The duration of stay is no longer limited by Covid regulations and there are no more special regulations depending on the reason for travel. Only when entering the country by plane, a negative test or a vaccination certificate must be presented

However, anyone who has been in a high-risk area, high-incidence area or virus variant area in the past 10 days must still complete a digital entry declaration.

Are the borders open, and – if so – how can one enter? Travel to Germany is possible; however, air travelers must present a current negative test no older than 48 hours. The passenger pays the costs. Vaccination and convalescence certificates can replace a negative test certificate and exempt from the entry quarantine. However, this does not apply in the case of prior stay in a virus variant area.

Do I have to go into quarantine after entering the country? Anyone returning from a risk area must immediately quarantine and isolate themselves for a period of 10 days after entry.
However, quarantine may be terminated immediately if a negative test result is reported through the entry portal. Returnees from a risk area must be tested for coronavirus no earlier than 48 hours (72 hours if PCR testing is used) prior to entry to no later than 48 hours after entry. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements. Regulations are even stricter for those entering from high-risk or virus-variant areas.

Are hotels, vacation rentals and restaurants open? Depending on incidence, restaurants may resume serving guests in most regions. Bars, clubs and discos are also partially open, depending on incidence. Accordingly, vacation homes or campgrounds may also be used.

Which attractions are open to tourists? Theaters, operas, concert halls, fairs, cinemas, amusement parks and arcades are open with restrictions. The same applies to gyms and swimming pools.

Is there a mask requirement? One applies throughout Germany in stores and public transport. Medical masks must be worn there, i.e. FFP2, KN95 or surgical masks. In some regions with particularly high infection rates, there is also an obligation to wear a mask outdoors if the prescribed minimum distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained.

— to be continued…