This week we’re looking at how our European neighbours are managing Covid-19, what restrictions there are on travellers and whether they are able to hold conferences, meetings and events.
In many countries essential travel is allowed, but in practical terms travel is almost prohibitive because of lockdown and quarantine requirements. For example, Germany has a partial lockdown until 31st January and visitors from high-risk areas must have had two negative Covid-19 tests. In the Netherlands, there is a lockdown until 19th January, Portugal until 15th January and Greece until 11th January.
Italy is considering maintaining restrictions until July/August and it’s not possible travel between different regions of the country. In some countries, the regulations vary by region.
The restrictions are constantly under review and we strongly recommend that further advice should be take prior to booking conferences, meetings, events and business travel.
Austria
Events and exhibitions are banned at the moment. Hotels are open, but only for essential business travellers. Bars and restaurants can only offer a takeout or delivery service. There is a curfew from 8pm- 6am and these restrictions will remain until 24th January.
Belgium
On 8th January Belgium extended lockdown for at least another two weeks. Hotels are open but restaurants and bars are closed. Non-essential shops and other businesses must remain closed.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has extended its state of emergency order until 22nd January. There is a curfew from 9pm until 5am. Public gatherings are limited to two people. For weddings and funerals are permitted with a maximum of 15 people.
Denmark
Travellers from all but six EU countries are permitted to enter the country. However, they must book for at least six nights and quarantine if they are coming from a city of more than 750,000 people. Visitors from Sweden are prohibited. Shops, restaurants and cafés have been open since May 2020. Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted, but larger groups will not be allowed until August 2121 at the earliest.
Finland
Restrictions for visitors are on a country by country basis and entrants have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Indoor and outdoor public events and meetings with fewer than 50 attendees are allowed. Gatherings of up to 500 attendees are permitted if social distancing is ensured, and gatherings of more than 500 people are expected to be permitted from September 2021.
France
European visitors are permitted, but visitors from the rest of the world are on a country by country basis. All travellers arriving in France will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival at airports and ports. There is a curfew from 8pm-6am or 6pm-6am, depending on the area. The opening of cinemas, theatres, museums is being reviewed and on 20th January and at that time restaurants, cafés, and gyms might reopen. The size of a gathering depends on the area, up to 30 people in a low-risk zone and 10 people or fewer in a high-risk zone.
Germany
Germany has extended lockdown until at least 31st January. On 11th January visitors from high-risk areas will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure. On arrival in Germany, a second test will be required. Travellers also need to quarantine for 10 days, or 5 days if their second test result is negative.
Restaurants, bars, cafes, cultural and leisure facilities will be closed until 31st January, although restaurants can still offer takeaway services. Hotels are open for essential business travellers but not for tourists.
Greece
The nationwide lockdown has been extended until 11th January. People are only permitted to leave their house for work, exercise or medical reasons and must send a text message to the authorities. A curfew is in place 9pm-5am. Hotels are open, but restaurants can only offer a delivery service, and public gatherings have been banned. Travellers arriving in Greece must have a negative Covid-19 test result.
Hungary
Hungary will review its restrictions on 11th January, but at the moment there is a curfew from 8pm-5am. Restaurants can only offer takeaway food. Hotels are permitted to open for essential business travellers, but many of them are closed. All events have been banned.
Iceland
There are currently no restrictions on travel within Iceland.
Visitors to Iceland must either have two COVID-19 tests, one on arrival and another 5-6 days later, or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Restaurants, bars, gyms and night clubs have been allowed to reopen, and public gatherings of up to 200 people are permitted. Hotels are open.
Ireland
From 9th January 2021, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will need a negative result from a pre-departure PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior.
Hotels are only open for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. Business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events No organised indoor gatherings can take place.
Italy
Italy has banned travel between regions, except for work or health reasons, until 15th January. The state of emergency, which is due to finish on 31st January might be extended until July. A national curfew is in place from 10pm-5am. Conferences and exhibitions are banned. All travellers must provide a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 48 hours before departure.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is in a five-week lockdown until 19th January. All nonessential shops museums, theaters and salons are closed. Bars and restaurants can only serve takeout and are required to close by 10 p.m. Business gatherings are restricted to no more than 100 people.
Norway
Arrivals from many countries must quarantine for 10 days. Since May 2020 groups of up to 20 people can meet, as long as individuals remained at least three feet apart. Events of up to 200 participants at a time are allowed in public places, and most businesses (including gyms, water parks and bars) are open.
Portugal
A state of emergency has been extended until 16th January. The country has been divided into four risk levels, each with its own restrictions. Apart from weddings, all events cannot exceed five people. Some hotels are open. In areas with a high infection rate, there is a curfew 11pm-5am on weekdays and 1pm to 5am on weekends.
Spain
Spain has declared a state of emergency until 9th May. There is a nationwide curfew from 11pm-6am. Flights between Spain and the UK have been suspended and it is a requirement to have a negative Covid-19 test prior to arrival over land. Social gatherings of 6 people are permitted. Hotels, bars and restaurants are open, but with reduced capacity.
Sweden
Sweden was one of the most relaxed countries in the world for Covid-19 restrictions and did not have a harsh lockdown. However, in December all incoming travel from Great Britain, Denmark and other non-EU countries was suspended until the end of March.
Previously, gatherings of up to 50 people were allowed, but now these have been restricted to 8 people. Hotels are currently open.
Switzerland
The Swiss borders are open, but there is a requirement to quarantine for 10 days on arrival. Travellers from the UK can only enter with a permit. Hotels are open, but restaurants and bars are closed until 22nd January. Public meetings of 15 people and private meetings of 10 people are currently permitted.
This information is subject to change and we advise you to check the regulations before booking, check your insurance cover before booking.
11 January 2021
