European Countries That Are Open Post Coronavirus
Last updated on 5th August, 2020
While the COVID-19 pandemic has had everyone in lockdown for the past few months, the restrictions imposed by the Governments of the world are starting to ease. Those who are wishing to get a much-needed holiday or weekend break getaway will need to know which countries are now open and what restrictions are imposed.
So, what’s new?
The UK Government have stated that from July 4, Self-isolation is over and people from England are free to travel domestically and stay overnight at hotels and campsites. Although some countries are technically open, Britons have been advised against any international travel by the UK government.
As cheap flights are becoming readily available again, we have compiled a list of European countries that are open to Britons currently. Keep in mind that as situations evolve, new restrictions are likely to be made.
Austria
Travellers from the UK can now enter Austria without providing a Covid-19 test or self-isolating.
Belarus
Belarus currently has no travel restrictions in place. There are temperature screenings at the Minsk National Airport.
Belgium
Has reopened its borders for travel to and from the European Union, including the United Kingdom.
Bulgaria
Has lifted its travel ban on UK travellers. You will still have to self-isolate for 14 days at a government facility on arrival in the country.
Croatia
You will be allowed to enter Croatia if you have proof of accommodation to present at the border - this rule has already been lifted for some EU countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Republic of Austria, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Poland, Republic of Slovenia, Federal Republic of Germany and the Slovak Republic) whose citizens can now freely enter as they did pre-COVID.
Cyprus
From August 1, 2020, travellers from the UK are permitted to visit Cyprus. Travellers must provide a negative test on arrival, that has been obtained within 72 hours prior. Travellers must also apply for a Cyprus Flight Pass before departure as well as present a completed Passenger Locator Form on arrival.
Czech Republic
Has classified all countries as either low, medium or high risk. The UK is classed as medium risk, which means UK travellers can enter the country for any reason without a test result and self-isolating.
Estonia
From 1 June, travellers without symptoms arriving from an EU Member State, Schengen Convention state or from the UK are again allowed to enter the country. UK travellers do not have to self-isolate.
Finland
Internal border controls have been lifted for travel between Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Entry is currently prohibited to foreign non-residents, with some exceptions. Travellers from the UK have to self-isolate for 14 days.
France
Is now open to non-essential travellers. Travellers from the UK no longer have to self-isolate.
Germany
Has lifted all travel restrictions for UK, EU, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland travellers.
Greece
Is gradually beginning to ease its lockdown restrictions and is now open to tourists. Travellers from the UK must complete a Passenger Locator Form and may be required to take a Covid-19 test and self-isolate. Travellers have to wear a face mask at all times; on aeroplanes, ferries and in airports.
Hungary
UK nationals can only enter Hungary for essential reasons. Before being granted access, you will need to complete a form. Travellers from the UK need to provide 2 negative Covid-19 tests (taken 48 hours apart, within 5 days prior to arrival) or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.
Iceland
Is now open to tourists. All passengers can choose to be tested for COVID-19 or choose to self-isolate for 14 days. Tests are free until 30 June, after which they will be around £90 per test. You will need to fill out a pre-registration form before departure. Children born in 2005 or later will be exempt from isolation and testing.
Ireland
Flights and ferry services continue to operate between Ireland and Great Britain but at a reduced service. New visitors will have to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Italy
Is now open to tourists and there is no quarantine for British travellers. Visitors will have to avoid public transport and instead arrange a lift, get a taxi or hire a car.
Latvia
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation, as well as people who are permanently residing in those countries, when travelling from their home countries to Latvia, are no longer required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Latvia, as long as their home countries have maintained an incidence of less than 15 COVID-19 cases in 100,000 of the population for the previous 14 days. Those arriving from the United Kingdom are still required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Netherlands
Their borders are open for Schengen countries. However, travellers from high-risk countries, including the UK will have to fill in a 'fit-to-fly' health declaration form, which will ask if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Based on your declaration, you may be denied permission to board the plane. People from high-risk countries are strongly advised by the Dutch government to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Norway
If you have proof of residency, are visiting family members, or travelling for work you will be allowed to enter Norway. Norway has announced it will lift nearly all lockdown restrictions in June. As of July 15, travellers from the UK are permitted to enter the country without needing to self-quarantine.
Montenegro
Montenegro borders are now open to certain European countries that have 25 or fewer infected for every 100,000. The UK is not on their list of accepted travellers.
Poland
Travellers from the UK are permitted to enter the country without needing to self-quarantine.
Portugal
Travellers from the UK must take a Covid-19 test if visiting Madeira, Porto Santo or Azores. Visitors must also complete a traveller questionnaire 12-48 hours before arriving in Madeira or Porto Santo.
Serbia
Commercial flights between London and Belgrade have resumed. Border crossings have now opened. You should confirm eligibility to enter Serbia before you travel. If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Serbian Embassy or Consulate. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.
Slovenia
Airports in Slovenia have now re-opened for passenger transportation. Health checks are being conducted at all border entry points. UK nationals are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Slovakia
Travellers from the UK are permitted to visit the country. UK nationals are no longer required to quarantine.
Sweden
Sweden's borders are currently open to UK nationals. There are limited flights operating between London and Stockholm.
Switzerland
Entry to Switzerland from the UK is permitted for British nationals of EU and EFTA countries. Family members from that country are also allowed to enter, regardless of nationality.
Turkey
Flights between the UK and Turkey have resumed. All passengers who meet Turkish immigration rules are allowed to enter, but be aware that you will need to wear a face mask at all times on the flight and in the airport. Before flying, passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form. Any passenger who shows symptoms of coronavirus will need to take a test.
Ukraine
Ukraine has reopened its borders to foreign nationals. All foreign nationals will need proof of health insurance on arrival. Currently, the UK has been put on Ukraine's Red Zone list, meaning travellers from the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Visitors also have to download the app ‘Dii Vdoma’ on their phone.
Want to know about the travel restrictions of every country in the world? Please check out our State of travel map that is updated weekly.
Disclaimer: changes in local policies are continuously developing, and we will keep updating the list with more destinations and details. In the meantime, we recommend checking out the official websites of the local authorities for the most up-to-date travel information. As much as we would love to encourage you to plan your upcoming trips, in the current situation, we urge you to be more conscious about the consequences and consider the risks involved.