Where can I book a holiday in Europe during lockdown?
With COVID-19 cases on the rise and many European countries enforcing tighter restrictions - and even full lockdowns - it can get confusing if you’re trying to book a winter getaway.
Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. We’ve looked into the COVID-19 situation across European countries to take the headache out of your travel planning.
We have listed the restrictions for EU and non-EU citizens for all European countries. We have also noted restrictions for third-countries - these are any countries which aren't in the EU/Schengen area.
We’ll be monitoring the situation closely and regularly updating the information on this page.
Austria
- Austria is currently under a national lockdown until 30 November
- Curfews remain in place (8pm-6am) until 13th November
- Borders are open, but unnecessary travel is advised against
- Hotels remain open for business travellers only
- All restaurants, pubs and cafes are closed and can only offer a takeaway service.
- Culture and leisure facilities - cinemas, museums, galleries, theatres etc. - are closed during the lockdown.Christmas markets will not take place until 30 November
- Ski resort openings have been postponed until December
Belgium
Bag yourself some Belgian chocolate. The tourism sector is open with some restrictions in place:
- All tourist and hotel accommodation is open, but guests are only allowed to eat in their rooms
- Bars and restaurants are only allowed to offer takeaway service and alcohol cannot be purchased after 8pm
- Most tourist attractions remain open with COVID-19 guidelines in place
- Zoos and theme parks are closed until 13 December. Additional restrictions may apply at a regional level, so check before you travel
- Tourists in Brussels can look out for a handy ‘safety label’ on attractions, restaurants, accommodation and leisure facilities, which shows where government guidelines are being met
Travelling to and from Belgium
- Anybody travelling to Belgium by plane or boat must complete a passenger locator form. Other forms of transport are exempt if you’re in the country for less than 48 hours.
Belgium has a traffic light system in place for people planning on travelling from Belgium:
Red:
- The Belgian authorities strongly discourage travel to this zone; or
- The authorities of this country prohibit non-essential travel from Belgium
Orange:
- Travel is possible, but the Belgian authorities recommend increased vigilance; or
- Travel is possible, but the authorities of this country impose a COVID test and/or quarantine on travellers from Belgium -> light orange
Green: travel is possible. Hygiene and social distancing rules still apply
From inside the EU/Schengen area
- If you’re travelling to Belgium from a red zone you’ll need to quarantine for 10 days
From outside the EU/Schengen area
- Entering Belgium from a third-country is prohibited. Much like Austria, Belgium will consider travellers from third-countries on a case by case basis.
- Essential travel to Belgium is allowed as long as restrictions are adhered to.
Travelling through Belgium
- You are permitted to travel through Belgium as long as restrictions are respected.
- If you’re going to be in Belgium for more than 48 hours, you’ll need to complete a passenger locator form
More information on the Visit Belgium website.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is currently open to tourists from specific countries as long as government guidelines are followed.
From the EU/Schengen area
- Good news. Travellers from these zones may enter Bulgaria without any restrictions. You are, however, required to fill out this declaration form.
From outside the EU/Schengen area
- Travellers from certain third-countries can also enter Bulgaria without restrictions as long as they sign the declaration form.
If you're coming from another third-country, you are only permitted to enter Bulgaria if you:
- Have permanent status, long-term or long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (including member of their families);
- OR hold a Bulgarian long-stay visa type "D", as well as a residence permit in a EU+ country (including member of their families)
- AND have submitted a negative PCR test, which was taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival.
Croatia
- Most of the tourism sector is open in Croatia with measures such as good hygiene, social distancing and face masks in place.
- Restaurants, bars and cafes can operate from 06:00 to midnight.
From the EU/Schengen area
- All travellers to Croatia are required to fill out the ‘Enter Croatia’ form. Croatian citizens are allowed to re-enter the country from abroad without any additional restrictions.
From outside the EU/Schengen area
- Third-country nationals can enter Croatia for business or tourism and are subject to restrictions
- A negative PCR test, no more than 48 hours old at the time of arrival, is required. If you don’t present this test at the border, you’ll have to self-isolate for 14 days.
Travel through Croatia
You are allowed to travel through Croatia as long as you’re going to a neighbouring country and will spend no more than 12 hours in Croatia.
Border forces will check that you have left the country in this time limit. More information here.
Cyprus
Cyprus is open to tourists and restrictions depend on where you’re travelling from.
- Hotels, restaurants and bars, and the majority of tourist attractions are open
- Face masks, social distancing and good hygiene practices are mandatory
- You can see more about the advice for travellers here
- All travellers will need to complete a passenger locator form to enter Cyprus.
Travel to Cyprus
Cyprus has a category system from A-C, and restrictions apply accordingly:
- Category A - travellers from these countries are only asked to provide from specific information and a declaration form
- Category B - travellers must provide a declaration form and a negative PCR test upon arrival (which has to be done no more than 72 hours before)
- Category C - in addition to a declaration form and negative PCR test upon arrival, travellers from
Category C countries must self-isolate for 14 days and then complete another PCR test at their own expense 48 hours before the end of the quarantine.
There’s more information here.
Czech Republic
- The Czech Republic is currently under lockdown and has banned all but essential travel
- A night curfew between 21:00 and 05:00 is in place.
Read More Here: Euronews
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