Travel Restrictions For Belgium, Greece & Other EU Countries
During these harsh and hard Covid-19 times, travel isn’t as it was.
Air travel is greatly hit and multiple countries closed their borders to alleviate the widespread of this dangerous virus.
Right now it’s paramount to know the latest travel constraints of your next destination before you board.
For those who hope to visit Belgium, Netherlands, and other European Union member countries, don’t hesitate to read about these restrictions imposed on international arrivals and all travels around these numerous nations.
Belgium
Belgium is banning in and outbound travels for some time.
People traveling to and from the country are required to provide a genuine reason (studies, work, or family duties) for permission to cross the Belgian borders. This rule is in effect until April 1.
Starting from the end of January, all Belgium nationals returning from South America, South Africa, and Britain quarantine for 10 days. They also take a PCR test on the first and seventh day after arrival.
Nonresidents who come to Belgium present two negative PCR tests. One must be done before departure and the other upon arrival.
Also since the end of January, all Belgians returning from Britain, South America, or South Africa have been required to quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on the first and seventh day after arrival.
Additionally, non-residents who wish to come to Belgium will have to present two negative PCR tests, one before departure and one upon arrival.
Austria
To restrain the spread of Covid-19, Austria is tightening its border controls with all the neighboring nations.
All travelers who seek to cross the border must present a negative PCR test done from a recognized laboratory.
Digital registration is mandatory since January 15 except for transit travelers and regular commuters.
On February 11, German declared the state of Tyrol as a virus variant area.
Therefore it is not surprising that Austria allowed departures from Tyrol only for those with a negative test result. Those who breach the SOPs are fined 1450 euros.
To boost the country’s economy, Austria is easing on the constraints.
Schools, stores, and museums are allowed to start operations but ensuring the SOPs. All people must wear medical masks, wash hands and maintain social distancing.
Nighttime curfew from 8 pm to 6 am remains in place. Meetings for people from more than two households are permitted again. Quarantine for international arrivals is a must.
The Netherlands
The Dutch government advised travelers to first hold on with travel to their country unless it is unavoidable. They inserted some travel restraints for all arrivals from abroad.
Right now people traveling to the Netherlands present not only the negative PCR test result done within 72 hours but also a negative result of an antigen rapid test taken within 4 hours before departure.
Moreover, all travelers must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Holland. If possible you can do the testing after five days of quarantine. Negative results guarantee to lift of the quarantine.
The nationwide curfew from 9 pm to 4:30 am is in effect. Schools, restaurants, and most stores are still closed.
Private contacts are limited to one person outside one’s home. Coffee shops close at 8 pm, and the sale of alcohol is banned in the nation between 8 pm and 6 am.
Cinemas, museums, and theaters are closed. Only those who vend essential goods are permitted to operate.
Ireland
Due to the increase in the number of Covid-19 infections, Ireland is categorized as a high-risk area.
At the beginning of the year, this nation had the highest rate of new infections. This was due to the easing of the statewide lock-down before Christmas.
There are some changes although the infection rates remain at a high level. Multiple restrictions are put in place to reduce the surge.
The country is back in a total lock down and the government advises against non-essential travels.
All those entering Ireland must possess a negative PCR test taken in no more than 72 hours of arrival.
Apart from that, all entrants including citizens and residents are required to avoid movements in the public for 14 days after entry.
The nation’s public transport capacity is reduced to 25 percent. At pick times, use of public transport is only for essential workers.
Those who are not wearing face masks while in public are fined 2500 euros for non-compliance.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 countries. To curb the spread and alleviate the rate of infections, this country decided to ban foreign travel.
All its national borders are closed. Controls resumed at its land border with Spain. At ports and airports, there are serious checks.
Exceptions apply to those who transport goods, travel to work, business, and primary residences, or for medical emergencies.
From May 17 the country hopes to welcome only vaccinated tourists or those with a negative PCR test.
Since November 9, 2020, Portugal is under a state of emergency. The infection rates are assessed every 15 days to introduce more measures.
Locals are allowed to leave their residential places only with a valid reason. Restaurants and stores are still closed except for those who supply food and other basic needs.
All people are advised to wear face masks and ensure social distance in public.
Greece
For those who hope to travel to Greece, this is for you. Online registration and a 72 hour old negative PCR test is a must. By March 22, 202, entry to Greece requires you to undergo a seven-day domestic quarantine.
There is a countrywide lock down until the end of March. Greece is divided into yellow and red zones categorized according to the rate of infections.
General curfew from 9 pm to 5 am is in effect. Traveling by train, bus, plane, or boat across the country is prohibited until further notice.
No leaving homes except those with genuine reasons. Social distancing and wearing of face masks are mandatory throughout the country.
This enchanting destination isn’t expecting tourists until the summer.
Here is more; Disneyland is ready to start operations again.
