Venice is gearing up for opening to tourists this month. Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia
As the global lockdown slowly eases with many countries relaxing their restrictions, normalcy is on the horizon for those who plan on returning home to their families or have been dreaming of that beach tan. While the world as we know it isn’t quite the same as before, a lot of things are slowly but surely getting back to a “new normal.” A part of that process is various European countries announcing that they will be opening up their borders for travel and tourism this Summer.
Here are the countries that are currently easing up travel restrictions:
Belgium
Belgium aims to reopen its international borders by June 15. Shops are now open, and while museums reopened on May 18, restaurants and some tourist attractions will start to reopen June 8 onwards as well.
Greece
June 15 will be the official start of the tourist season in Greece. Athens and Thessaloniki airports will open on June 15, and direct flights to other mainland and island destinations will restart from July 1.
Italy
Italian borders are due to reopen soon to international tourists, and self-isolation measures for arrivals have been relaxed. Parks, restaurants, non-essential shops and museums are open as well. Some hotels will reopen in June, depending on bookings.
Portugal
This summer, tourists will be welcome in Portugal — subject to health checks but not a compulsory quarantine. However, a date for borders to open to all tourists has not been announced yet by the national government. Stay tuned.
Spain
Borders are due to gradually open to international tourists from July, and domestic travel will be permitted from June 22. Entry could be dependent on whether the arrivals are coming from a country with low levels of the virus.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are now permitting beach access, with some hotels and shops open, and mandatory self-isolation measures due to be relaxed from June 8.
Switzerland
Switzerland is opening its borders to travels beyond the Schengen zone from mid-July. And hotels, shops, markets, and restaurants have opened already.
Turkey
The government is aiming for international tourism to return by mid-June. However, international flights are limited at the moment. Watch this space over the next couple of weeks.
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