Corona summer wave in Europe. This is the situation at your vacation destination.

New Omicron variants are heating up the infection process in Europe, but activities have been largely canceled – and just in time for the holidays to begin. This is the case with selected holiday destinations.

die summer tide Most European countries have a firm grip. At the same time, these activities were canceled at many tourist hotspots during travel time. What is the status of the most important European travel destinations? And what regulations should be followed?

Here’s what you need to know about your European vacation destination:

Italy: Almost all corona restrictions have now been lifted here and an entry form is no longer required. Certificates of vaccination or recovery are no longer required when entering hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, museums or authorities. In healthcare facilities, i.e. above all hospitals, EU certification must still be issued. Masks must be worn only on public buses, subways and trains.

The incidence here has increased significantly recently and is over 1,000 cases per 100,000 population. Anyone infected with Covid-19 in Italy must self-quarantine – ten days without vaccination, then seven days. You can get out of isolation only after a negative test.

Spain: In popular vacation spots, the virus hasn’t been an issue lately. The incidence is relatively less than 300 (300 cases per 100,000 people), but the number of new infections has risen sharply again, prompting the country’s health minister to recommend wearing masks in closed rooms. Otherwise, the mask requirement only applies to people above the age of six on public transport.

Otherwise, there are no more corona requirements when entering and exiting EU countries and the Schengen area. Even those infected no longer need to be tested, report infection or self-quarantine. The old protection rules only apply to people with pre-existing conditions or people over 60 years of age.

Portugal: This is where the BA.5 wave broke, leading to a peak of 30,000 infections per day. More recently, only 10,000 infections were recorded per day. At the same time, regulations for entry into the territory were relaxed. Proof of vaccination is no longer required, but masks are still mandatory on public transport and in healthcare facilities. In case of infection, a five-day quarantine is required. In the Azores and Madeira, there are sometimes different, stricter corona restrictions for entering and visiting events or restaurants.

Greece: Here, measures taken at the start of the travel season in early June have been largely abolished. In the meantime, however, the number of infections is rising again, especially among young people and among tourists – the incidence now stands at 1,100.

However, masks are no longer required in the country, with exceptions being on public transport, taxis, boats and inside hospitals. Tourists do not need to show proof of vaccination when entering the country. Anyone who becomes infected should be quarantined for at least five days. The measures will again be discussed finally in mid-September. Re-introducing the mask requirement is also being discussed.

Turkey: Since the end of June, the number of cases has been increasing again in Turkey as well. However, the incidence is at a low level of almost 100. However, a large number of unregistered cases are also considered here. All measures to enter the country were lifted at the beginning of June – meaning no proof of vaccination or PCR test is required. There is also no longer a general obligation to wear masks.

However, random fever readings may be carried out at airports, leading to further investigations. Those who test positive must also be quarantined for seven days.

France: The number of cases has been increasing exponentially here – a high incidence of nearly 1,300 was reached recently. However, there has been no serious discussion so far on the reintroduction of safeguards. In Germany, a long-mandatory digital vaccination certificate is no longer required to visit events or restaurants. The mask requirement has been abolished, including in public transport.

Upon entry into the country, the 3G restriction applies to all persons above the age of twelve. Anyone who has not been vaccinated must demonstrate a valid negative test. Persons arriving by flight must also fill a passenger form. People infected with Covid-19 must be quarantined for five days during French holidays.

Austria: Here, as the number of cases continues to rise, 10,024 new infections were reached on July 8 – the incidence rose to 771. However, there are still no corona restrictions or mask requirements – except in Vienna, where the mouth and nose must still be covered. Closed to public transport. Corona proof is not required when entering Austria.

Deutschland: Currently, the incidence here is gradually increasing and on July 8 it was 699.5. Covid-19 entry restrictions were lifted in mid-June. Nationally, access restrictions in shops and restaurants have also been lifted – although federal states have different regulations. Masks are also required in public transport, aircraft and healthcare facilities. Anyone infected with Covid-19 in Germany is usually required to self-quarantine for five days.

What else should you pay attention to?

Anyone traveling during an epidemic should have vaccination certificates or documentation of previous infection. You should also think about getting boosters at the right time. With two vaccines, vaccine protection in the EU expires after nine months, and 180 days after one infection. A second booster is now also available in Switzerland. However, this requires you to shell out about 60 francs from your own pocket.

When should you be at the airport?

As a result of the Corona pandemic, airlines and airports are facing a huge staff shortage. That’s why air travelers – to get to their destination – need to find out in time whether all their flights are running and what the waiting time is at airports.

Presented by Oliver Howalt, Cuoni’s crisis manager Compared to the “Tages-Anzeiger”. If you have an early morning flight, it is recommended to check in the evening before if possible and check in online in advance.

He also recommends getting to Zurich airport a little earlier than usual. Instead of the usual 90 minutes for a European flight, customers are now advised to allow a two-hour buffer. When it comes to the return flight to Switzerland, you need to plan even more time. For many European airports, experts now recommend arriving three hours before departure.

Note: The Corona situation is very dynamic and information can change quickly. Before you start your journey, you should always find out about the current situation of your destination. With material from dpa