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New Covid-19 lockdown: How will it affect the travel plans of tourists and passengers?

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The new Covid-19 lockdown since November 2020 has once again affected travel and tourism in Europe. With many countries like UK, Germany and France still struggling to control the second wave and the spread of the new Covid-19 variant, the European Union (EU) has imposed certain travel bans to prevent the situation from worsening. Many European states have also advised their citizens to avoid travel plans, unless absolutely necessary.

However, in case you do have to travel to one of the affected countries urgently, make sure you take international travel insurance to deal with any medical and baggage related emergencies smoothly. Travel insurance also covers expenses related to flight delays and cancellations, thereby keeping your travel budget intact.

How has the new Covid-19 lockdown affected travel to Europe?

Many European countries, such as Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland and Scotland, are dealing with the second wave of Covid-19. While most people are avoiding any kind of travel to Europe, those travelling for personal, business or medical reasons have to follow the following protocols on reaching any of the affected countries.

Self-isolation: Passengers reaching certain European countries must self-isolate for 14 days. If any passenger shows signs of Covid-19, they must be tested first.

Some countries, such as Belarus and Belgium, have imposed mandatory 10-day quarantine for passengers arriving from countries with active Covid-19 cases. Those who have been in close contact with any Covid-19 person must also self-isolate for 10-14 days. However, no quarantine is necessary if a passenger is travelling to Belgium for business and will leave the country in less than 48 hours.

Proof of negative Covid-19 PCR test: Passengers must submit a negative PCR test report. The test must be taken not more than 72 hours before reaching the country.

If a passenger travelling to Georgia does not present a valid test report on arrival, he or she will have to submit a test on reaching the country and be in a government-assigned quarantine facility for 8 days.

Special invitation letter: This is required in certain countries, such as Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands. Passengers entering these countries for business, medical, or any other important purpose must carry a special letter stating the reason for travel.

Covid-19 test at the airport: Passengers arriving at or departing from Denmark airport must take a 15-minute Covid-19 test. This is, particularly important if they do not have a valid negative Covid-19 test report. A test is mandatory for those arriving from high-risk areas.

Follow social distancing: Everyone should wear masks or protective face coverings in all public spaces and follow social distancing to prevent the spread.

These are some of the main travel rules and restrictions for passengers travelling to different European countries. Some countries do not allow passenger flights from highly-affected areas, such as the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

European countries open for tourism

While many European countries are only allowing business and essential travel, some are open for tourism, but with the above-mentioned conditions in place. European countries open for tourism are:

Belarus
Gibraltar
Italy
Latvia
Malta
Serbia
Slovenia
Turkey
Ukraine
Croatia

Some countries, such as Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania, are also allowing a quarantine-free entry from other EU countries. Non-EU citizens can enter these EU countries with a negative Covid-19 test.

Conclusion

While many European countries are still coping with Covid-19, they are allowing essential travel and tourism with certain precautions and restrictions. If you are planning a business or leisure trip to Europe, make sure you take HDFC ERGO’s international travel insurance for medical and financial safety in a foreign country. It offers different travel insurance plans for individuals, families, students and frequent flyers. The plans provide medical, baggage, and journey-related coverage and save you from unnecessary hassles.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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