Travel Advice: European Sun Destinations

As Europe emerges out of its Lockdown phase, its top holiday destinations are starting to open up to international tourism again. You may have understandable concerns about traveling again, so these destinations are putting in a range of measures to reassure you and to ensure your safety for the duration of your trip.

Last updated 03/07/2020

While we make our best efforts to keep travel advice up to date, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a fast developing situation where the official advice can change regularly. If travelling soon, please check the relevant authorities for the newest guidance and advice on safety measures in your destination.

The Canary Islands

Open from: 01/07/2020

Will I need to self-isolate upon arrival? No

What measures are in place? Facemasks will need to be worn in some public spaces where distancing is not possible. Hotels, bars and restaurants are open and ready to welcome customers. They can operate to 75% capacity in outdoor spaces such as terraces and 50% capacity in indoor spaces – this is to ensure proper 1.5m distance between customers and staff.

Other safety measures which may be employed in certain attractions include sanitising stations, screens, one-way walking paths, and temperature checks. 

The gorgeous beaches of the Canaries have been open since May. A 2 metre distancing rules had been put in place for visitors. The Canaries had a relatively small number of cases when compared to other major destinations, putting them in a stronger position when it comes to reopening.

You'll need to fill out a form before travel and present a unique QR code at the airport health control.

The Algarve

Open from: 06/06/2020

Will I need to self-isolate upon arrival? No

What measures are in place?  The use of face masks in public is mandatory, and many attractions have introduced additional safety measures like one-way walking paths, limited seat capacity in theatres and cinemas, and easily-accessible sanitising stations.

The majority of attractions such as museums and cultural spaces are open to visitors with limitations on capacity and strict cleaning measures in place.

Beaches are open. Tourists will be required to maintain 1.5 metres of distance between people, and 3 metres of distance between parasols while spending time on the beach.

Costa del Sol & Salou

Open from: 01/07/2020

Will I need to self-isolate upon arrival? No

What measures are in place?  While these major destinations are beginning to open again there are measures in place to ensure your safety. Facemasks are to be worn in most public spaces, especially those that do not allow for physical distancing. Attractions and leisure sites are permitted to reopen with safety measures in place. Restaurants and bars are operating to reduced capacity.

Beaches are open with physical distancing rules of 1.5 metres in place.

You'll need to fill out a form before travel and present a unique QR code at the airport health control.

The Balearic Islands

Many hotels, restaurants and attractions here closed early in the pandemic, putting them in a strong position for the reopening phase.

Open from: 01/07/2020

Will I need to self-isolate upon arrival? No. You will need to pass a temperature check upon arrival.

What measures are in place?  The Balearic Islands are following a similar protocol to other destinations. Facemasks are to be worn in most public spaces, especially those that do not allow for physical distancing. Attractions and leisure sites are permitted to reopen with safety measures in place. Restaurants and bars are operating to reduced capacity. The Balearic Islands conducted a thorough test phase of these measures to ensure their effectiveness.

You'll need to fill out a form before travel and present a unique QR code at the airport health control.

Malta

Open from: 01/07/2020

Will I need to self-isolate upon arrival? No.

What measures are in place?  The Maltese authorities have created a list of 18 countries permitted to visit the islands, and Ireland is on this list. Only countries it is safe to include are included on this list.

While in Malta, strict procedures have been put in place for tourist establishments of all kinds – these include measures around social distancing, hygiene and minimisation of COVID-19 transmission risks. The Malta Tourism Authority and the Health Authorities have provided such establishments with checklists and in-depth guidance and this is being carefully monitored.

Attractions in Malta have been reopening in phases since May. This includes restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, malls and attractions. All have social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Some are operating on limited hours.

Greece

Open from: 01/07/2020

Will I need to self-isolate upon arrival? No.

What measures are in place?  Visitors must complete a health questionnaire before their trip. Social distancing of 1.5m is in place and facemasks are expected, particularly in areas where distancing is harder.

Beaches across the country are operating ticketed entry systems to track the number of people on the beach at any given time. There can be no more than 40 people per 1,000 square feet. Physical distancing must be observed on beaches, with umbrellas being kept 13 feet apart. 

In general Greece has been one of the less effected countries throughout the Lockdown phase. The smaller number of cases has eased its reopening phase.

You'll need to fill out a form before travel and present a unique QR code at the airport health control.

Last updated 03/07/2020

While we make our best efforts to keep travel advice up to date, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a fast developing situation where the official advice can change regularly. If travelling soon, please check the relevant authorities for the newest guidance and advice on safety measures in your destination. Please see relevant authorities for the most up to date advice on this continuously developing situation.

Advice from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Travel Advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

Latest Report from the World Health Organisation (WHO)