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Each passing day brings another lockdown notice, new curfew order or extended restrictions throughout Europe.
Over the past 72 hours, more nations have closed hotels for leisure stays, stopped the sale of non-essential items, closed ski hills, changed testing requirements, or have started limiting free movement.
This article covers the latest restrictions sweeping Europe over the past few days, including updates from France, Austria, Portugal, the UK, Spain, and more.
Spain
Last week we covered Spain’s state of emergency coming into effect November 1st as well as a curfew for the mainland, but this update comes from the Canary Islands specifically.
Testing Required in the Canary Islands
Starting November 14, all tourists arriving into the Canary Islands over 6 years of age must bring a negative Covid-19 PCR or Antigen test with them, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival.
The tests will actually be needed to check into any hotel or accommodation, as hotels will be required by law to ensure any new arrivals have proof of the test.
UK
Travel Restrictions During Lockdown
On November 1st the UK issued a lockdown for England, but the announcement came with some very important changes for tourists that were not immediately reported.
The lockdown won’t just affect England, as the travel consequences truly affect all of the UK. Here are some updates both nationals and foreigners need to know.
- Residents of England are not permitted to travel abroad, nor to any part of the UK for leisure, for the entire lockdown
- Many airlines have already canceled most of their flights going in and out of the UK due to the strict no-leisure travel rules, which can greatly impact transiting passengers
- Any foreign national entering the UK during the lockdown needs to be aware that hotel stays are not permitted for leisure, only business travel.
- Hull and GC rail trains are to suspend services due to the lockdown
Terror Threat Level Raised
The UK has also raised its terror threat level to ‘Severe’, following the terrible attacks in Austria and France.
France
Additional Lockdown Rules
On Friday, October 30th, France when into their second lockdown, which is set to last until at least December. President Macron later added further restrictions and rules that greatly impact anyone in France during Lockdown 2.0 right now.
- Supermarkets are limited from selling non-essential items during the lockdown, such as cosmetics, clothing, toys, jewelry, books, DVD’s, flowers, housewares, etc. Items like food, personal hygiene, and cleaning supplies are still authorized
- Anyone leaving their home for outdoor exercise is limited to 1 hour per day, and to not venture more than 1 km from their home.
- Attestation forms (permission forms) are needed to leave the house. There are 3 attestation forms; one for general outings (like exercise and shopping for essential items), one for work, and one for accompanying children going to school.
Testing All Passengers
France also announced that every passenger arriving in France will need proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
PM Jean Castex said “Anyone arriving in the country will have to prove a negative test carried out 72 hours in advance. And for those who do not have the result of a test, a test on arrival will be imposed,”
Nice airport is expected to be the first compulsory testing airports with the rest of the country to soon follow.
Austria
Hotel Stays Banned – Skiing Closed
Austria is also clamping down on citizens and making restrictions to tourism, especially leisure hotel stays, which are now prohibited.
Due to rising Coronavirus cases, the Austrian government has decided to implement a second lockdown from November 3 until November 30. Measures include:
- Hotels are closed to leisure travellers/tourists; only business travellers are allowed to stay in hotels. Visitors who are already staying at a hotel when the measures take effect are allowed to remain there until their scheduled departure.
- Restaurants and bars can only offer takeout/delivery services, dining in is not permitted.
- Events such as concerts, plays, exhibitions etc. are cancelled.
- Museums, theatres, cinemas, gyms, pools, zoos, amusement parks, and other culture and leisure facilities must close (exception: libraries).
- All ski resorts are closed to the general public during lockdown.
- Cable cars are closed.
- Christmas markets cannot take place until 30 November.
- Until 12 November, a curfew is in place (8 pm – 6 am).
Portugal
Partial Lockdown
As of November 4th, a partial lockdown will come into effect for most of the nation, including Porto and Lisbon. It is definitely not as strict as we’re seeing in Germany, France, Belgium, Austria or the UK, but still very important to mention.
Rules of the partial lockdown include:
- A stay at home order except when leaving for school or work
- Shopping should only be for essential supplies and as infrequently as possible
- Shops will close at 10:00pm and restaurants 10:30pm
More Lockdown/Restriction News At A Glance
- Luxembourg put an 11:00pm curfew into place on October 30
- Malta closes bars and further restricts outdoor gatherings to a limit of 6 people
- Netherlands restricts meetings of more than 2 people not in the same household, considers making masks mandatory outdoors for Dec 1
- Poland meeting on Wednesday, Nov 4 to discuss a potential lockdown
- Read last week’s updates from October 29 (including stories from Italy, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany)
Sources: ConnexionFrance / UK.gov / Reuters / rfi.fr / Austria.info / BBC / French Government /
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Article originally published November 3, 2020
Christian
Sunday 15th of November 2020
I wonder how France’s tourist industry will fare for 2020. Until last year it was the most visited country in the world despite their constant strikes and demonstrations. I bet Mexico will replace France for most visited country.
Dennis
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
How can you have a test that is less than 72 hrs old. I had to get one for surgery and it took 6 days to get my results.
Dennis
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
Sounds to me like FRANCE has gone full blown communist you need papers to leave your home.
Victoria
Wednesday 4th of November 2020
"Supermarkets are limited from selling non-essential items"... how is this suppose to help with covid numbers?
Mark
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
This is batshit crazy. New world order is here.
Helen
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
Bro!! Right