Last Updated
As COVID-19 cases surge in Europe, the continent is increasing restrictions.
In the previous 24 hours, Germany has recorded 23,607 new cases, Hungary has recorded 21,060 cases, France has recorded 12,508 cases, and Austria has recorded 11,227 cases.
Amid the rise in cases, various nations are imposing tighter COVID-19 restrictions, which is impacting travelers visiting Europe.
The New Restrictions
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has imposed a partial lockdown nationwide. The country is closing all bars and nightclubs from 8 pm after the Netherlands witnessed record COVID-19 cases in a single day.
The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said, “Tonight we are bringing a very unpleasant message with very unpleasant and far-reaching measures. The virus is everywhere and needs to be combated everywhere.”
Spectators weren’t allowed to attend the Dutch football team’s World Cup qualifier against Norway last night. Moreover, the Netherlands has closed supermarkets and non-essential retailers earlier and reintroduced social distancing measures.
The Netherlands also extended the vaccine passport requirement for certain places, and citizens have to wear face masks in indoor places, such as stores and libraries.
Austria
Austria announced a lockdown on unvaccinated people over the weekend. The news has sparked controversy worldwide. As a result, over two million Austrians are now back in lockdown. Unvaccinated people are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, such as exercise.
Around 65 percent of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated, which is one of the lowest vaccination rates in Europe.
The head of the Austrian Medical Chamber said, “We know that vaccination is the only way to increase the number of infections.
“We know this from other countries. We hope that lockdown for unvaccinated people will be enough to decrease the number of infections. But experts are not sure about that. Maybe we will need additional measures to reach the goal to decrease numbers.
Germany
Germany has tightened COVID-19 restrictions in several states, including Berlin. The government announced only fully vaccinated people and those who’ve recovered from COVID-19 can enter restaurants, museums, cinemas, and concert venues.
On Thursday, the country’s parliament will have a vote on a new legal framework for COVID-19 restrictions.
Tightened Entry Restrictions
Various EU member states have started introducing more entry restrictions.
For example, France started asking travelers from 16 EU countries to present a negative COVID-19 test taken 24 hours before reaching the nation. Previously, France only required travelers to present a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test upon entry.
The nations include the following:
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- The Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- The Netherlands
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
Germany added more nations to its high-risk list last Friday. These nations include Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Laos. Spain has added various regions of France to its high-risk list, including Basilicata, Lombardy, and Piedmont.
Norway, a nation that dropped all COVID-19 restrictions in September, has narrowed down its safe list of countries to only Spain. In addition, Greece has extended its current travel restrictions for another two weeks as COVID-19 cases rise in Europe.
It’s likely EU member states will continue to impose restrictions over the winter as cases increase. What’s more, unvaccinated travelers should note that they don’t have access to bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and museums in various EU nations currently.
Furthermore, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has advised against traveling to the majority of the EU member states due to rising cases. The CDC has also added various European nations to its level 4 do not travel list.
Sadly—as frustrating as it may be—travel isn't back to normal in Europe this winter despite high hopes from travelers.
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021
New Direct Flights From U.S. To Madeira, Portugal Announced
First Low Cost Airline Will Offer Budget Flights Between Asia and U.S.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Johnny
Friday 19th of November 2021
Reading the comments here makes me sad. But we’ll get through this, with or without the support of the few.
Canuck Boy
Thursday 18th of November 2021
A lot of angry people over this. It's very simple guys and girls. Just take the booster shot and this will all be over and we will get out freedom back. The first 2 doses can not fight off the new variants. The 3rd booster will finish off the pandemic if everyone does their part and sacrifices for the greater good. We all want to travel again, the media says we can get our freedoms back if we take the 3rd shot to fight delta. I already took it and was only really sick for a few days, I feel fine now just some headaches when I wake up.
Steve
Wednesday 1st of December 2021
@Canuck Boy, you are delusional. Covid is a virus and here to stay. Kinda like the flu...
Renee
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
@Canuck Boy, Are you sure that everything will be normal after everyone got the 3rd shot? What about 4th. 5th etc…. I had my J&J and now feel cheated
R
Thursday 18th of November 2021
Europe used to be an amazing place to visit, but since two years ago when all this nonsense started it’s been a nightmare. They seem hell bent on oppressing their citizens no matter what. It’s always the same story now: open in summer, clamp down in winter.
Despite all the barking about “following the science,” society is even more destroyed, sick, divided and depressed after being force vaccinated. If people are still deluded and willing to roll up their sleeves for a third fourth and fifth dose then the world as we know it is surely finished forever.
Ashley
Thursday 18th of November 2021
To all of you who went and got the vaccine, because you were told “everything will go back to normal”, you got played.
Atlas
Thursday 18th of November 2021
Hasn't anyone learned that it's just an excuse for these tyrannical governments to keep their heavy boot on our necks?
Deb
Tuesday 23rd of November 2021
@Atlas, I don’t agree. Vaccines are designed to help mitigate serious illness. All of those who refuse to receive the vaccine are just helping to perpetuate this spread and dragging out the length of time before we can all regain our freedom to move about unhindered.