With our world in the grip of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, the human race has had to revive its survival instincts and rewrite several chapters of its lives, which we had taken for granted up till now. The virus’ community spread has severely thwarted human interaction the world over, be it in business dealings, cultural and social gatherings, religious activities, and most importantly people movement. Be it a short trip to the nearest supermarket to procure daily essentials or a more extensive undertaking like travelling to another city, life certainly has undergone a huge make-over.
Impact of Covid-19 on Travel to Schengen Countries
The Covid-19 pandemic has severely hit globe trotters and travel planners alike. By March 2020, takers for even a simple overnight round trip, leave alone week-long vacation packages for families or honeymooners, took a downward turn. What made the scenario even more disastrous was the fact that summer vacation – a season which witnesses hundreds and thousands of domestic and international tourism – plunged into an abyss of abysmal proportions.
Schengen countries, especially, have suffered extensively, as they are the most preferred tourist destinations for vacationers from all over the world. While Italy has borne the brunt of Covid-19, with 12,000+ cases and 800+ deaths in March alone, other Schengen nations such as Spain, Germany, and France also reported between 1700 and 2100 cases in the same month and deaths spanning 3 to 50. Other Schengen countries such as Iceland, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, etc. have reported a much lower count of Covid-19 instances and nil deaths.
So, going by the fact that it is human life on the line, the European Union is taking strict measures to check and control the spread of virus arising from foreign travel. Countries have updated and implemented border control laws for domestic travelers as well as EU citizens. Countries like Italy have closed all cultural and tourist attractions indefinitely to avoid social crowding.
Travel Status
Till recently, most Schengen countries had not been accepting domestic or international visitors unless their purpose of travel was absolutely essential. However, with the onset of June, a few Schengen governments are updating their travel advice, but the new laws are neither uniform nor applicable to all Schengen regions. In fact, Emanuel Macron – President of France – announced in April 2020 that borders may remain closed until September. However, countries like Germany, Spain and Italy are likely to re-open borders in June itself. Not all airports will be functional though. In Portugal, for example, only two of three airports will open; in Netherlands, four of five airports; whereas in Belgium all airports will become operational. The reason for this discrepancy is decided by the extent of Covid spread in these countries, which includes number of active cases, reported recoveries, reported deaths, death trends, and size of the airport. Still, given the unpredictability of the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be best to check the government or travel guidelines under the particular Schengen country name for absolute up-to-date information.
Travel Plans? Take Precautions!
While it would be unfair to expect pre-Covid travel conditions in Schengen countries, we can still hope for positive developments in the travel and tourism industry over the next couple of months. It can be safely said that the potential travel dates for each Schengen country will open up over this course of time with variations in their immigration policies. However, travelers must prepare themselves adequately to face new sets of travel rules and restrictions.
The most prominent of these is the mandatory quarantine period of anywhere between 14 to 20 days. In certain cases this may also be accompanied by a Covid-19 test. This is true for travelers native to the EU as well as travelers arriving from Third World Countries. This obligatory quarantine and test will be waived off if the traveler produces a negative Covid-19 test certificate from his/her home country. Also, once the vaccination for Covid-19 becomes available, proof of this will be required for Schengen Visa processing. It must be noted that these rules have already been the norm for people traveling from countries heavily affected by Swine Flu and Ebola.
But let us keep Schengen travel laws and regulations aside for a while. Irrespective of what they dictate, the ultimate prerogative of our health and our life lies with us alone. Even if Schengen countries are ready to welcome travelers with open arms, it is our foremost responsibility to gauge our own travel fitness before we plan our next big trip. It is important to study the Schengen country’s history of Covid cases, whether any pre-existing medical health condition places greater risk of acquiring Covid, and whether your travel insurance covers Covid infections. If the evaluation of your health record and the Schengen country is encouraging, then go ahead by all means. The world is waiting!