​European countries begin reopening for travel

As the world begins to get the spread of the Coronavirus under control, life in many places has started to get back to normal. Quarantines are ending in most countries and travel restrictions are being lifted. 

Travelling in Europe is now a real possibility for many people, depending on where you’re going and where you’re travelling from, and things are expected to slowly continue to open up. A number of countries have already lifted all or most controls for EU countries, so citizens and permanent residents are now able to travel for leisure, and as of July 1 this will be true for many third-country nationals, as well.

You can find detailed information about the possibilities and limitations of travel to different countries in Europe with this interactive map from Re-open EU, and below is a short summary of the situation in European STS destinations.

Please note that this information can change without notice.

Austria: Citizens and residents of 31 European countries are now able to visit Austria, excluding the UK, Sweden, Spain and Portugal. Non-EU nationals must wait until July 1.

Denmark: Denmark remains largely closed to most visitors, but residents of Nordic neighbours and Germany can enter for business, family or personal relationship reasons, and some leisure travel is possible for citizens of certain nearby countries, so long as they’re accommodation is outside Copenhagen.

Finland: Travel is now possible from Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the Baltic States, while travel from other Schengen countries will likely be allowed as of July 14.

France: All European travellers are now welcome in France. Non-Europeans will likely be allowed as of July 1, starting with low-risk countries, though foreign students can now enter France.

Germany: Germany is open to all EU/Schengen countries, as well as the UK, while third-country citizens will probably be allowed starting on July 1.

Italy: Italy is also open to all EU+ nations, as well as the UK, while non-Europeans will be able to enter as of July 1.

Malta: Malta will begin to reopen as of July 1, first to Europeans and then to non-Europeans as of July 15.

Netherlands: Travellers from EU/Schengen countries are welcome to visit the Netherlands, but must show accommodation bookings at the border. Travellers from the UK and Sweden are urged to go into self-isolation for 14 days after arrival.

Norway: Norway is taking its time in reopening to travellers. For the moment, travellers from Nordic countries (except Sweden) are welcome, and they have plans to begin opening up to other European countries on July 20. Non-Europeans will likely have to wait until August.

Spain: Spain has reopened to European travellers except those from Portugal, with non-Europeans expected to be allowed in as of July 1.

Sweden: Travel is allowed to Sweden from all EU+ countries and the UK, while non-essential entry for non-Europeans will not be allowed until July 1.

Switzerland: All EU+ and UK citizens are now able to travel to Switzerland, but entry for non-Europeans is not allowed yet.

So, what does this mean for STS students?

This is all very promising news! It means that things are slowly but surely going back to normal. Businesses are reopening, daily life is resuming its usual rhythm and travel is once again possible.

STS students who are planning on doing a high school exchange in Europe this fall can expect things to proceed as scheduled. We’re confident that you’ll be able to travel to your destination and start attending school on time, even if you’re coming from outside the EU/Schengen zone.

Be sure to stay up to date on future developments, and be in touch with your local office if you have any questions.