(Post last edited on November 4, 2021)
With so much news out there about Covid-19 (the new Coronavirus) throughout 2020, it has often been hard to get a balanced view of the situation. Most, even all, countries have put various restrictions in place - and in all cases, these have changed repeatedly and continue to do so, according to the ongoing situation. This page serves as a summary of the current conditions regarding the countries we travel and the rules affecting travel from the countries that most of our guests originate from, and also as a repository of links to up-to-date official information provided by those countries or by international organisations.
This post is a long one, as it needs to be, so here's how it's organised:
- Peter Sommer Travels tours and cruises in 2021
- What happened in 2020 and until autumn 2021
- Sensible precautions for travellers
- A personal note from Peter Sommer Travels
-----
Peter Sommer Travels tours and cruises in 2022
Currently, we are working on the basis that our tours and gulet cruises in 2022 will go ahead as planned (see our main website). In the autumn season of 2021, the bulk of our tours and cruises did indeed run as normal - but with some exceptions. We are, however, mindful of the fact that some travel restrictions are still in place and that the situation is not entirely predictable.
Where outright travel bans do not apply, the decision of whether to travel or not will obviously be up to the traveller. Since there has been quite a lot of misinformation and alarming (some might say sensationalist) news coverage, we want to share information from reliable sources with you in this post.
At Peter Sommer Travels, we have been keeping up-to-date with official information regarding all the countries we visit, and the countries most of our guests come from, on a near-daily basis. As members of AITO, we are also briefed with the latest official information as soon as it is released. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will update this post frequently - but the information officially provided by individual countries is likely to be more up-to-date and more detailed than what we can offer on this page.
Events in 2020 and until autumn 2021
As is to be expected of a global pandemic, the situation has affected all the countries we travel, as well as all the origin countries of our guests. Massive and unprecedented measures have been and are still being taken in a collective effort to slow, limit and eventually control and halt its spread, an effort that is still underway. Each country aims to prevent the spread of infection affecting its own population, but also to enable the resumption of normal activity, including tourism, as soon as possible.
Initial 'wave' (February to June 2020)
After the initially undetectable spread of the New Coronavirus from China across the planet became visible, all our destination countries and the common origin countries of our guests began to introduce measures, in the form of travel restrictions, closures of gastronomy, sites, museums, businesses, lockdowns (first limited and then countrywide), etc, usually starting in March. By late April / early May 2020, these measures were showing visible signs of success in most countries concerned. These advances differed considerably, as some countries were further along the curve of infection and some further back. Among our destination countries, Croatia and Greece were notably successful in limiting the 'first wave' of the virus spreading within their territory.
Summer travel season (July to September 2020)
As infections were occurring at far lower frequencies, a gradual easing of restrictions followed in most countries relevant here, leading to a short and very limited summer tourism season in Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, but far less so in Britain and Ireland (where tourism was mostly domestic).
'Second wave' (September 2020 to January 2021)
Across Europe and North America (and various other places), infection rose sharply in the (northern hemisphere) autumn, leading to renewed and modified measures and restrictions, which led to a levelling-off and a reduction in spread early in the new year.
‘Third wave’ (February to May 2021)
Due to the appearance of new variants of the virus, a ‘third wave’ of infections affected most of our destination countries, with the notable exception of the United Kingdom (where the rate began to sink sharply by spring) and Ireland (where the rate of new infections dropped quickly after a winter spike). Similar developments began to take hold in all or most of the countries we travel.
‘Easing’ (May 2021 to September 2021)
Sinking infection rates. probably mostly due to the vaccination efforts, led to an easing of measures, which took place at differing rates. Some countries lifted most restrictions, but various restrictive measures remained in place in various places.
'Winter Wave' (October 2022 onwards)
By now (November 2021), a new wave of infection has built up in all countries we are concerned with. That said, its effects are more limited and seem to affect primarily the unvaccinated, although those fully vaccinated should still remain careful, as they can be infected and infect others. Current predictions are varied, but there is reason to believe that the situation will have eased considerably by spring 2022.
-----
We are monitoring the situation and will update here as and when appropriate (the section on local restrictions below will provide more detail on the opening of tourism in each of the countries we travel). Of course, you should expect the information available on the various official websites provided by each country (not necessarily in English) to be the most up-to-date.
Progress: vaccines
The availability of effective vaccines was expected to be one of the most important factors contributing to a full resumption of international travel and of normal activity in all the countries we are concerned with. At least four successful vaccines appear to have been developed by now and a varying number of them has been certified in all our destination countries. The rolling-out of vaccination began in all the countries we are concerned with early in 2021 – probably the best news so far in this pandemic. By autumn 2021, many of our guests had already received their additional 'booster' shots.
Obviously, we at Peter Sommer Travels were eager for this process to accelerate, which it has now done, (with the UK having led the way). We are now looking forward to a 2022 season when all our guests and staff can be reliably protected from the New Coronavirus, both in terms of getting infected themselves and of being a potential source of infection for others. We are aware that many of our former (and future!) guests have already received their additional 'booster' shots and we’re thrilled to hear it!
Proof of vaccination is likely to remain a requirement for airline travel in 2022. Alternatively, we expect most or all of our destination countries to require a recent negative test or proof of recent recovery from a COVID-19 infection.
Global travel restrictions
Throughout most of 2021 and part of 2022, most governments in our guests' common origin countries advised strongly against non-essential travel abroad or banned it outright. That situation has now changed. Currently, the situation is as follows:
Australia: After a long travel ban, Australia is now advising travellers to "take special care when travelling" and encouraging them to get fully vaccinated before travel.
Canada: Travellers should be fully vaccinated 14 days or more prior to travel. For most of our destinations, advice is to "exercise a normal degree of caution", except for the UK and Turkey, where it is to "exercise a high degree of caution".
Ireland: The advice is to "plan your travel carefully". For all our destinations. a "high degree of caution" is recommended.
New Zealand: Exceptionally, the NZ government is still telling residents to "not travel overseas at this time", as it has since March 19, 2020.
United Kingdom (includes links to specific guidance for travellers from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland): The UK government still maintains a red list of countries not to travel to, but currently that list is empty. Otherwise, the advice is merely to "check the testing and quarantine rules when you travel abroad from England". The individual per-country travel advisories by the UK government do not include specific Covid-related advice, but summarise restrictions applying on entry and within the respective country.
United States: A worldwide caution remains in place, and in the individual per-country travel advisories, currently all our destinations are at "Level 4: do not travel", with the exception of Italy, at "Level 3: reconsider travel”.
Since March 13, 2020, the United States has been imposing a travel ban on incoming visitors from the EU's Schengen Area, covering 22 EU members and 4 additional countries, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland. The ban, initially scheduled to last 30 days, has been extended and is subject to modifications. It exempts US citizens/residents travelling to the United States, who are, however, subject to specific recommendations for the time after reentering the US. As of early July 2021, the US government is apparently preparing procedures to ease or lift its travel bans.
Since May, 2020, the EU has been engaged in facilitating and coordinating the opening of borders/flights etc. between members states where the Coronavirus situation is easing to a comparable extent. It implements a ‘traffic light approach’, classifying individual regions between red (highest rates of infection) yellow and green (lowest rates). Unhindered travel is usually only possible for travellers coming from ‘green’ regions, of which there are currently very few. The Reopen EU website has become a first-rate source of information for all our destination countries except Turkey and the United Kingdom. It offers information on travel restrictions, but also on the ongoing course of infection in each EU member state. As the situation is changing constantly, travel between EU countries may require negative Covid-19 tests or quarantine and currently does so in most cases. A common approach to travellers with proof of vaccination (‘vaccination passport’) is in place since summer 2021.
Local restrictions and measures
(NB: Throughout most of 2020, we updated this section frequently to provide detailed and up-to-date information on the various measures in place in each country we travel, with a particular focus on the various entry bans that lasted from spring to early summer. Since we are now beyond the common travel season, but also since a plethora of changeable regional measures is now being applied in a more differentiated way than in spring 2020, we can currently only summarise the current situation in each country. Depending on developments, we will resume a more detailed approach as the 2021 active travel season begins.)
Outright travel bans or border closures usually apply only for non-essential travel and normally don't apply to nationals or residents of the respective country, whereas quarantine/isolation rules generally do (but please check the details for each country if you need to travel). Additionally, all our destination countries apply various local or nationwide restrictions or lock-downs (all of these are potentially subject to modifications, and additional restrictions may apply in individual regions). Mask mandates apply in all our destination countries, and social (physical) distancing is advised or required in all of them.
After a stringent lockdown in spring 2020, Croatia remained open for most of that year. Stricter rules were applied on November 28 and are now being eased. Currently, museums are open, as is outdoor gastronomy. Shops and many public events are permitted with restrictions on numbers. Masks are mandatory in all indoor venues and recommended outdoors, social distamcing applies.
Croatia is generally open to visitors from ‘green’ regions within the EU and the Schengen zone. Other visitors travelling for tourism can enter as well if they are able to provide an accommodation booking AND either a negative CPR or rapid antigen test result no older than 48 hours on entry (to be renewed on a stay of more than 10 days), OR proof of vaccination (second dose where applicable) more than 14 days before entry, OR proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection. Alternatively, they can undergo a rapid test on arrival (if available) but are required to self-isolate until a negative result is available. Otherwise, quarantine (10 days) is required. The EU entry ban for non-essential travel from outside the EU (see above) still applies, now with exceptions for a number of countries.
After a stringent lockdown from March to May, Greece was relatively unrestricted for the summer of 2020. As infections rose in October, a new nationwide lockdown was put in place on November 7, lasting until May 2021. Archaeological sites reopened in March and further gradual easing began in April, including the opening of non-essential shops by appointment only. Since May 3, outdoor gastronomy has reopened. On May 14, restrictions on travel within Greece were removed, museums reopened and the gastronomy curfew was extended (and later lifted). All retail is now fully open. Indoor gastronomy opened under tight restrictions. Masks are now mandatory in public places indoors and outdoors. As of July 5, travel from the mainland to the Greek islands requires a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test from the last 72 hours or a negative rapid test no older than 48 hours. Since early November, visitors to all public venues, including outdoor gastronomy and non-essential shops need to be able to present ID and a vaccination certificate, or negative rapid (PCR) test no older than 48 hours.
As of May 15, Greece officially opened for tourism. All incoming visitors to Greece are required to show a negative CPR test result not older than 72 hours, OR proof of full vaccination completed at least 14 days prior to travel, OR proof of recovery, Since June, the European ‘green pass’ is also accepted for unrestricted travel. In other cases, quarantine (14 days) is required.
Ireland has been one of the strictest countries regarding Covid-19 restrictions, with an initial lockdown that lasted from March into July 2020 (some aspects of it were never lifted at all), followed by a renewed version in October. On December 1, 2020, the nationwide alert status was reduced to Level 3 (of five), but returned to Level 5 (the strictest) on December 30, resulting in substantial restrictions to movement and the closure of most non-essential businesses and activities, including all non-delivery gastronomy and tourist accommodation. Masks are mandatory in most places. A gradual easing began in later spring. Outdoor attractions opened in April, museums on May 10. All retail was permitted to open on May 17, hotels followed on June 2, and outdoor gastronomy on June 7, indoors on June 26. Most remaining restrictions were lifted in October 2021.
As regards incoming travellers, Ireland substantially opened its borders on July 19, 2021. Travellers from the EU and many areas beyond, as long as they have proof of completed vaccination, can now enter the country without quarantine obligations. For visitors from the rest of the EU who are not vaccinated, a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or proof of recovery also work. For visitors from outside the EU (including the UK) who are not vaccinated, similarly, a negative PCR text no older than 72 hours is required, but so is a 14 day quarantine in a designated hotel. This period can be shortened by taking another test (with a negative result) within 5 days of arrival. Additionally, visitors from a list of countries determined ‘high risk’ (currently not including any of our guests’ typical origin countries) are strictly required to undergo two weeks of prearranged hotel quarantine.
If you followed the news in 2020, you will know that Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to apply lockdowns, first regionally and then across the country, with very strict restrictions that were partially lifted during the summer. Many restrictions were reintroduced in November and remain in place. Masks are mandatory nearly everywhere. Other measures apply regionally, depending on a regularly updated map: in regions marked red (there are none as of now!), most non-essential shops, gastronomy, museums etc are closed; in orange regions, shops can operate with restrictions; in yellow ones (also none currently), all the above-mentioned is available, but subject to restrictions. In white zones (currently all of Italy), few restrictions apply, but masks are still mandatory in various contexts. Tourist accommodation is permitted to operate throughout the country.
The EU entry ban for non-essential travel from outside the EU (see above) still applies, now with exceptions for a number of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the United States. Permitted visitors need to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, otherwise, a 14-day quarantine is obligatory. The Italian government is currently preparing new rules, aiming to open for international tourism more fully within May 2021. Conditions are expected to include proof of vaccination or recovery, perhaps also a recent negative test. We will update here as soon as more information becomes available.
Although Turkey did not apply a full nationwide lockdown at any point, various measures such as closures of shops and restaurants as well as curfews specified by area or age group have been in place, some in the whole country, some in parts of it. New measures were applied intermittently, such as a set of nationwide weekend curfews throughout the holy month of Ramadan and most recently, a more strident nationwide lockdown lasting from April 29 to May 17 (from which tourists were partly exempt). By early July, nearly all restrictions were lifted.
At the time of writing, Turkey permits visitors from most countries if they provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival (as of May 15, some countries of origin are exempt from this, including Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom). Travellers from a short list of origin countries are not permitted under any circumstances. We will update here as soon as new information arises.
After the first nationwide lockdown in the spring of 2020, the UK initially applied a regionalised approach. Restrictions in place could vary between the UK's constituent nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), but also between regions within England. However, a renewed nationwide lockdown was in place until recently and is now being lifted gradually. The rapid vaccination programme that began in December has resulted in a clear and rapid reduction of infections throughout the spring, followed by a fourth wave that appears to behave differently from its predecessors (due to the vaccinated being affected less severely).
The lifting of the UK’s lockdown was planned as a four-stage process. all shops and outdoor gastronomy opened in April, followed by indoor gastronomy in May, along with museums, theatres (et cetera) and hotels/accommodation. A full end to virtually all social restrictions took place on July 19 (England) and in August (Wales and Scotland). By now, virtually all restrictions have been lifted, but masks and social distancing are encouraged.
Currently, all visitors to England (including those vaccinated) have to book a Covid-19 test for Day 1 or 2 of their stay. If the result is positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated also need to take a test no more than three days before travel. Since May 17, 2021, the UK implements its own ‘traffic light’ approach, with unrestricted entry (subject to negative testing) and no quarantine requirement for countries on the ‘green list’ (this currently includes the entire planet), ongoing quarantine rules for the ‘amber list’ (currently empty) and an entry ban for the ‘red list’ (also currently empty). ---
We will continue to monitor the situation in each country, so as to update this page and to inform the circumstances for our scheduled and chartered tours.
Sensible precautions for travellers
This section of this post was first written when Covid-19 was new to all of us, and it has been updated multiple times since, as we are still learning about the disease. It does not aim to supersede what advice or instructions your local authorities provide: find and follow them. We all have to make an effort to prevent or limit further waves of infection.
Please note that what we wrote below, early in 2020, is still valid, including for those who are fully vaccinated (and boosted), as there is still a possibility of getting infected and infecting others.
It is important to be careful, irrespective of whether you are at home or travelling. The simplest and best way to protect yourself from the virus is to ensure that you thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water several times every day, especially whenever you have been in physical contact with potential carriers of the virus (objects or people), and to use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel in situations when you cannot wash your hands with soap and water. It is also recommended that you keep your hands away from your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes. These are common-sense precautions that people should follow generally, and especially during the annual flu season. Better safe than sorry is an adage that certainly is pertinent now.
Likewise, you should keep in mind that the virus can be transmitted by those who have experienced no symptoms yet (even by those who will never experience any). This is important. In your dealings with others, you should behave as carefully and considerately as possible, and you should assume that you could be spreading Covid-19 if not careful. Thus, you should avoid touching others, and keep a safe distance even when conversing. Most countries advise keeping a distance of either 1.5 metres (5ft) or two metres (6.5ft) from those you are not in constant contact with.
Masks are now mandated in virtually all (public) areas relevant for us. They should always be worn so as to cover your mouth and nose. Medical-grade masks are vital to those who work in providing health care, but for those who are not in that kind of job, masks - even of lower grades - are available. It is worth stressing that the rationale for wearing a mask is not just the (limited) protection it offers the wearer, but the fact that each of us might unwittingly carry the virus and none of us want to be inadvertent spreaders of it, especially to those more vulnerable. A mask will provide others limited protection from your own sneezes and coughs or the droplets you emit when speaking - and an increasing number of studies suggests that it can also protect the wearer to an extent if worn properly.
In most countries, it is now obligatory to wear such masks (usually not of medical grade), either outright or in specified contexts or locations, so you should follow advice or requirements by your local authorities, and once you can travel, by the authorities where you are, and by any airlines or other transport providers you use. If you wear a mask, it is important to do so properly (it has to fully cover mouth and nose at all times) and to sanitise your hands before and after every time you put it on or remove it. Reusable masks should only be worn once before replacement. They should then be washed and ironed (or at least be left hanging unused for several days) before reuse.
Generally, Covid-19 consistently appears to cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes and chronic lung disease. If you fit into one of these categories, you may want to seek medical advice before you travel.
Regarding travel insurance, we advise you to check with potential insurance providers and to read the available policies carefully, particularly in regard as to whether cover is affected by Covid-19 restrictions.
As this is a dynamic situation, we prefer to give you direct links to websites where you can read more about the situation to help you inform yourselves from reliable primary sources that will be updated regularly. We do not recommend social media channels as reliable sources. If your country's authorities provide an official and regularly updated advisory to protect your health and that of those around you, please follow it.
Reliable sources
You can find trustworthy information from the UK Government, from the WHO and from Travelhealthpro.
You can access the latest travel advice for Greece at the following websites:
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel advice
US State Department International Travel Advice
Government of Canada Travel Advice
Australian Government Smart Traveller
New Zealand Government SafeTravel
Aegean Airlines information on flight restrictions
You can access the latest travel advice for Turkey at the following websites:
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel advice
US State Department International Travel Advice
Government of Canada Travel Advice
Australian Government Smart Traveller
New Zealand Government SafeTravel
Turkish Airlines page on flight restrictions and safety measures
You can access the latest travel advice for Italy at the following websites:
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel advice
US State Department International Travel Advice
Government of Canada Travel Advice
Australian Government Smart Traveller
New Zealand Government SafeTravel
Viaggare securi (detailed information for intending visitors from outside Italy)
You can access the latest travel advice for Croatia at the following websites:
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel advice
US State Department International Travel Advice
Government of Canada Travel Advice
Australian Government Smart Traveller
New Zealand Government SafeTravel
Croatian Government Q&A page on Covid19 and the 2020 tourist season
You can access the latest travel advice for the United Kingdom at the following websites:
UK Department of Health and Social Care information
US State Department International Travel Advice
Government of Canada Travel Advice
Australian Government Smart Traveller
New Zealand Government SafeTravel
You can access the latest travel advice for Ireland at the following websites:
Irish Government advice and information
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel advice
US State Department International Travel Advice
Government of Canada Travel Advice
Australian Government Smart Traveller
New Zealand Government SafeTravel
Cancellations
If you are in any way concerned about joining one of our trips, please contact us so we can discuss your options. We always aim to be as understanding and fair as possible.
A personal note from Peter Sommer Travels
Whether you have travelled with us before, or whether you have found our page recently, we want you to be safe and healthy. Also, we would like to see you on one of our future trips and share the unique Peter Sommer Travels experience with you. If that is tempting to you, why not browse this blog and our website to see what we might have in store for you in the future?
Meanwhile, we advise you to do what is needed wherever you are. Do follow the guidance you are given by proper and informed sources in your country and area, avoid content that is not properly sourced (and especially avoid alarmist or denialist posts you may see on social media), do what you can to protect yourself, your loved ones and your neighbours, and stay calm. When in doubt, wear a mask. Most importantly, stay well and safe. If you are suffering from physical symptoms potentially connected to Covid-19, especially difficulties with breathing (but please check the regularly updated lists of symptoms provided by most governments and by many regional authorities, as well as by accredited medical institutions), contact the medical services in your area immediately.
We at Peter Sommer Travels, including the tour experts you may have met if you have travelled with us before, and also the office staff that look after your needs throughout, wish you the best. We can't wait to see you in 2022, to talk to you and to share the wonders of our itineraries with you after all this.
