Here are the dates when you can fly to European countries according to Ryanair - and latest travel advice
Now that the UK has put plans in place for the easing of lockdown, many Brits are looking forward to the prospect of travelling abroad again.
As more countries around the world continue to lift restrictions, including popular tourist spots Spain and Italy, airlines are now starting to plan their flight schedules in preparation for the lifting of travel bans.
But when will Europe reopen to tourists?
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Hide AdAm I allowed to travel yet?
At the moment, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising against all but essential international travel.
While countries will make their own decisions regarding domestic travel, EU regulations allowing free movement of people between borders will depend on the growth rate of coronavirus cases around the world.
The gradual lifting of borders in Europe has now been proposed by the EU’s executive in an effort to restart the tourist industry, with economic affairs commissioner Paolo Gentiloni stating that the EU “will have a tourist season this summer, even if it's with security measures and limitations”.
Some EU countries are starting to reopen their borders, with Austria and Germany the latest to agree to remove travel restrictions.
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Hide AdFrom Friday (15 May) there will be random checks at border crossings, but free movement should resume from 15 June.
When is Ryanair starting flights to Europe?
As Europe starts reopening again, Ryanair will operate 1,000 daily flights from 1 July, in addition to its currently limited schedule.
Ryanair has advised checking with the relevant authorities before travelling as restrictions update regularly.
Currently, the FCO is still advising against all but essential travel.
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Hide AdThese are the dates these European countries will reopen for travellers, according to Ryanair:
Italy
- From 3 June: Italy open to holidaymakers
- From 15 June: Sardinia for domestic visitors and 25 June for international
Cyprus
- From 15 June: Cyprus open to holidaymakers
Greece
- From 15 June: Athens open to holidaymakers
- From 1 July: Greek islands open
Poland
- From 15 June: Poland tentatively open to holidaymakers
UK
- Ryanair is currently operating a limited flight schedule
- 14-day self-isolation required upon arrival
Ireland
- Ryanair is currently operating a limited flight schedule
- 14-day self-isolation required upon arrival
Malta
- End May: potential date for borders reopening to all non-essential travel
- 14-day self-isolation required upon arrival
Spain
- From 20 May: direct flights from Italy allowed
- 14-day self-isolation required upon arrival
- End June: expected reactivation of international tourism
More information on the countries listed is available on the Ryanair website.
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Hide AdWill I be quarantined if I travel?
In a bid to limit the amount of contact international travellers have with people arriving in the UK from abroad, the UK government is imposing a 14-day quarantine rule.
The measure is expected to start in airports in early June and will affect anyone arriving by plane, train or ferry, with travellers required to fill in a form on arrival, including their contact information and an address where they will have to remain for two weeks.
If travellers don’t have anywhere to stay, accommodation will be arranged by the government.
Health officials will perform spot checks to ensure compliance with the measures and fines of up to £1,000 will be issued if rules are broken.
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Hide AdUK travellers also face a 14-day quarantine on arrival to some countries abroad, although travel without quarantine will be possible to France.
The European Commission said its guidance involves countries working together to gradually remove travel bans, while keeping the virus under control, and eventually opening all of the EU’s internal borders.
However, this will be done slowly in phases, with destinations required to have coronavirus testing and tracing measures in place, along with tight controls on transport, accommodation and leisure activities.