From this week, a host of European countries, like Greece and France, have eased their border restrictions following a recommendation from the European Union. But your dreams of a summer holiday don’t have to be constrained to Europe alone.
In a few weeks’ time the likes of the Maldives, the Dominican Republic and French Polynesia will also be welcoming travellers. The latest country to give visitors the green light is Egypt.
The north-east African country is set to let international tourists visit its popular coastal resorts, in an attempt to revive the hospitality industry.
Egypt suspended international flights back in March, and closed the country’s restaurants, bars and hotels. While strict lockdown restrictions continue to apply around the country – there is currently a night curfew in place – the resort areas and associated airports will be allowed to open back up from July 1. Flights will be allowed from ‘countries which have reopened their airspace’, said aviation minister Mohamed Manar.
‘The areas opening up are southern Sinai, where the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab are located, Red Sea province, home to the Hurghada and Marsa Alam resorts, and Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean,’ according to Reuters.
Public beaches and parks in the country are also set to reopen in line with the July 1 date.
So just when a Mediterranean beach break looked all but impossible this year, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Tunisia and now Egypt are all clamouring to reel in international visitors. Back in March, who’d have thought we’d have this much choice?
Remember, many countries are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about travelling.
When will you be able to travel again? Here’s what we know so far.
Where can you go on holiday right now? These are all the countries that have already reopened their borders.