Check here daily for the latest on Camino-related COVID-19 response openings for Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Switzerland and Britain. Covering Camino Francés, Camino del Norte and related northern routes, Via de la Plata, Camino Portuguese, Via Francigena, Via di Francesco, Jakobsweg, Pilgrim's Way and others.
Overview of European countries
Timeline of EU Member State Reopening Their Borders
Media overview – EU Welcomes Tourists from July 1, What you Need to Know
Spain
(Camino Francés, Camino del Norte, Via de la Plata, Camino Primitivo, Camino Finisterre-Muxia, Aragonese, Inglés, Mozárabe, Madrid, del Ebro, Camino Portugués in Galicia, etc.)
Overview:
Spain will lift its mandated 14-day quarantine for incoming international travellers on 1 July and about half the country will go to Phase 3 restrictions on Monday, June 8. Domestic travel is now permitted. A gradual opening for tourists from outside Spain will occur in July, with the Camino officially opening in Galicia on July 1. National sanitary requirements have been resolved, and albergues will be at reduced capacity with reservations required.
Spanish government COVID-19 international travel page
Other helpful links:
Portugal
(Camino Portugués, Coastal Way, etc.)
Overview:
Travel to Portugal is restricted until June 15 to Portuguese nationals, permanent residents and long-term visa holders from Portugal and the EU. An agreement is underway to allow travel reciprocal travel between Portugal, UK and other countries without a 14-day quarantine, but a date has not yet been announced.
Italy
(Via Francigena, Via Francigena del Sud, Via di Francesco, Cammino di San Benedetto, etc.)
Overview:
International travel restrictions have been removed as of 3 June 2020 for travelers from EU and Schengen countries plus the UK, Andorra and Monaco. On June 11 it was reaffirmed that other travellers must self-isolate for 14 days. Accommodations are open, but must follow 1m distancing requirement. Pilgrim accommodation have received governmental health requirements and are studying how to enact the very strict guidelines for hostels.
Italian government COVID-19 international travel page
Media link – Here’s what changes from Monday as Italy moves to Phase 3
Other helpful links:
France
(Via Francigena, Via Podiensis, Via Turonensis, Vézelay, Chemin d’Arles, etc.)
Overview:
France will open its border to EU and Schengen countries on June 15. The Île de France department (Paris and environs) is still on orange alert and additional travel restrictions remain in place in that region.
French government COVID-19 international travel page
Media Link: When can we visit France? Latest travel advice
Media link: The Local “Calendar: The key dates for travel to and from France this summer
Other helpful links:
Switzerland
(Via Francigena, Jakobsweg, etc.)
Overview:
Switzerland is easing border restrictions effective 15 June for EU countries and the UK. Walking groups are limited in size to 5 or fewer.
Britain
(Via Francigena, St Cuthbert’s Way, the Pilgrim’s Way, St Winefride’s Well, and more)
Overview:
Starting June 8 travel to UK will be allowed with a mandatory 14-day quarantine with mandatory contact details provided to authorities upon entry. The rule is to be reviewed every three weeks.Regional rules for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply.
British Government COVID-19 international travel page
Media link – Just as air travel is picking up, UK imposes a quarantine
