Latest camino-related Covid 19 response status and advice
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 (constantly updated timeline)
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:
Domestic travel is now permitted, with regional restrictions currently in Galicia and Catalonia. A gradual opening for tourists from outside Spain throughout July has been slow to pick up. The Camino officially opened in Galicia on July 1. National sanitary requirements have been resolved, and albergues are at reduced capacity with reservations required. Citizens from outside the EU, the USA, Portugal and Sweden are still unable to visit Spain.
IMPORTANT 6 July 2020 Update
A second localised lockdown has been ordered in Spain after a spike in coronavirus cases, with 70,000 people told they cannot leave an area in the country's northwest.
Residents of La Marina will be forced to stay put from midnight on Sunday until Friday after a spike in coronavirus cases in the area, located in the Galicia region.
Bars and restaurants will reduce their capacity by half and face masks will be compulsory, even if people are outdoors.
This region effects walkers on the Camino Francés and the Camino Primitivo in particular.
Visitors returning from Spain (as from 26 July) to the UK are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Spanish government COVID-19 international travel page
Other helpful links:
Portugal
(Camino Portugués, Coastal Way, etc.)
Overview:
Travel in Portugal is restricted 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 is open 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:
Travel to the UK is allowed without restriction between the UK and most EU countries, however a precautionary 'traffic light' system is operating, so that additional restrictions and local lockdowns can be activated if necessary. Regional rules for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland still apply.
British Government COVID-19 international travel page
Media link – Just as air travel is picking up, UK imposes a quarantine
- International Trekking
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- British Isles Challenges, Collections and Activities
- France
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
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- International Challenges, Collections and Activities
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