The European Commission has launched Re-open EU, a web platform to support a safe relaunch of travelling and tourism across Europe. It will provide real-time information on borders and available means of transport and tourism services in EU countries.
Re-open EU will also include practical information provided by EU countries on travel restrictions, public health and safety measures such as on physical distancing or wearing of facemasks, as well as other useful information on EU and national tourism offers. This will allow Europeans to take responsible and well-informed decisions on how to manage continuing risks while planning travel.
The Re-open EU platform is part of the European Commission’s tourism package of to rebuild confidence among travellers in the EU and help European tourism resume safely, in line the necessary health precautions.
The new platform also comes with a mobile friendly version (a web-based app).
It acts as a key point of reference for anyone travelling in or to the EU as it centralises up-to-date information from the European Commission and EU countries in one place.
It allows people to browse country-specific information, updates, and advice for each EU country through an interactive map. It is easily accessible via app or website, and available in the 24 official EU languages.
The platform includes information on patronage voucher schemes that allow consumers to show support for their favourite hotels or restaurants by buying vouchers for a future stay or meal once they reopen, to help the European hospitality industry as restrictions are lifted and borders reopen. Patronage vouchers help businesses to overcome cash-flow bottlenecks, with services provided later. The amount paid by the customer goes directly to the service provider. By setting up the dedicated page, the European Commission intends to help better link participating businesses and interested customers, especially when travelling abroad.
The countries listed are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden