Denmark has decided to relax its Coronavirus measures in terms of entry into the country for arrivals from the EU Member States and Schengen Area associated countries.
The government will gradually reopen travel inside and outside the country, while taking into account the development of the virus spread in the region. The agreement to reopen the borders means that the travel instructions are updated weekly based on the infection situation in the individual countries and regions.
The travel ban had been imposed amid the outbreak of new COVID-19 variants and extended several times. It was set to last at least until April 20.
Commenting on the decision, Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said that the red map would be out of use while the weekly travel guides from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs return. He also noted that while this is an important step towards the reopening of holiday travel again, it is crucial that the country remains cautious.
The reopening of the country will take place in four phases. Phase 1 takes place on April 21 and consists of the return of the weekly travel advice and the colored maps of infections.
Phase 2, which starts on May 1, will let Danes and foreigners who are completely vaccinated against COVID-19 travel in and outside the country, including tourists. Those coming from red areas will remain subject to testing and quarantine.
The requirement of submitting test results of a swab taken in the last 24 hours will be extended to 48 hours.
Phase 3, on the other hand, will take place from May 14, at the time when Denmark plans to vaccinate the oldest and most vulnerable citizens, as well as those aged over 50, with at least the first jab.
With the beginning of this phase, the incidence limit for opening/closing yellow and orange countries/regions will be increased from the previous 20/30 to 50/60 (100,000 / 7 days).
At the same time, those travelling for non-essential purposes to the country from orange countries in the EU and Schengen Area will also be permitted to enter, though they will remain subject to testing and quarantine. Only those vaccinated and those who have recovered from the virus will be eligible to enter without these restrictions.
The last phase, Phase 4, will be implemented alongside the EU Digital Vaccine certificate, which is expected to take place on June 26. Those reaching Denmark with such a document will be permitted to enter without being subject to quarantine.
