Follow these simple steps to travel virus free by motorhome in France, Spain or Germany.
What is the safest way to get to Europe by motorhome?
Eurotunnel is by far the safest way to cross the Chanel because you stay in your campervan from start to finish, unless you are asked to step out by customs. You may also be asked to hand over passports at control. Ensure that your toilet tank has capacity for your journey because the train toilets are currently closed and you are not allowed to exit your vehicle. If you travel by ferry try to spend as much time as possible on deck and enjoy the open air as you cross. Remember you are going to need to pack face masks and anti-bacterial hand gel, to use on the ferries/Eurotunnel and when out and about.
Are the Aires and campsites open in France?
Campsites have been opening since mid-May and all were allowed to open in June. Aires are open and a recent update for a customer is '[We've been on the] road since 14 June. All the aires that we have come across are open and there are large numbers of French and other Europeans in their camping cars'. Closure of Aires will be at the discretion of the local Marie at each village and town as there is no national order to close motorhome Aires in France.
Where are the safest places to stay in my motorhome?
Motorhome stopovers, known as Aires in France, Areas in Spain and Stellplatze in Germany are a vast network of motorhome parking areas. The majority of camper stopovers in Europe are open access. They are so convenient that there is no need to get out of your motorhome if you so wish. Choose the Aires at small villages as these Aires are likely to have less visitors. If you especially want to avoid people look out for the description ‘may feel isolated and will be alone’ when reading the descriptions in All the Aires France. If you want to decrease your risk of catching Corona virus, avoid stopovers at large cities, coastal resorts and popular tourist sites including leisure lakes in peak hours. Plan your visits and use of local facilities in the early morning, evening or best of all, during siesta where it exists. If you are confident driving your motorhome plan to visit the more remote ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, referred to as Beau Villages in All the Aires France. These quaint villages are normally deserted in the evenings and early mornings.
Farm stopover are a good alternative to Aires. France has a scheme called France Passion and there are plenty in Germany listed in Bord Atlas. These small motorhome stopovers a located at working farms or vineyards where there is plenty of space and fresh air.
Where are the small campsites in France?
If you want to use campsites because you are tent or caravan touring, seek out the smaller farm campsites and Aire Natural’s listed in Every Campsite in France. Aire Naturals are small basic camping areas with limited facilities. Farm campsites are also listed, and these tend to be small and rurally located.
What is the Foreign Office advice for France, Germany and Spain?
Before and during your camping trip be aware of Foreign Office advice for the country you are visiting. Visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and sign up for email alerts. Also visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries, select the country you want and then check the ‘Outbreaks’ tab. Do not travel if you have any covid-19 symptoms, been asked to self-isolate or if travel from your country of residence is restricted. While travelling keep a note of where you have been and stayed.
What are rules for visiting France?
- Before you travel visit https://gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19, the French government website, and https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en the French Foreign Affairs office. Check the latest travel advice for foreign nationals.
- Keep up-to-date with departmental developments by visiting https://gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/carte-et-donnees This has an interactive map detailing the current statistics. The ‘Carte de vigilance’ tab identifies departments by a traffic light system, green for low risk, through to red for high risk.
- Social distance at 1m
- Compulsory to wear a mask on public transport and in taxis and in indoor spaces including shops.
What are rules for visiting Germany?
- Visit https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/EinreiseUndAufenthalt and check travel restrictions for visiting Germany
- You will only need to quarantine on entering Germany if you are travelling from somewhere with a high rate of infection.
- Social distance is 1.5m
- Face masks are required on public transport and in shops in all of Germany, but other rules vary from area to area. Check the local guidance at http://germany.travel/en/info/sars-cov-2.html
What are rules for visiting Spain?
- Before entering Spain visit http://spth.gob.es, the Spain Travel Health portal. Fill out the Health Control Form 48hrs before you enter and obtain a QR code to show at the border.
- Expect to have a temperature check and visual health assessment at the border.
- Social distance is 1.5m
- Compulsory to wear mask indoors and outdoors if 1.5m social distance cannot be maintained. The exception is Catalonia where you must wear a mask regardless of social distance.
- Keep up-to-date with departmental developments by visiting https://cnecovid.isciii.es/covid19/. The tab ‘Razon de tasas’ shows a colour coded regional map from dark green, R rating below 0.32 to Red, R rating above 2.8.
- From 26.07.20 people entering the UK from mainland Spain must self isolate for 14 days
Be aware that while you are away local restrictions may change. The Foreign Office advises: ‘If you are required to quarantine or self-isolate by local authorities, you should expect to do so in the country. You may need to stay longer. Plan ahead for any delays to your return home and the financial implications or practical arrangements you may need to make’.
What are rules for re-entering the UK?
48hrs before your re-enter England visit https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk and fill out the required form with
- your passport details
- the name of the company you're crossing with
- your booking references
- the name of the port or station you'll be arriving into
- the date you'll be arriving
- your Eurotunnel or ferry number
- the address you'll be staying at for your first 14 days in the UK
- details of someone who can be contacted if you get ill while you're in the UK
- If you're travelling by Eurotunnel: put 'Eurotunnel' when the form asks 'What is the flight number, train service or ship name that you will arrive on?'
- provide your scheduled time of departure
- From 26.07.20 people entering the UK from mainland Spain must self isolate for 14 days
