Restriction-free travel between the Czech Republic and Germany, Poland should be possible from next week

Travel between the Czech Republic and Germany and Poland should generally re-open as of next week following official announcements from both Czech neighbors yesterday.

Still, some questions persist as to how free the travel will be, and if any restrictions will remain in place.

The travel situation between the Czech Republic and Germany became a little more clear yesterday following an announcement by German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer in Berlin.

From yesterday, Seehofer announced that Germany is reducing border controls between itself and neighboring European states, and controls will be completely lifted from June 15.

Additionally, according to Seehofer, anyone entering Germany from a neighboring country will not have to submit a negative COVID-19 test or undergo mandatory quarantine from June 16, which is next Tuesday.

Still, Seehofer stopped short of fully confirming restriction-free travel when directly asked about the situation between Germany and the Czech Republic.

Specific questions remain, for example, if free travel would be allowed based on residency, citizenship, or other criteria. Seehofer only stated that he believed there would be no restrictions for German citizens traveling to neighboring countries as of next week.

Also yesterday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that his country will be re-opening its borders with its neighbors, including the Czech Republic, from June 13 – this Saturday.

“We have adopted a decision concerning borders. From June 13, we have decided to open the borders to the member states of the European Union,” Morawiecki stated during a press conference.

What exactly that entails, and if any restrictions will still be enforced, remains to be seen. Currently, travel between the Czech Republic and Poland is limited to those with a valid reason for travel and a negative COVID-19 test.

Pending an official reciprocal announcement from the Polish side, restriction-free travel between the two countries should also be possible from next week.